In 1981, a fan of the Clean founded the Flying Nun label to release their first single, "Tally Ho." A follow-up track off one of their early EPs, "Beatnik", also achieved success, as did the second single, "Getting Older". The Flying Nun label went on to be New Zealand's biggest independent record company, championing the Dunedin Sound, a loosely-connected style of music largely produced by bands from this southern city. Others on the label included The Chills, The Verlaines, The Bats, and Sneaky Feelings.
During much of the 1980s, The Clean disbanded, and during this time the Kilgour brothers worked together on an experimental album and EP using the deliberately punning titles "The Great Unwashed" and "Clean Out of Our Minds". Reforming in the late 1980s, the band explored a slightly poppier vein of music while still retaining their experimental edge.
In June 2008 a live album recorded during the 2007 New Zealand tour was released in New Zealand on Arch Hill Records, entitled "Mashed". A new studio album, titled Mister Pop was released on September 7, 2009 on Arch Hill, and on September 8 in the United States on the Merge label.
In December 2009, The Clean announced their first European dates in more than 20 years, supporting the cult U.S band Pavement at Brixton Academy on the 10th of May. They also played at the Pavement curated ATP at Butlins Minehead on the 14th of May. Other dates on the tour included Amsterdam (May 22), Hamburg (May 23), Berlin (May 25) and Barcelona's Primavera Sound festival May 29).
Secret Place
The Clean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By running up that hill
Past is all so far behind
You'll never get it back
The present's there - it's set you know
You're dealing with it now
I'd love to help you with it
I guess it's what we're hoping for -
Just a little truth.
I guess it's just an open door
We'll hide you out in a secret place
You'll never know you've been
We'll cover you with what you love
You'll last until the spring
The future's where it's gonna be
In times to come to mind
No more sitting back and waiting
For things to unwind
I guess it's what we're hoping for -
Just a little truth
I guess it's just an open door
We'll hide you out in a secret place
You'll never know you've been
We'll cover you, with what you love
You'll last until the spring
I guess it's what we're hoping for -
Just a little truth
I guess it's just an open door
We'll hide you out in a secret place
You'll never know you've been
We'll cover you, with what you love
You'll last until the spring
We'll hide you out in a secret place
You'll never know you've been
We'll cover you, with what you love
You'll last until the spring.
The Clean's "Secret Place" is a song focused on the idea of not being able to go back to the past, but rather relying on the present and looking forward to the future. The first two lines of the song - "You'll never find just what you want by running up that hill, past is all so far behind, you'll never get it back" - allude to the idea that going back and trying to relive or recreate the past is futile. The present is where the singer sees the value, even though he admits he doesn't necessarily have the answers to navigate it perfectly.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes into play, "We'll hide you out in a secret place, you'll never know you've been, We'll cover you with what you love, you'll last until the spring." It is a comforting offer to someone who may be struggling to find their way forward, to be hidden away in a place of safety and warmth surrounded by everything they hold dear, until such time as they feel ready to face the world again.
Overall, "Secret Place" is a hopeful look at the future, even while acknowledging the difficulties of navigating the present. It is a comforting song that invites the listener to take refuge in their loved ones, things that bring them joy and hope to face what is to come.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll never find just what you want
It's impossible to always get exactly what you desire.
By running up that hill
Struggling to achieve your desires is also unlikely to succeed.
Past is all so far behind
Your previous actions and experiences can't be changed and have no bearing on the present.
You'll never get it back
The past cannot be undone or revisited.
The present's there - it's set you know
The current moment is already determined and can't be altered.
You're dealing with it now
You have to face and accept the reality of the present situation.
I'd love to help you with it
I would like to offer assistance or support.
But I really don't know how
However, I am not equipped to provide any meaningful help or guidance.
I guess it's what we're hoping for -
We are all seeking something in life...
Just a little truth.
...perhaps it's just a bit of honesty and authenticity in our interactions.
I guess it's just an open door
This truth may be an opportunity or gateway to something greater.
We'll hide you out in a secret place
You can come find refuge in a private and secure location...
You'll never know you've been
...and we will ensure that you are completely anonymous.
We'll cover you with what you love
While in this safe haven, we will surround you with things that bring you joy and comfort.
You'll last until the spring.
This sanctuary will keep you content and protected until the season of new growth and renewal arrives.
The future's where it's gonna be
We can only speculate on what is yet to come...
In times to come to mind
...and the future is always in our thoughts.
No more sitting back and waiting
However, we can't just wait idly for the future to unfold.
For things to unwind
Events will not simply unravel on their own without our action or intervention.
We'll hide you out in a secret place
Again, we offer to provide a place of shelter and security...
You'll never know you've been
...and we will ensure that you remain completely anonymous and your presence unseen.
We'll cover you, with what you love
We will surround you with things that give you joy and peace while in our protection.
You'll last until the spring.
This haven will last until the season of rebirth and regeneration.
I guess it's what we're hoping for -
Once again, we are all seeking something in life...
Just a little truth
...and more than anything, we seek a genuine and honest connection with others.
I guess it's just an open door
This truth may be the key to potential growth, progress or positive change in our lives.
We'll hide you out in a secret place
For a final time, we remind you of our willingness to provide a safe escape from the troubles of this world...
You'll never know you've been
...and you can find comfort in knowing that you will remain unseen and unknown.
We'll cover you, with what you love
We will create an environment for you that is filled with the things you hold dear and offer you protection.
You'll last until the spring.
You can remain in this idyllic state until circumstances or timing change with the arrival of new opportunities and positive change.
Contributed by Leo K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
laccord1
Harks of something truly glorious. They are just so good.
aheckideus
So special... so strange... so far in my past... so sad... so magic... so alive... so... ...
I remember when I listened to it for the first time... and who introduced me in it - it has changed my life for good and bad... for the best and for the worse.
Tx a lot Bob, for that and for the rest. Increadible beautiful song.
Mik
xxHouseInMotionxx
wow... yes - I think you got it right m8
Brian Woods
Listen to their album...Vehicle.....Only 30mins long.....but EPIC....
jollyjetsetter
The clean are a truly fine example if a band who always reliably remind you instantly of why you deem yourself a lifelong fan, even if it's been a long while in between separate listens of their music. If I do make it to New Zealand later this year, as I really hope, it is the nation's finest musical output, among which they rank, which will have provided a huge motivation for doing so.
Bo De
Man can they whip up a good song. What a band! Thanks for the post.
Anthea
Can't believe i'm only now getting into The Clean!
sheltering sky
Genuinely sublime.......
mcnmdhm
if there's paradise, this one's on heavy rotation.
Fed P
this reaally needs more views!