His albums include: "Prussian Blue" (1973)"Girls on the Avenue" (1975) "Main Street Jive" 1976 "Goodbye Tiger" 1977, "Past Hits and Previews" 1978 "Hearts on the Nightline" 1979 "Dark Spaces" 1980 "The Great Escape" 1982 "Solidarity" 1984 "Glory Road" 1987 "The Best Years of Our Lives" 1989 "Distant Thunder" 1993 "Angeltown" 1995, "Diamond Mine" 2004 and "Rewired" 2006.
Although not well-known outside Australia, a number of his songs such as "Girls On The Avenue", "Capricorn Dancer", "Deep Water", "Lucky Country", "The Best Years of Our Lives", and "I Am an Island" are staples of FM radio playlists in Australia.
The early 1970s are often regarded as a stagnant time for Australian rock music. In this context, the emergence of Richard Clapton as a talented and ambitious songwriter in the "troubadour" tradition of, for instance, Neil Young and Jackson Browne (both of whom later expressed their admiration for Clapton) was refreshing. Although no hit singles were on his first album, "Prussian Blue", by the time of his second album, "Girls on the Avenue," Clapton enjoyed a reasonable amount of mainstream success, with the title song from the album reaching #2 spot on the Australian top 40 charts. Clapton's first five albums were produced by Richard Batchens.
At the times of its release, "Goodbye Tiger" was one of the most critically acclaimed albums an Australian artist had produced. It was produced by Richard Batchens, who was one of the most prominent and successful producers of the era.(See articles collected on the fan site linked below for confirmation of this). Many Clapton fans continue to regard this notably melancholic record as Clapton's masterpiece.
Thereafter, Clapton played less of a central role in the music industry; although "The Great Escape" (featuring contributions from members of Cold Chisel and INXS) sold strongly and contained memorable singles in "I Am an Island" and "The Best Years of Our Life." During the early 1980s he was acknowledged as a mentor to several bands emerging from the then vigorous pub-rock scene, in particular INXS whose second LP, Underneath the Colours he produced.
On a 2006 album, Rewired, recorded at his home studio, Clapton produced "unplugged" acoustic versions of his early songs. This album contains many early Clapton Gems that have been reworked to fit in with the acoustic vibe of the album.
(From the Wikipedia entry for Richard Clapton)
The Underground
Richard Clapton Lyrics
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It doesn't matter if it's night or day
I'll shine a light for you anyway
I don't care if it's right or wrong
'Cause I've been waiting for you for so long
I've been searching for a little soul
The heart of this city leaves me feeling cold
So many lonely hearts that turn to stone
Lowdown, Saturday night in this cold cold town
Mama you turn my heart around
Lead me out from the underground
You and me we'll go stepping out
Don't you worry if it's getting late
We search for heaven, but heaven can wait
I want you with me, with me right now
To lead me out here from the underground
Mama, Mama, let me in
I'm feeling crazy don't know where to begin
So much confusion running round my brain
I've got this feeling that I can't explain
Lowdown, Saturday night in this cold cold town
Mama you turn my heart around
Lead me out from the underground
You and me we'll go stepping out
In Richard Clapton's song "The Underground", the singer is shining a light for someone, expressing their deep desire to find a connection with another soul in the heartless city they live in. The lyrics suggest that the loneliness experienced by many is palpable, and the singer is looking for something more. The idea of searching for a little soul and waiting for so long to find someone special resonates throughout the song. As they seek to move from the underground, the singer acknowledges the possibility of heaven but is willing to wait for it while they go stepping out with their companion instead. The singer's mother is invoked in the lyrics, almost as if they are seeking her guidance or blessing as they step out into the night.
Musically, the song is melodic and catchy, with a driving beat and a strong vocal performance from Clapton. The lyrics are heartfelt and could be interpreted as a call for companionship while acknowledging the difficulties of finding it in a big city. The song has a nostalgic quality, transporting the listener back to a time and place where Saturday nights were spent on the dance floor and seeking connection in the midst of a cold, uncaring world.
Line by Line Meaning
It doesn't matter if it's night or day
I am always there for you, day or night.
I'll shine a light for you anyway
I will guide you and be a source of light for you no matter the darkness.
I don't care if it's right or wrong
I am willing to take risks and go against what is considered right or wrong.
'Cause I've been waiting for you for so long
I have been anticipating your arrival and longing for your companionship for an extensive period of time.
I've been searching for a little soul
I have been looking for someone who has a kindred spirit, shares my interests and understands me.
The heart of this city leaves me feeling cold
This city lacks the soul and heart I seek, and it makes me feel disconnected and unfulfilled.
So many lovers spend their nights alone
There are plenty of people in this city seeking love, yet they fail to find it and spend their nights alone in despair.
So many lonely hearts that turn to stone
The abundance of loneliness and heartache in this city causes people to become numb and indifferent to their emotions.
Lowdown, Saturday night in this cold cold town
The atmosphere of this town on Saturday night is gloomy and uninviting.
Mama you turn my heart around
You, Mama, have transformed my perspective and given me hope and happiness in this cold place.
Lead me out from the underground
Guide me to freedom from the dark, lonely and dismal place that this city is.
You and me we'll go stepping out
We will spend time together and head out to different places, exploring the town and having fun.
Don't you worry if it's getting late
Do not fret about time or getting home late since we shall enjoy ourselves and have fun.
We search for heaven, but heaven can wait
We may have aspirations or goals, but we won't wait for them to have a good time and make memories that will last a lifetime.
I want you with me, with me right now
I yearn to have your presence around me right now, and I will not rest till we're together in this.
To lead me out here from the underground
I desire for you to take my hand and lead me from the darkness and lifelessness that this place holds.
Mama, Mama, let me in
I am calling out to you, Mama, let me into the warmth and comfort of your embrace.
I'm feeling crazy don't know where to begin
I'm feeling overwhelmed and confused as to what step to take next.
So much confusion running round my brain
My head is filled with chaos and uncertainty about where to go next and what to do.
I've got this feeling that I can't explain
There is an emotion I am experiencing that I cannot put a finger on or express.
Contributed by Bailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.