There are two Australian bands with this name:
1. A Deep Funk outfit act… Read Full Bio ↴There are two Australian bands with this name:
1. A Deep Funk outfit active from 2001 onwards.
2. An Alternative Rock outfit active from 1984 to 1987.

1. The Bamboos are masters of super-heavy, raw and upfront drum-break driven grooves. Led by Guitarist Lance Ferguson (Equatorial Records/Lanu/No Comply), other members include Ben Grayson (Hammond Organ), Danny Farrugia (Drums), Yuri Pavlinov (Bass), Anton Delecca (Sax/Flute) and Ross Irwin (Trumpet). The Bamboos formed in 2001 and released the 7” single ‘Eel Oil/Blackfoot’, earning them international acclaim from the likes of Snowboy, Mr Scruff, Jazzanova, Patrick Forge and Russ Dewbury. Their next release ‘Tighten Up/Voodoo Doll’ was picked up by Kenny Dope (Masters At Work) and Keb Darge (Legendary Deep Funk) for their U.S-based imprint Kay-Dee Records. Making their home at Tru Thoughts records (home to Quantic and Alice Russell) in 2005, The Bamboos debut album ‘Step it Up’ looks set to bolster their reputation as heavy players in the global Funk scene. In 2004 and 2005 The Bamboos toured Australia and New Zealand alongside Quantic and Alice Russell to universal acclaim. The Bamboos live shows have evolved into non-stop mixtape-style throwdowns that draw the links between Hip Hop, Funk and old-school Breaks. The Bamboos have supported international artists including: Keb Darge (UK) Moloko (UK) Mathew Herbert (UK) Dynamo productions (UK) Derrick Carter (USA) Patrick Forge (UK) Snowboy (UK) Jazzanova (GERM) Chris Lum (UK) Alice Russell (UK) Quantic (UK) Nextmen (UK) Russ Dewbury (UK) Steinski (USA) Guru (USA)

2. The Bamboos consisted of members Russel Hopkinson, Mark Gelmi, Craig Hallsworth, Greg Hitchcock. The band is chiefly remembered today for the number of ex-members who have gone to feature prominently in high profile Australian acts.

Helpless Blues
The Bamboos Lyrics

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Stepping on your monolog
On the streets a corner of
If I waited by the telephone
Knowing that you'd never call
Giving me the helpless blues
Tied up in her up on news
All the things that you know
I'd rather doubt and let it go

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later
I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

Found in the marigold
In uniform and wooden boat
Don't tell me you've been waiting for
A moment to say the words
Tell me now that you'll be true
I wanna make a game of you
And I can play you all along
I will knock you off your throne

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later
I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later
I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

I gaze in the street and I think of you
I crash into oh, oh
All the stars and miles have fallen, too
Fallen, oh

Don't tell me you've been waiting for
A moment to say the words
Don't tell me you've been waiting for
A moment to say the words

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later
I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later
I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL TEAR IT UP
I'll hit it up, catch you later

I'LL SET IT UP, I'LL SPIT IT OUT
Why, why, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Helpless Blues" by The Bamboos talk about a relationship that is going through a tough time. The singer feels like they are constantly being ignored and left out, as if their partner just talks and talks without really listening to them. They are frustrated and feel like they are stuck in this situation, unable to do anything to fix it ("Giving me the helpless blues"). The singer is also dealing with doubt and uncertainty, not sure what to believe or how to move forward.

The chorus has a sense of rebellion to it, as the singer declares that they will "set it up, tear it up," and "spit it out." They are determined not to let this situation bring them down, and are ready to take action. The bridge ("I gaze in the street and I think of you") expresses the singer's longing for their partner, but also their frustration and confusion about the state of their relationship.

Overall, "Helpless Blues" is a powerful exploration of the ups and downs of a relationship, and the emotions that come with trying to navigate difficult times.

Line by Line Meaning

Stepping on your monolog
Interrupting your one-sided conversation

On the streets a corner of
In a secluded spot on the street

If I waited by the telephone
If I held out hope for your call

Knowing that you'd never call
Realizing deep down that I won't hear from you

Giving me the helpless blues
Making me feel powerless and sad

Tied up in her up on news
Captivated by the latest gossip or scandal

All the things that you know
All the secrets and knowledge you possess

I'd rather doubt and let it go
Preferring to be skeptical and move on

Found in the marigold
Discovered among the yellow flowers

In uniform and wooden boat
Wearing a uniform and sailing in a wooden watercraft

Tell me now that you'll be true
Promise me that you'll be honest and faithful