The guitar and synth-laced album followed in the style of other 1980s bands such as a-ha, Duran Duran, Tears for Fears and Mr. Mister. The first single from Tyranny was "One Simple Thing," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100, helped by the band's performance of the song on American Bandstand. Two music videos were released to promote the album: "One Simple Thing", which was directed by David Fincher who would go onto greater success directing the feature films Alien³, Se7en and Fight Club and "Tyranny," helmed by renowned music video director David Hogan.
The "Tyranny" single failed to chart, and for the next five years, the band disappeared from view. Then, in 1991, an unreleased track from the Tyranny sessions, "Maybe This Time," surfaced on the soundtrack to the film If Looks Could Kill, but that was the last anyone would hear from the band.
Years active: 1981–1991.
Does Your Love Lie Open?
Stabilizers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I look at you again
And something new begins
Beyond your face there is no crowd
Beyond your voice I hear no sound
So now I'll take it slow
But I've got to know...
Is it ready - to be taken?
When it comes to the bottom line
Will your love lie open wide?
When you - turn to walk away
The light begins to fade
Nothing seems the same
I never knew how this could be
It never felt so good to me
I'm helpless in this doubt
I've got to find out...
So now it's time to get this straight
I see no reason we should wait
It's all within one touch
And once is never enough...
The lyrics of Stabilizers' song "Does Your Love Lie Open?" describe the uncertainty and hesitation that arises when one is uncertain about the feelings of a romantic partner. The singer is looking at their partner and seeing something new and unknown. They are unsure about whether their love is reciprocated and open or not. They want to take things slow but at the same time, they want to find out the truth. They question whether their partner's love is ready to be taken, and if it lies open. They fear that they might end up getting hurt.
As the song progresses, the singer feels a sense of helplessness and doubt. They are afraid to lose their partner but at the same time, they want to know where they stand. They feel that there is something significant between them, and they need to find out the truth. They can't ignore their feelings any longer and must confront their doubts head-on. They believe that one touch can clarify everything and that once they find out the truth, they won't be satisfied with only that.
Overall, "Does Your Love Lie Open?" is a song that delves into the complicated and often overwhelming feelings that arise when one is uncertain about a romantic relationship. It speaks to the fear of rejection, but also the hope that comes with the possibility of a love being reciprocal.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere - between now and then
At some point in time, not necessarily defined, possibly in the past or future
I look at you again
I observe you visually, it may be a repeated action
And something new begins
A novel, distinct event or experience commences
Beyond your face there is no crowd
I see only your face and no other person nearby
Beyond your voice I hear no sound
I only perceive your voice and not the surrounding noises
So now I'll take it slow
I will proceed cautiously and avoid rushing
But I've got to know...
Nevertheless, I am very curious and eager to learn something
Does your love lie open?
Is your affection for me sincere, obvious, and available?
Is it ready - to be taken?
Can I take it without hesitation or difficulty, or is there any obstacle?
When it comes to the bottom line
When the situation reaches a critical point or decision-making moment
Will your love lie open wide?
Will your affection for me be obvious and complete, without reservation or fear?
When you - turn to walk away
When you decide to depart, potentially emotionally or physically
The light begins to fade
The illumination diminishes, and the atmosphere changes
Nothing seems the same
Everything appears different, unusual, or uncertain
I never knew how this could be
I am surprised and perplexed by this situation, possibly in a positive manner
It never felt so good to me
I have never experienced this level of enjoyment or satisfaction before
I'm helpless in this doubt
I am feeling uncertain and unable to make a decision, potentially due to emotional vulnerability
I've got to find out...
Despite my feelings of uncertainty, I am motivated to seek the truth or resolution
So now it's time to get this straight
It is necessary to clarify this situation and achieve a mutual understanding
I see no reason we should wait
I believe there is no valid cause to delay our progress or decision-making
It's all within one touch
Our connection and potential outcome of this situation can be decided by a single action or gesture
And once is never enough...
One opportunity or attempt will not satisfy me or resolve this situation, I need more than that
Contributed by Alex P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.