In the late 70s, he and his childhood friend Steve George founded the band Pages (most notable for "I Do Believe In You") in Phoenix, Arizona. The outfit Mr. Mister sprang out of that project 1982. The two continued to apply their tight harmonies to background vocals on albums by successful pop artists like Laura Branigan while working on their own material as well. About the time when the first Mr. Mister album, titled 'I Wear the Face', came out in early 1984, Page was offered the chance to replace Bobby Kimball as lead singer of Toto. He even was also later offered Peter Cetera's place in the jazz rock outfit Chicago.
Page refused both offers, confident in Mr. Mister's potential. The single "Hunters of the Night" managed to become a near-hit, reaching the #57 slot on the Billboard Hot 100, and the new wave fueled album had brought them with producer Peter McIan, who had been behind releases by Dear Enemy and Men at Work. Still, the line-up of Page, George, Pat Mastelotto, and Steve Farris failed to reach a mass audience as the album just didn't sell that well.
Mr. Mister's second album, 1985's 'Welcome To The Real World', featured emotive lyrics from Page's cousin John Lang and became the breakthrough that the guys had been hoping for. The group had three top 10 singles, two of which even coming #1 hits on the U.S. pop charts. The band's compelling ballad "Broken Wings" had become a part of the national pop consciousness, particularly serving as a sort of 'signature song' for the outfit. In those days of widespread success, they toured with legendary diva Tina Turner, for whom their song "Stand And Deliver" was written. This song eventually appeared on Mr. Mister's third album, titled 'Go On', which the band said contined "some of the best stuff we ever did".
With expectations sky-high for the band, the guys planned on taking a more mature approach lyrically, standing up against the notorious materialism and celebration of greed during that decade, and the album had a sound that hinted at progressive rock. Nevertheless, 'Go On' failed to achieve commercial success, and the band members found themselves getting lost in the 80s pop/rock shuffle. Guitarist Steve Farris left around 1989, which seemed to spell the beginning of the end for the group. Still, the band began working on a fourth album, called 'Pull', with session guitarists. Dropped by their label before that work could be released, the band decided to break up for good.
That album remained unreleased for something like two decades, although one track ("Waiting In My Dreams") later appeared on a popular greatest hits collection. The release in its entirely finally surfaced in 2010 on the indie label Little Dume Recordings, a company project of Richard Page's that had also published solo efforts by him such as 'Peculiar Life'. After the band's split, Page continued to work as a composer (for example, he co-authored Madonna's 1994 Golden Globe nominated song "I'll Remember") and as a background singer for several artists. Page additionally produced a solo album, called 'Shelter Me', in 1996 that featured guest appearances by all his former band-mates.
Steve Farris has toured with Whitesnake and also recorded songs with artists such as Tori Amos and 4 Non Blondes. Pat Mastelotto has played with groups such as King Crimson and XTC. Steve George served as musical director for American singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins until 1997, also having toured with the star Jewel. Finally, John Lang became a part of the alternative rock group Djinn (not to be confused with the DJ of the same name and other artists), an obscure band that gained some interest when they produced their 1998 album 'All-Time'.
LifeTime
Mr. Mister Lyrics
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For 53 years he had kept in my heart, La Dorada
She tried so hard to forget him
But Fermina Daza would love Florentino Ariza
I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to
I'll cross the last line just to get to you
I always thought love was the one thing true
He always spoke of forever
But Fermina doubted that any man's love could persuade her
They took a boat up the river
And Florentino found the power of love and he showed her
I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to
I'll cross the last line just to get to you
I always thought love was the one thing true
I'll wait a lifetime for you
Until the fire stops the rain, I'll wait for you
I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to
I'll cross the last line just to get to you
I always thought love was the one thing true
I'll wait a lifetime 'cause it's all that I can do, oh
I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to
I'll cross the last line just to get to you
I always thought love was the one thing true
I'll wait a lifetime 'cause it's all that I can do, yeah
The song "Lifetime" by Mr. Mister tells the story of two people, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza, who are in love but have been separated for 53 years. Florentino is a poet and a dreamer who has kept Fermina in his heart all this time. Meanwhile, Fermina has tried to forget him, but deep down, she still loves him. The chorus of the song expresses Florentino's devotion to Fermina, saying "I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to," and highlighting his unwavering love for her.
The verses of the song provide context for their love story. The first verse explains how Fermina has tried to forget Florentino, but cannot deny her love for him. The second verse explains how Florentino always spoke of forever, but Fermina doubted his love could conquer all. However, during a boat ride up the river, Florentino shows Fermina the power of his love, and they are reunited.
Overall, "Lifetime" is a song about the strength of love and how it can overcome even the greatest of obstacles. It is a story of devotion and perseverance, with catchy lyrics and a memorable melody.
Line by Line Meaning
He was a poet, a dreamer
He was someone who aspired to create beautiful things and ideas, with the power to inspire and elevate people's thoughts and feelings.
For 53 years he had kept in my heart, La Dorada
For over half a century, he had held on to his love and memories of La Dorada, a place that was dear to him.
She tried so hard to forget him
Despite her best efforts and struggles, she couldn't shake off her thoughts and feelings about him.
But Fermina Daza would love Florentino Ariza
Eventually, Fermina Daza found herself falling in love with Florentino Ariza, despite her initial doubts and reservations.
I'll wait a lifetime if you want me to
I am willing to endure any length of time or difficulties in order to be with you.
I'll cross the last line just to get to you
I am willing to go beyond any boundary or obstacle to reach you.
I always thought love was the one thing true
I held the belief that love was the most important and genuine thing in life.
I'll wait a lifetime 'cause it's all that I can do
I have no other choice but to wait an indefinite amount of time for you, because my love for you knows no limit or end.
He always spoke of forever
He expressed his desire and hope for a love that would last indefinitely, without any end or defection.
But Fermina doubted that any man's love could persuade her
She had skepticism and doubts about the ability of any man's love to influence or sway her decisions.
They took a boat up the river
They went on a journey together, possibly trying to escape or find a new path in life.
And Florentino found the power of love and he showed her
Florentino discovered the transformative and redemptive power of love, and demonstrated it to Fermina in a way that convinced her of his sincerity and devotion.
Until the fire stops the rain, I'll wait for you
I will keep waiting for you, no matter how long or challenging it may be, until some unlikely or impossible event happens.
I'll wait a lifetime for you
My love for you is so strong and enduring that I will wait an entire lifetime, if necessary, to be with you.
Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.