Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, the group consisted of Frankie Venom (real name Frank Kerr), Gord Lewis, Steve Mahon (though he later changed his last name to Marshall) and Nick Stipanitz, and took their name from an album and song by The Flamin' Groovies.
Teenage Head came together in the early 70's when four young guys from Westdale High School in Hamilton, Ontario decided to form a band. Gord Lewis, founder and leader, Frank Kerr, Steve Mahon, and Nick Stipanitz weren't buddies, but each had a strong interest in the same type of music. By May 1978, they released their first single "Picture My Face" on Epic Records, and quickly became part of the scene exploding in Toronto. The legendary self-titled debut album followed a year later, turning the heads of many because it perfectly captured the spirit of the era. What's more, it showcased the band's talent as writers, with the ability to craft songs that would continue to stand the test of time, even by today's standards.
Somethin' on My Mind
Teenage Head Lyrics
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'Cause they say, a love like ours takes time
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
She's a friend and I knew you wouldn't mind
But if you, well, have to go
That's OK
But if you decide to stay
Please don't go
If you stay, ah well, I won't care anyway
If you're bad, well it's the last chance that you have
Can I say, uh, that a love is sometimes blind
Now I see, all the things that went behind
But if you decide to go
That's OK
But if you, well, plan to stay
Please don't go
No no no
But if you, well, plan to go
Please don't go
But if you decide to stay
No no no
Please don't go
You don't have to please me
'Cause baby, you know I'm easy
The last time that you went
You burned all the cards I sent
But if this time it's for good
Uh, so it's understood
So, if you leave once more
You'll find out what's in store
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
She's a friend and I knew you wouldn't mind
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
She's a friend and I knew you wouldn't mind
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
The lyrics to Teenage Head's song Somethin' on My Mind are about a man who is conflicted about his relationship with his partner. He tells her that if she decides to leave, he won't mind because he knows that the kind of love they have takes time. However, he also admits that there is something on his mind and that she's a friend who he knows his partner won't mind about. He asks his partner not to leave, promising that he won't care if she stays or goes, and that if she decides to stay, he won't take her for granted.
Throughout the lyrics, there is a strong sense of fear and apprehension that the relationship is coming to an end. The man is trying to convince his partner not to leave, but he's also subtly preparing himself for the possibility that she might. He tries to act as though he's indifferent, but it's clear that he cares deeply about her and wants her to stay. The lyrics suggest that the man may have done something to jeopardize the relationship, but he's not willing to admit it directly; instead, he offers a vague apology for the things he's done in the past.
Overall, the lyrics are about the complex emotions that arise when a relationship is on the brink of collapse. The man is trying to hold on, but he knows that he can't force his partner to stay if she doesn't want to. The lyrics manage to convey a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion without ever becoming too sentimental or melodramatic.
Line by Line Meaning
If you go, ah well, you know I just won't mind
I won't be affected if you decide to leave.
'Cause they say, a love like ours takes time
People say that true love takes time to develop.
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
I need to admit that I have something to say.
She's a friend and I knew you wouldn't mind
I want to tell you about a female friend, but I know you won't mind.
But if you, well, have to go
That's OK
But if you decide to stay
Please don't go
Please don't go
If you need to leave, it's okay. But if you stay, please don't leave again.
If you stay, ah well, I won't care anyway
If you choose to stay, it wouldn't matter to me.
If you're bad, well it's the last chance that you have
If you behave poorly, it could be your last chance to change.
Can I say, uh, that a love is sometimes blind
I want to express that love can make us overlook flaws.
Now I see, all the things that went behind
Now, I understand the reasons and motives behind what happened.
But if you decide to go
That's OK
But if you, well, plan to stay
Please don't go
No no no
You're allowed to leave, but if you're planning to stay, please don't leave again.
But if you, well, plan to go
Please don't go
But if you decide to stay
No no no
Please don't go
If you're thinking about leaving, please don't. But if you decide to stay, don't leave again.
You don't have to please me
'Cause baby, you know I'm easy
You don't have to worry about pleasing me because I'm not demanding or difficult to please.
The last time that you went
You burned all the cards I sent
When you left the last time, you destroyed all the cards I sent you.
But if this time it's for good
Uh, so it's understood
So, if you leave once more
You'll find out what's in store
If you're leaving for good, it's clear. But if you leave again, you'll face the consequences.
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
She's a friend and I knew you wouldn't mind
Have to say, uh, that there's something on my mind
I really need to tell you about my female friend that I know you won't mind knowing about.
Writer(s): Nick Stipanitz, Frank Kerr, Gordon Lewis, Stephen Mahon
Contributed by Mason H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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