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.
Maybe This Time
Stabilizers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I Know what's going through your mind
But I know the pain, That I had to prove the last time
So Many Reasons We Can Lie
So Little Room on either side
Tell What Remains
If We Turn Away and Save Our Pride
You Won't Make It Right
Maybe This Time (Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We Don't Need to say it's over
(Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We Can Stop Before The Light
Before we both decide to say goodbye
Maybe this time...
I Never Understand You
Or Maybe just your point of view
We are not the same
But we're not so low we can rise
To a compromise
[Chorus:]
Maybe this time (Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We Don't Need To say it's over
(Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We can stop before the light
Before we both decide to say goodbye
Maybe this time... We'd get right
Everytime I hear your voice
Try not to think
All that I can hear above it all
This time you'll stay
(Guitar Solo)
Don't Say Goodbye
Give It One More Try
[Chorus:]
Maybe this time (Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We Don't Need To say it's over
(Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We can stop before the light
Before we both decide to say goodbye
The song "Maybe This Time" by Stabilizers is an emotional plea to keep a relationship intact. It seems that the singer has been hurt before and is understandably cautious about opening up again, knowing all too well the pain of having to prove oneself. The lyrics indicate that there are many reasons to lie but very little room on either side. The singer acknowledges that turning away and saving one's pride won't make things right. The chorus "Maybe This Time" is like a beacon of hope, suggesting that there is a chance for this relationship to work if both parties can see eye to eye. The singer is not trying to deny that there are differences between them and it seems like they might have trouble understanding each other, but the mention of compromise implies that they can find a way to make it work despite this.
The second half of the song seems to suggest that the singer is willing to keep trying. They urge their partner not to say goodbye and instead give it one more try. The guitar solo adds an element of introspection to the song as if the singer is mulling over the possibilities of the relationship. Overall, the song has a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful tone, conveying the message that with a little effort, perhaps this time they can make it work.
Line by Line Meaning
I Can See Through Your Eyes
I understand how you feel and what you're thinking.
I Know what's going through your mind
I understand the thoughts and emotions you're experiencing.
But I know the pain, That I had to prove the last time
I've been hurt before, and I don't want to experience that pain again.
So Many Reasons We Can Lie
There are endless reasons to be dishonest with each other.
So Little Room on either side
We are running out of ways to patch things up.
Tell What Remains
Let's acknowledge what's left of our relationship.
If We Turn Away and Save Our Pride
If we choose to ignore our problems and avoid facing them to protect our egos,
You Won't Make It Right
we won't be able to fix things.
Maybe This Time (Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We have a chance to make things right this time.
We Don't Need to say it's over
We don't have to give up on our relationship yet.
(Ohh... Maybe This Time)
We have the opportunity to try again.
We Can Stop Before The Light
Let's pause before it's too late to fix things.
Before we both decide to say goodbye
Let's think carefully before ending our relationship.
I Never Understand You
I have trouble comprehending your perspective.
Or Maybe just your point of view
Perhaps it's just your outlook that confuses me.
We are not the same
We have different personalities and opinions.
But we're not so low we can rise
However, we are not so different that we can't find common ground.
To a compromise
We can work together to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Everytime I hear your voice
Whenever I hear you speak,
Try not to think
I attempt to block out my emotions.
All that I can hear above it all
Despite my attempts, I can still hear the sound of your voice.
This time you'll stay
I hope that this time, we'll stay together.
Don't Say Goodbye
Let's not give up on each other just yet.
Give It One More Try
Let's give our relationship one more chance.
Contributed by Callie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
kkpriest
One of the best AOR songs! Breaking my heart and everything. Lovely melodies. Bloody hell!!!
Vamsee Kanneganti
If only the stabilizers made atleast one more album after tyranny. Unfortunate they got overlooked and for lost in the sands of time. Their melodies very good, in the vein of Outfield and Cutting Crew. This song is more AOR rock style rather their New Wave style pop.
tmac888
This is the best Stabilizers song. How this song didn't end up in the top 40 I have no idea.
navster121
great quality! one of my favourite 90s films and soundtracks
gremmiehodad
Guilty pleasure movie! Awesome overlooked Soundtrack! Other rarities by The Fixx, The Outfield, Glenn Medeiros with Steve Lukather of Toto and Robin McAuley of MSG with Luke on guitar as well!