Forster met McLennan during drama classes at the University of Queensland and, inspired by a mutual love of Bob Dylan and the New York music scene, they formed the Go-Betweens in 1977. In addition to his work with the Go-Betweens, Forster has released several solo albums, including: Danger in the Past, recorded in Berlin in 1990; Calling from a Country Phone, recorded at Sunshine Studios, Brisbane, in 1993 with members of local pop group Custard; I Had a New York Girlfriend, a collection of cover versions recorded in Melbourne in 1994; Warm Nights, recorded in London in 1996 and produced by Edwyn Collins; and The Evangelist, recorded (all but one track - "A Place to Hide Away") at Good Luck Studios, London, September - November 2007 with long time collaborators Glenn Thompson and Adele Pickvance.
Critically-acclaimed internationally as a songwriter, Forster reveals a strong literary influence in his work. In 2005, Forster began writing for the Australian magazine, The Monthly. Prior to this he had virtually no print experience, with only a column on hair care for a fanzine in the 1980s to his credit. On 25 October 2006, it was announced that Forster was the winner of the Pascall Prize for Critical Writing for his columns.
On 6 May 2006, Grant McLennan died in his sleep at his home in Brisbane. Forster picked three songs co-written by Grant McLennan, including "Demon Days", which is the last song the pair wrote together, and recorded them alongside some of his own material to produce his first album in 11 years. The Evangelist was released on April 26, 2008 through Yep Roc Records.[5]
Forster announced his return to live performance with four nights at the Queensland Music Festival in July 2007.
Inferno
Robert Forster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The birds that are calling are hard to ignore
The heat of the morning has come too soon
And the rain that is falling is falling far away far away up on the moon
Oh that moon
No one is sleeping we're naked in bed
Can't lift a finger dreaming of ice
The photo you sent me out the window of the snow well it looks like paradise
Oh that ice
Do you remember winter at all?
You in a frock coat and me in a shawl
Mowed the lawn Monday the grass a disgrace
Mowed the lawn Tuesday the grass in our face
The jungle is coming and so is the drought
The people are screaming let me let me let me let me let me let me out!!
Oh that ice looks like paradise
The lyrics of Robert Forster's song "Inferno" paint a vivid picture of a chaotic and overwhelming situation. The opening lines describe the encroaching threat of an unknown danger, portrayed symbolically as a jungle approaching the door. The birds calling represent the signs or warnings that are hard to ignore. The heat of the morning coming too soon suggests a sense of urgency and discomfort. However, the rain falling far away on the moon indicates a sense of detachment, as if the troubles are happening on a distant planet.
The following stanza describes a state of restlessness and frustration. The image of being naked in bed reflects vulnerability and exposure. The references to dreaming of ice and receiving a photo of snow symbolize a desired escape or respite from the current turmoil. The contrast between the inferno-like situation and the imagery of ice and snow creates a stark juxtaposition of elements.
The final lines of the song reminisce about winter and hint at a better time, possibly in the past or in a different place. The mention of both individuals wearing specific clothing (a frock coat and a shawl) adds personal details to the memories of this winter. It could be interpreted as a longing for the tranquility of a simpler time.
Overall, "Inferno" captures a sense of unease and a yearning for relief amidst chaos and uncertainty. The lyrics use vivid imagery to convey the emotional and physical toll of such a situation.
Line by Line Meaning
The jungle is coming up to the door
The chaos and confusion are infiltrating our lives, becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The birds that are calling are hard to ignore
The warnings and signs of trouble are becoming impossible to overlook.
The heat of the morning has come too soon
The pressures and challenges we face have arrived earlier than expected, catching us off guard.
And the rain that is falling is falling far away far away up on the moon
The relief or help we need seems distant and unattainable, as if it is happening on a completely different plane or planet.
No one is sleeping we're naked in bed
Our anxieties and worries are keeping us awake, leaving us feeling vulnerable and exposed.
Tossing and turning with murder in our heads
Our minds are filled with troubling thoughts and concerns, causing restlessness and unease.
Can't lift a finger dreaming of ice
We feel paralyzed and unable to take action, yearning for a sense of calm and relief symbolized by ice.
The photo you sent me out the window of the snow well it looks like paradise
The image you shared with me of the snow outside the window appears idyllic and perfect, representing a peaceful and desirable state.
Do you remember winter at all?
Do you recall the previous times of hardship and struggle, where we endured difficult circumstances?
You in a frock coat and me in a shawl
You dressed in a formal coat and I wrapped in a protective garment, emphasizing our shared experience and resilience in facing challenges together.
Mowed the lawn Monday the grass a disgrace
We attempted to tidy and control our surroundings on Monday by mowing the lawn, but the wildness and disorder reigned supreme.
Mowed the lawn Tuesday the grass in our face
Continuing our efforts to maintain order on Tuesday, the grass literally fought back, causing us more frustration and difficulties.
The jungle is coming and so is the drought
The chaos and turmoil are approaching rapidly, along with the scarcity and lack we anticipate.
The people are screaming let me let me let me let me let me let me out!!
The individuals around us are expressing desperation and a desire to escape the overwhelming circumstances they find themselves in.
Oh that ice looks like paradise
The tranquil and serene image of ice symbolizes an ideal escape or refuge from the current hardships and challenges.
Lyrics © Budde Music Publishing GmbH
Written by: ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bermudiancarol
Still wonderful to listen
@christ5826
hes a humid man 🎉🎉🎉
@EnosEverything
I certainly know all about Brisbane in Summer... It is a hideous place to live with the oppressive heat and humidity.. But, I still live here - more fool me... This is a great song Robert.
@anthonyfrazer609
This is just how I imagined Mr Forster would be dressed while mowing the lawn.
@pobbard
I had the exact same thought!!
@shackbhoy
Not me , i've seen him mowing the lawn and he was dressed like this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HufrsUMIBA
@Tormaschine84
RF always delivering in style
@katieking6845
Really good camera
@pobbard
11 months later, this video holds up well. A delight.
@chrisware6324
4 years later, same ! Fantastic !