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.
Turtle's Head
Powderfinger Lyrics
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So goes the tale of the resident fool
If I clear my space, I could clear it to be with you
Backhanded claims of a resolute
If I call an end to the trouble, I'm sinking in
Maybe a sign for a crime or sin
I'll love my girl when she comes home
With friends like that, who needs enemies?
If I make no sense, I'll be nearer to fitting in
Spreading the wisdom by accident
If I call you out, that'll bring it all to an end
Token resolve of a dissident
When you pull me in, that'll settle the residue
Maybe a sign for a crime or a sin
I'll love my girl when she comes home
I'll love my boys when they get home
With friends like that, who needs enemies?
The lyrics to Powderfinger's song Turtles Head explore the complexities of friendship and belonging. The opening line, "If I had no friends, I'd have no one to ridicule," sets the tone for the rest of the song, suggesting that having friends gives someone a sense of superiority and power over others. The reference to the "resident fool" implies that the singer may feel like an outsider or outcast amongst their group of friends, highlighting the fragility of relationships and the need for validation.
The second verse delves deeper into these feelings of inadequacy and striving for acceptance. The line, "If I make no sense, I'll be nearer to fitting in," suggests that the singer feels pressured to conform and be understood by others, even if it means sacrificing their own individuality. The desire to "spread wisdom by accident" speaks to the unconscious way we often learn from those around us, whether positive or negative. However, the lyrics also suggest a level of self-awareness and a refusal to be a passive participant in any conflicts that may arise. The line, "If I call you out, that'll bring it all to an end," implies a sense of agency and a willingness to confront difficult situations.
The chorus provides a sense of resolution and loyalty, with the singer proclaiming their unconditional love for their partner and their friends. The line, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?" suggests that even though friendships can be complicated, they are ultimately worth preserving, and that the support and love of those closest to us can make all the difference.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had no friends, I'd have no one to ridicule
The resident fool only ridicules others because he has friends, indicating he is not really a friend to them.
So goes the tale of the resident fool
This line reinforces that the singer views themselves as a fool, and perhaps takes pleasure in being one.
If I clear my space, I could clear it to be with you
In this line, the singer is acknowledging that they need space to be with their loved one, and possibly clearing physical space to do so.
Backhanded claims of a resolute
This line suggests that the artist is making claims or promises in a roundabout, insincere way.
If I call an end to the trouble, I'm sinking in
Ending a problem may actually make things worse for the artist, suggesting they are stuck in a difficult situation.
Maybe a sign for a crime or sin
The resolution to the problem could reveal a wrongdoing on the part of the singer or others involved.
I'll love my girl when she comes home
This line is a simple vow to love someone and welcome them back home.
I'll love my boys when they get home
The artist is also committing to loving and welcoming home their male friends or family members.
With friends like that, who needs enemies?
This common phrase highlights the artist's frustration with supposed friends who act like enemies towards them.
If I make no sense, I'll be nearer to fitting in
The artist suggests that they feel they don't fit in because they make too much sense; therefore, making less sense may actually aid in fitting in.
Spreading the wisdom by accident
This line shows that the singer doesn't believe in spreading wisdom intentionally, but instead accidentally or impulsively.
If I call you out, that'll bring it all to an end
Calling someone out on their actions may resolve a problematic situation, but the artist is hesitant to bring it up directly.
Token resolve of a dissident
This phrase suggests that the singer is hesitant to resolve anything for real, and only would do so symbolically.
When you pull me in, that'll settle the residue
Being pulled into something could help the singer clear away any leftover feelings or residue related to a situation.
Maybe a sign for a crime or a sin
Even positive actions could have negative consequences or associations, making them potentially sinful.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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