1) Rhinoceros w… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name, including:
1) Rhinoceros was a late-60s American psychedelic rock "supergroup" formed in 1967.
2) Rhinoceros is British multi-instrumentalist, producer and remixer David Picking (also a member of Gramophone, and occasional collaborator with UK band No-Man).
3) Rhinoceros was a hardcore punk band from the Netherlands, active in the 1980s.
1) Rhinoceros was a late-60s American psychedelic rock "supergroup" formed in 1967 through auditions conducted by Elektra Records rather than organic formation by musicians. The band was poorly received by fans, producing a slow selling debut album and two even less successful albums before breaking up in 1970 (with one reunion concert on 7 August 2009 at the Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario, Canada).
Elektra Records' talent scout and house producer Paul Rothchild (whose credits include Love’s Forever Changes and The Doors’ Strange Days) , and fellow producer Frazier Mohawk (formerly Barry Friedman), decided to individually sign talented young musicians and form them together into a group. Big things were expected from a classically trained keyboardist from Jon & Lee & The Checkmates called Michael Fonfara (keyboards) ex-Electric Flag, Billy Mundi (drums) ex- Mothers of Invention, Doug Hastings (guitar) ex- Daily Flash & Buffalo Springfield, Danny Weis (guitar) ex- Iron Butterfly- Jerry Penrod (bass) and John Finlay (vocals).
For their debut album, the spectacular foldout cover with artwork by G. Sazaferin depicting a brightly colourful beaded Rhinoceros had all the qualifications for superstar status. In hindsight the beast was more electric soul apart from the surging instrumental “Apricot Brandy”, which was later adopted as a BBC Radio One Theme . A certain amount of acknowledgement has to be given to the Little Richard classic “You’re My Girl (I don’t want to discuss it)” which was covered by Delaney & Bonnie on their live tour with Eric Clapton and a brassy version of Larry Williams’ “I Need Love”. The bluesey takes on Alan Gerber’s “When You Say You Sorry”, the laidback “Same Old Way” and “I Will Serenade You” later covered by Three Dog Night were great once listened to over and over, but lacked impact. The album did however initiate heavy body drumming by the strong armed Billy Mundi way before the Zep’s John Bonham but closer to Vanilla Fudge. The follow up albums Satin Chicken and Better Times Coming, now devoid of Penrod, failed to make the grade with Mundi, Gerber and Hastings departing. Fonfara featured extensively on numerous Lou Reed recordings. The band did some shows at Fillmore East, after which Edwards was replaced by Dr. John drummer Richard Crooks, who in turn would be replaced by Malcolm Tomlinson, who stayed with the band until their dissolution in late 1970.
John Finley, Michael Fonfara, Peter Hodgson, Danny Weis and Larry Leishman formed a new group called Blackstone that recorded one album before the musicians then went their separate ways.
On 7 August 2009, original members John Finley, Alan Gerber, Danny Weis and Michael Fonfara reunited at the Kitchener Blues Festival in Ontario, Canada with bass player Peter Hodgson, along with Bernie LaBarge (replacing original guitarist Doug Hastings), and Mike Sloski on drums.
2) Rhinoceros is British multi-instrumentalist, producer and remixer David Picking (also a member of Gramophone, and occasional collaborator with UK band No-Man).
Picking's music combines the creaking lo-fi atmospherics of Papa M and the eccentric ambience of Brian Eno with the cut-and-paste aesthetics of DJ Shadow. The result, also featuring the evocative croon of No-Man vocalist Tim Bowness, and the turntable skills of DJ Log from UK hip-hop crew Michaelis Constant, is a quiet gem of reflective, organic electronica. 'Tiny Ghosts' was his debut CD release.
3) Rhinoceros was a hardcore punk band from the Netherlands, active in the 1980s.
happiness
Rhinoceros Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who was the richest man in all the Land
He had a fine house and a big car
And everything a man could ask for, But he was so lonely, He didn't have happiness. I once knew awoman
Who was the finest woman in all the land.
She had all the clothes that money can buy
And men eating from her hand.
But she was so sad, so sad
With all your social graces
Material things
And going to the best places
Don't you know you'll never bargain
Oh, for the feeling that you get
From happiness
The song "Happiness" by Rhinoceros is a deep and insightful exploration of what true happiness truly means. The lyrics talk about two people, a man and a woman, who had everything that society deems valuable - wealth, material possessions, and physical beauty. However, despite having all of these things, they still felt empty and unhappy. The man is described as the richest man in all the land, with a fine house and a big car, but he is lonely and lacking in happiness. Similarly, the woman is the finest in all the land, with all the clothes that money can buy and men eating from her hand, yet she is still so sad.
The song then goes on to address all the people who have social graces and material things, telling them that they will never be able to bargain for the feeling that comes from true happiness. This is a powerful message that encourages the listener to look beyond material things and focus on the intangible aspects of life that bring true joy and contentment. The repetition of the word "happiness" throughout the song emphasizes just how important this concept is.
Overall, "Happiness" is a poignant reminder that true happiness cannot be bought or acquired through material possessions. Rather, it is something that comes from within and can only be found through self-discovery and a sense of fulfillment in all aspects of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Happiness
The emotion that is elusive but priceless, it cannot be bought or bargained.
I once knew a man
There was a man known to the singer who was financially well-off and had luxuries.
Who was the richest man in all the Land
The man the singer knew was the wealthiest person in the region.
He had a fine house and a big car
This man owned an impressive house and an expensive car.
And everything a man could ask for,
The man had everything that could make a person satisfied and happy, except happiness.
But he was so lonely,
Despite having great wealth, he was alone and sad.
I once knew a woman
The singer also knew a woman.
Who was the finest woman in all the land.
The woman the artist knew was the most attractive woman in the region.
She had all the clothes that money can buy
The woman had enough money to purchase any clothes she desired.
And men eating from her hand.
Men were attracted to this woman and were willing to do anything that she asked of them.
But she was so sad, so sad
Despite being adored by multiple men and having access to luxury, the woman was unhappy.
She didn't have happiness.
The woman had everything except happiness.
So all you people
The singer then addresses the listeners.
With all your social graces
You may possess good looks or mannerisms that are expected of you by society.
Material things
You may own many material possessions.
And going to the best places
You may have the means to go to the most exclusive and luxurious places.
Don't you know you'll never bargain
The artist is stating that you can never negotiate to get happiness.
Oh, for the feeling that you get
Happiness is a feeling that cannot be compared with any other emotion and is essential for a fulfilling life.
From happiness
Once again, the importance and value of happiness are highlighted.
Contributed by Ellie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.