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'.
Stand And Deliver
Mr. Mister Lyrics
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Some people lie and demand the truth
I gotta ask myself if it's soul deception
Is this the natural thing that we all just do
We take such pleasure from pain, I'm just tired of playing that game
Some things you've got to change
You've got to stand and deliver, with your body and soul
Stand and deliver, just give me something to hold
Stand and deliver, if the truth can be told
We can make it together, if we stand - stand and deliver
Sometimes my mind drives me to distraction
I want to shut all the windows and lock the doors
And everytime I get a little bit of satisfaction
I see the walls come tumbling to the floor, yeah yeah yeah
I know in this life, you gotta stand up for what feels right
Each day and every night
(chorus)
(Solo)
I know in this life, you gotta stand up for what feels right
Each day and every night
(chorus)
Ohhh, ohhh, just give me something to hold
Stand and deliver, if the truth can be told
We can make it together, if we stand - stand and deliver
(chorus...)
Ohhh, ohhh
In Mr. Mister's song "Stand And Deliver", the lyrics discuss the challenging nature of human relationships and the need for individuals to be honest and true to themselves. The first verse touches on the idea that some people often expect love and affection from others, but may not reciprocate those feelings or even tell the truth. The singer questions if it's a natural human tendency to deceive others, or if it's something that needs to change. He is tired of playing games and taking pleasure in causing or experiencing pain.
The chorus encourages individuals to stand up for themselves and to be honest in their words and actions. It suggests that by doing so, they can make it together with others. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's inner turmoil - his mind sometimes drives him to distraction and he wants to shut out everything around him. But even when he experiences fleeting moments of satisfaction, he feels as though the walls come tumbling down. The lyrics offer a solution to this - standing up for what feels right every day and every night.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people hate and expect affection
Certain individuals do not show kindness yet want to receive it from others.
Some people lie and demand the truth
Some people are dishonest while believing they deserve honesty in return.
I gotta ask myself if it's soul deception
The singer questions whether their actions are authentic and truthful to their inner selves.
Is this the natural thing that we all just do
The artist wonders if their questionable behavior is common and expected amongst humans.
We take such pleasure from pain, I'm just tired of playing that game
People often find enjoyment in suffering, but the artist is exhausted of participating in that destructive cycle.
Some things you've got to change
It is important to recognize and adjust harmful behaviors.
You've got to stand and deliver, with your body and soul
One must fully commit and be passionate when speaking or acting on their beliefs and values.
Stand and deliver, just give me something to hold
The artist wants their beliefs and values to be supported and embraced.
Stand and deliver, if the truth can be told
Authenticity is pivotal in upholding one's morals and principles.
We can make it together, if we stand - stand and deliver
Collective action is necessary and impactful when it comes to creating positive change.
Sometimes my mind drives me to distraction
The singer's thoughts and emotions can be overwhelming and lead to mental exhaustion.
I want to shut all the windows and lock the doors
The artist desires to isolate themselves from the outside world to cope with their struggles.
And everytime I get a little bit of satisfaction
The singer experiences brief moments of joy amidst their difficulties.
I see the walls come tumbling to the floor, yeah yeah yeah
Their positive experiences are inevitably followed by distressful ones.
I know in this life, you gotta stand up for what feels right
The singer understands the importance of advocating for what aligns with their values and beliefs.
Each day and every night
It is an ongoing and continual process to uphold one's morals and values.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind