Essentially Sunnyboys wore their influences on their sleeve - The Remains, The Flamin' Groovies, The Kinks and The Beatles with a dash of Detroit muscle thrown in for good measure. They produced melodic power pop classics and were rewarded with an immediate positive response.
Between 1980 and 1984 they released their self-titled EP (1980) and 3 albums: "Sunnyboys" (1981), "Individuals" (1982) and "Get Some Fun" (1984).
However, Jeremy Oxley's battle with schizophrenia plagued the band and Sunnyboys announced their break-up in June 1984. Their farewell tour produced the album "Real Live" which was recorded over two nights in Sydney (29th and 30th June).
In 1985, the French label Closer combined The Sunnyboys' first two albums as a double set entitled "Days Are Gone" for the European market.
In late 1987, Jeremy Oxley attempted to revive Sunnyboys with a new line-up. The new band signed a deal with RCA and released an album entitled "Wildcat" (produced by ex-Sherbet keyboard player, Garth Porter). The album failed to convince old Sunnyboys fans and the band broke up again in 1990.
In July 1991, Mushroom released the compilation album "Plays The Best" and the original line-up reunited for a national tour.
Also "Shakin' - Live 1991" (1993, live cd + "Sunnyboys" EP) has been released by Phantom and "This Is Real" (2004, double-CD, Singles/Live/Rare) by Feel Presents.
The band:
Jeremy Oxley - Guitar, vocals
Peter Oxley - Bass
Richard Burgman - Guitar
Bill Bilson - Drums
For more info see the band's MySpace profile and this.
My Only Friend
Sunnyboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I take it from anyone
Doesn't matter if it's right
Doesn't matter if I'm wrong
'Cos I've got you
I've got you
Some people think they're really fine
I've only caught for those who are my friends
My only friend
My only friend
Watching the news I don't learn anything
It all seems so far away
When will we see some action
I hope you are ready like me
My only friend
My only friend
My only friend
My only friend
The song "My Only Friend" by Sunnyboys describes the singer's relationship with their only friend. The lyrics reveal that the world is harsh and unforgiving, and the singer feels like they need to take what is theirs by any means necessary, regardless of whether it is right or wrong. However, the one constant in their life is their friend, who they have caught for and who remains with them despite everything else. The chorus repeats the lyrics "My only friend" several times, driving home the point that this person is the singer's only source of comfort and support in a world that is hostile to them.
The song also touches on the state of the world at the time it was written. The lyrics mention watching the news but not learning anything, suggesting a sense of frustration and impotence in the face of global events. However, the singer expresses hope that their friend is "ready," implying a sense of readiness for whatever may come, and a belief that together they can face the challenges of the world.
Overall, "My Only Friend" is a poignant, introspective song about the importance of friendship and human connection in a world that can be unforgiving and unpredictable.
Line by Line Meaning
What's mine in this world
I take anything I want from anyone, regardless of whether it's right or wrong.
Doesn't matter if it's right
I don't care whether what I take is ethical, legal or appropriate.
Doesn't matter if I'm wrong
I don't care if my actions are morally or factually incorrect.
'Cos I've got you
But I'm not alone, I have you, my only friend.
Some people are back in time
Some people are stuck in the past and unable to change.
Some people think they're really fine
Others are arrogant and believe they are superior to others.
I've only caught for those who are my friends
I only have loyalty for those who are close to me.
Watching the news I don't learn anything
I don't gain any useful knowledge from watching the news.
It all seems so far away
The events depicted on the news seem remote and unconnected to my life.
When will we see some action
I hope that something meaningful and tangible happens soon.
I hope you are ready like me
I hope that you, my only friend, are also prepared for what may come.
My only friend
Despite my self-centered and unethical behavior, you remain my only true friend.
My only friend
You are the one person I can rely on, no matter what happens.
My only friend
Above all else, I value your friendship and loyalty.
My only friend
Without you, I would be completely alone in this world.
Writer(s): Jeremy Saxon Oxley
Contributed by Xavier I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.