The most famous line-up consisted of prolific songwriters Ross Wilson (ex Daddy Cool) and guitarist Eric McCusker (who luckily pestered Wilson to let him join, doing three auditions, after the initial outing of Mondo Rock had lost momentum) as well as Paul Christie on bass (ex-Kevin Borich Express, who later formed The Party Boys), John James "J. J." Hackett, ex-Stars, on drums, and the versatile James Black (now leading the RocKwiz TV show house band on SBS) on keyboards and guitar. This line-up recorded the second LP Chemistry, out July 1981. The first LP was Primal Park (1979).
The group had numerous successes on the Australian charts. Early hits included Fugitive Kind, Chemistry, State Of The Heart, and Cool World - the latter three collected on their award-winning second album Chemistry. 1980s teen-idol Rick Springfield recorded a version of McCusker's State Of The Heart some years later, making the U.S Top 40.
Further success followed in 1982 with the release of their third LP Nuovo Mondo, spawning the Top 10 single No Time, as well as the Top 40 hits The Queen And Me and the haunting In Another Love. John Farnham recorded a version of A Touch Of Paradise contained on this album, which became a Top 20 single from his 1986 Whispering Jack album.
They had to wait until 1984's The Modern Bop LP for their biggest success however. It came from the McCusker penned "Come Said the Boy", a provocative tale about the loss of virginity , which was banned at the time of release by many radio stations including Sydney's then top-rated 2SM. This failed to stop the song's momentum though, and it went on to become the band's most successful single, peaking at number 2 on the Australian charts in 1984, and is still played on radio today. The album featured two more minor hits - Baby Wants To Rock, and the title track The Modern Bop. In the same year, Ross Wilson wrote the song Bop Girl which his wife Pat Wilson recorded. The song was a major hit in Australia, cracking the Top 5.
Things were cooling by 1986's new recording Boom Baby Boom, however the group still scored a further two hit singles - Rule Of Threes and Primitive Love Rites - the latter being a minor hit in the U.S.
1990 saw their last recording of new material as Mondo Rock, in the Why Fight It LP. The singles released were Things Are Hotting Up and I Had You In Mind, however the group seemed to be running out of steam.
They still play together from time to time, and more recently starred in the 2006 Countdown Spectacular concerts (which were seen by more than 100,000 people throughout Australia), performing a medley of Cool World and Summer Of '81, and a full version of Come Said The Boy.
Ross Wilson dabbled in a solo career and had success with the single Bed Of Nails. (from Wikipedia)
Cool World
Mondo Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you don't want me around
Your world is a barren place, that look upon your face
Says you don't want me around
I might break into your cool world
Break into your cool world
I'll break into your cool, cool, cool world
In your world there are no regrets, your goals have all been set
There are no more to be found
Your world is so well controlled, you will not be told
You know you don't hear a sound
It might break into your cool world
Break into your cool world
Break into your cool, cool, cool world
Somewhere way down deep inside, passion burned such pride
And walls are shakin'
In the tunnel deep and wide our two worlds will collide
If I am not mistaken
Cool and calm your world may be, but why do you believe
That you don't want me around?
Well, I can touch you in a way, that you'll cease to say
That you don't want me around
I will break into your cool world
Break into your cool world
I'll break into your cool, cool, cool world
I will break into your cool world
I'll break into your cool world
I'll break into your cool, cool, cool world
'Cause you're so, you're so, so cool
It's such a cool cool world
Break in, break in, aghh, cool world
Break in, oh-ho-ho-ho, cool world
I'll break into your cool, cool, cool world
Yes I will break into your cool world
Break into your cool world
Break into your cool, cool, cool world (fade)
In Mondo Rock's song Cool World, the singer is attempting to break into someone else's world - a "cool world" - that is seemingly perfect, controlled, and without regrets. The world described in the lyrics is cold, barren, and uninviting, with the person in charge unwilling to listen or consider other perspectives. Despite this, the singer is determined to break through the walls and passions that lie beneath the surface, hoping to connect with this person in a meaningful way.
On a deeper level, the song seems to be about the desire to connect with someone who seems beyond reach. The person in the "cool world" may represent an ideal or a dream that the singer wishes to attain, but that feels unattainable. However, the lyrics suggest that breaking through the cool exterior and reaching what lies beneath may be possible if the singer is persistent and determined.
Overall, the song is about the human desire for connection and the lengths that people will go to in order to break down barriers and achieve that connection. It speaks to the power of perseverance and the belief that even the coldest, most controlled world is not beyond reach.
Line by Line Meaning
Your world is as cold as ice, your world is so nice
Your life may seem perfect, but it lacks warmth and compassion.
But you don't want me around
You don't seem to welcome my presence.
Your world is a barren place, that look upon your face
Your life is devoid of spontaneity, and your face reflects this emptiness.
Says you don't want me around
Your expression suggests that you don't want me there.
I might break into your cool world
I am considering the possibility of disrupting your controlled and unfeeling life.
In your world there are no regrets, your goals have all been set
You seem to have a clear direction in life and no qualms about the choices you've made.
There are no more to be found
There are no new experiences or opportunities for growth in your life.
Your world is so well controlled, you will not be told
You are resistant to outside influence and maintain strict control over your life.
You know you don't hear a sound
You are so insulated from the world that you are deaf to new ideas or perspectives.
Somewhere way down deep inside, passion burned such pride
Despite your cold exterior, there is a flame of emotion burning inside you.
And walls are shakin'
This passion is causing inner turmoil and upheaval.
In the tunnel deep and wide our two worlds will collide
Our vastly different lives will intersect in a significant way.
If I am not mistaken
Assuming my assessment is accurate.
Cool and calm your world may be, but why do you believe
Although your life appears serene, why do you think I don't belong there?
That you don't want me around?
What makes you believe that you don't need me in your life?
Well, I can touch you in a way, that you'll cease to say
I am capable of reaching out to you in a way that will change your mind.
That you don't want me around
You will no longer be able to deny my place in your life.
I will break into your cool world
I am committed to disrupting your organized and passionless life.
Cause you're so, you're so, so cool
You are arrogant and detached, which makes you seem aloof.
It's such a cool cool world
Your world is superficial and devoid of emotional connection.
Break in, break in, aghh, cool world
I am determined to push my way into your life.
Break in, oh-ho-ho-ho, cool world
Breaking through your cold exterior will be a difficult challenge.
I'll break into your cool, cool, cool world
I am certain that I will succeed in getting through to you and changing your outlook.
Yes I will break into your cool world
I am resolute in my mission to connect with you on a deeper level.
Break into your cool world
I will not be deterred in my attempt to break through your defenses.
Break into your cool, cool, cool world (fade)
I will persist and continue to try to reach you, even if it takes time and effort.
Contributed by Camden V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@AlbertCapaldi-zg1eo
The “ Chemistry “ album was absolutely fantastic. 4 great songs. Mondo Rocks 👏
@LuisitoComunista
👍