Formed in 19… Read Full Bio ↴Powderfinger were a rock band from Brisbane, Australia.
Formed in 1989, the band managed to keep the same line up since they hit the big time, Bernard Fanning (Vocals, guitars), Darren Middleton (guitars), Ian Haug (guitars), John Collins (Bass) and Jon Coghill (drums). Powderfinger are winners of nearly every major award in Australia – including the ARIA (Australian Record Industry Awards) for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album and Song of the Year.
Their musical style changed significantly over the years from a predominantly Grunge influenced one (Parables for Wooden Ears, Double Allergic) to their own brand of Alternative Rock on the following albums Internationalist and Odyssey Number 5. Several songs on Vulture street were in tribute to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC and Songs on Dream Days at the Hotel Existence feature a prominent Neil Young influence- to whom they owe their band name from his song of the same name.
The band released seven studio albums and a greatest hits album, Fingerprints - The Best of Powderfinger 1994-2000, in 2004. Their final album, Golden Rule, was released in late 2009. Despite their popularity in Australia, Powderfinger never achieved similar success overseas.
They toured with Silverchair on the "Across the Great Divide" Concert, from August to October 2007, trying to raise awareness of the indigenous people of Australia.
On the 9th of April 2010, it was announced at a press conference and on the band's website that after 20 years together, Powderfinger would be disbanding after their farewell Sunsets Tour. Of the split, frontman Bernard Fanning stated:
With the completion of our last album, Golden Rule, we feel that we have said all that we want to say as a musical group. We firmly believe that it is our most complete and satisfying album and can't think of a better way to farewell our fans than with music that we all believe in and also with, hopefully, our best tour to date.
Awake
Powderfinger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One by one walking in
Dominos tumble forward
But why would i believe in you when lying is all you ever do?
There they go soft and low
Singing 'Ebb and flow underwater'
But why whenever I call on you
Is crying all you ever do?
Higher than I've ever been
And I'm way past spinning in the heart of a hurricane
And getting spun out again
But why would I believe in you when lying is all you ever do?
I'm awake in the flying dream
Higher than I've ever been
And I'm way past spinning in the heart of a hurricane
And getting spun out again
I'm awake hearing what you said
Fwlling in around my head
And I'm way past spinning in the heart of a hurricane
And getting spun out again
I still get pleasure
And relieve your pain
Sweep you up and carry you away
x4
The lyrics of Powderfinger's song Awake touch upon themes of betrayal and disappointment, as the singer grapples with the idea of trusting someone who has repeatedly lied to them. The first stanza sets the scene, with the singer observing individuals walking in one by one, only to fall apart like dominos. The use of the phrase "why would I believe in you when lying is all you ever do?" instantly creates a sense of doubt and mistrust.
The second stanza, with its mention of "Ebb and flow underwater," refers to the idea of being carried away by strong currents. The use of water imagery and the mention of "crying all you ever do" reinforces the sense of turbulence and pain associated with this experience, as the singer questions why their calls for help are met with tears rather than support.
In the chorus, the singer claims to be "awake in the flying dream," suggesting a heightened sense of awareness and energy. They describe being "higher than I've ever been" and spinning in the "heart of a hurricane," alluding to the idea of a dangerous and overwhelming experience. Despite this, the singer cannot help but question why they should trust someone who has consistently let them down.
The final verse seems to suggest that the singer still feels an emotional attachment to this person, perhaps even finding pleasure in helping them, despite the pain they have caused. The repetition of the lines "sweep you up and carry you away" emphasizes this idea of being caught up in a whirlwind of emotion.
Overall, the lyrics of Awake paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous relationship fraught with betrayal and doubt, and the complicated emotions that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Here they come alone
Individuals are arriving one after the other
One by one walking in
Each person is entering on foot one after the other
Dominos tumble forward
Things are happening rapidly and falling into place
But why would i believe in you when lying is all you ever do?
I cannot put my faith in someone who is constantly deceitful
There they go soft and low
They are leaving quietly and gently
Singing 'Ebb and flow underwater'
They are singing about the cycles of the ocean
But why whenever I call on you
Is crying all you ever do?
I cannot rely on you because you always break down in tears
I'm awake in the flying dream
Higher than I've ever been
And I'm way past spinning in the heart of a hurricane
And getting spun out again
I am experiencing a heightened state of being, and have moved beyond chaos and confusion
I'm awake hearing what you said
Fwlling in around my head
And I'm way past spinning in the heart of a hurricane
And getting spun out again
I am fully present and aware of what is happening around me and have moved beyond feeling lost or confused
I still get pleasure
And relieve your pain
Sweep you up and carry you away
x4
Despite the challenges, I find joy in helping you through difficult times and will continue to do so repeatedly
Writer(s): Ian Haug, John Collins, Darren Middleton, Bernard Fanning, Jonathan Coghill
Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.