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.
Trouble In My Brain
Sunnyboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My love is not for gain
Tell me that you knew
All our tears have been in vain
What's a poor man supposed to do
My love is not for gain
Help me to forget
Got a trouble in my brain
Well everyone around me is going insane
What for the captain and his team
The dark clouds hanging over his head
It's been so long since I
Have had no peace
It was always ill at ease
I feel the pressures of my dreams
I say
Got a trouble in my brain
Well everyone around me is going insane
What for the captain and his team
The dark clouds hanging over his head
Got a trouble in my brain
Well everyone around me is going insane
What for the captain and his team
The dark clouds hanging over his head
The Sunnyboys song "Trouble In My Brain" is essentially a song about conflict, both within oneself and among others. The opening lines suggest a plea for clarity and honesty in a relationship, one that is not built on material gain. The repeated refrain "my love is not for gain" reinforces this idea that love should not be a transactional exchange. However, despite this plea for truth and authenticity, the singer laments that their tears have been in vain, suggesting that the relationship may be irreparably damaged.
The second verse introduces a new conflict, that of the singer's own inner turmoil. They describe feeling pressure from their dreams, and not having had peace for a long time. The repeated expression of having a "trouble in my brain" and watching everyone else go insane around them further reinforces this sense of internal struggle. The captain and his team are used as a metaphor for this external chaos, with dark clouds hovering over their heads.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me that it's true
Confirm the veracity of my beliefs
My love is not for gain
My affection is not motivated by self-interest
Tell me that you knew
Assure me that you were fully aware
All our tears have been in vain
The expression of our emotions has been futile
What's a poor man supposed to do
How should I, a destitute individual, proceed?
Help me to forget
Assist me in erasing from my memory
Your love has held me up
Your amour has provided me support
Got a trouble in my brain
I am experiencing cognitive disarray
Well everyone around me is going insane
All those adjacent to me are undergoing mental upheaval
What for the captain and his team
What should be done for the leader and their associates?
The dark clouds hanging over his head
They are dealing with an ominous situation
It's been so long since I
A considerable duration has elapsed since I last
Have had no peace
Experienced a sense of tranquility
It was always ill at ease
I was continually uncomfortable
I feel the pressures of my dreams
My aspirations exert a significant burden onto me
I say
I affirm
Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.