The band was… Read Full Bio ↴Max Webster was a Canadian rock band of the late 1970s.
The band was formed in 1973 in Sarnia, Ontario and consisted of guitarist and vocalist Kim Mitchell, keyboardist Terry Watkinson, bassist Mike Tilka and drummer Paul Kersey. Mitchell, joined by Pye Dubois [aka Paul Woods], would write the majority of their material with Mitchell writing the music and Dubois writing lyrics.
Kersey left the band after their self-titled debut album, to be replaced by Gary McCracken. After recording and touring for their second album, High Class in Borrowed Shoes, Tilka would follow suit and leave the band, being replaced by Dave Myles. Recording for their third album, Mutiny Up My Sleeve, began with this line-up which would last through to their fourth album, A Million Vacations. Prior to Universal Juveniles Watkinson and Myles left, to be replaced by various musicians to record the last album and then tour for a little while longer before Kim Mitchell decided to end it in 1981 for a solo career.
The band was successful in Canada, with hits such as "A Million Vacations," "Let Go The Line" and "Paradise Skies", although they never made it big outside of Canada. "Paradise Skies" was a minor UK hit, reaching number 43 on the singles chart there. In addition, they appeared on Top of the Pops in 1979 playing to a pre-recorded track which was recorded at Abbey Road studios. Kim Mitchell's subsequent solo career, however, reached a much broader audience and he achieved popularity beyond Canada during the 80's.
Lily
Max Webster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lily come sit near me
You can survive and feel alive
Lily can become anyone
Lily come near me
Lily come sit near me
You've gotten this far
Lily please become someone
No, I may never make it with sanity
No, I may never make it to be wealthy
So, if you're looking for success
What is it man, man, man?
I just hang around
Try not to feel down
Sometimes feeling cold
Freezing down my soul
Lily don't become
Things will turn around
So you'd like to be, so you can see
You can survive and feel alive
The song "Lily" by Max Webster is a message of encouragement from the singer to the titular character, who may be feeling lost or uncertain about her future. The repeated refrain of "Lily come near me / Lily come sit near me" creates a sense of intimacy and support, inviting Lily to confide in and trust the singer. The singer believes that Lily has the strength to persevere and thrive, saying "You can survive and feel alive / Lily can become anyone" and "You've gotten this far / See what you are / Lily please become someone".
However, the singer also acknowledges that success and financial stability may not be guaranteed, singing "No, I may never make it with sanity / No, I may never make it to be wealthy / So, if you're looking for success / What is it man, man, man?" This suggests that the message is not about external achievement, but rather about finding purpose and fulfillment within oneself. The singer is also honest about their own struggles, saying "I just hang around / Try not to feel down / Sometimes feeling cold / Freezing down my soul". Despite this, the overall tone of the song remains hopeful and encouraging.
Line by Line Meaning
Lily come near me
The singer wants Lily to come closer to them
Lily come sit near me
The singer wants Lily to sit close to them
You can survive and feel alive
The singer believes Lily can endure and experience life fully
Lily can become anyone
The artist thinks Lily is capable of transformation and self-discovery
You've gotten this far
The artist acknowledges that Lily has made progress
See what you are
The singer encourages Lily to recognize her strengths and accomplishments
Lily please become someone
The singer wants Lily to become the best version of herself
No, I may never make it with sanity
The artist acknowledges that they may not achieve success and mental stability at the same time
No, I may never make it to be wealthy
The artist admits that they may not attain financial prosperity
So, if you're looking for success
The artist assumes that Lily is searching for success
What is it man, man, man?
The singer questions what success really means
I just hang around
The artist spends their time at leisure
Try not to feel down
The singer attempts to avoid feeling sad
Sometimes feeling cold
The singer experiences emotional numbness or detachment
Freezing down my soul
The singer feels that their soul is being frozen or stifled
Lily don't become
The artist warns Lily not to change for the worse
Things will turn around
The artist believes that circumstances will improve
So you'd like to be, so you can see
The singer assumes that Lily desires success for the sake of visibility or recognition
You can survive and feel alive
The singer assures Lily that she is capable of survival and vitality
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FusionHowie
I have so much hurt inside when I hear these masterpieces and killer Kim Mitchel songs. Why did Rush get so Goliath and Max Webster are the unsung heroes with THE most amazing songs! Peace from Detroit MI. Thank you for posting this.
@charlesmartel3995
Good point.
@tommyfeuer3568
Always loved this one. It's the solo at the end that gets me the most. He really pulls it up from the depths of his soul. Love you... Lily
@specialkdivine
One of my all-time faves. Bush party and backyard horseshoes. Best Max Webster album. Long Live the 70's
@fullmoon7192
@stevie d
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YESSSSS !!! 🐳 ♫♫ ❀(~‿~)❀ ♫♫
@cynthiarobertson5523
The 70's rock forever ❤
@cynthiarobertson5523
So many bush parties in Mississauga and outskirts! ❤
@zooneyy
Poor Paul Kersey one of the best drummers ever losing this Gig. Max Webster is still the best band from North America they taught Rush a lot.
@raysubject9465
When Rush let John Rutsey go, they asked Paul to join the band . Only when Paul declined so that he could stay with his new band Max Webster, they held auditions thus finding Neil.
@johnb3592
Chilling and listening to some oldies, Max Webster was so under rated. Oh well their loss, feel sorry for them all. BLOCKHEADS :)