From humble beginnings in a garage in Perth, Western Australia, the band released their first EP in 2001, and by the time they had released their second EP 'Never Too Young To Hitchhike', they had gained critical acclaim, radio airplay around Australia, some big-name supports including The Breeders and The Violent Femmes. With the single 'Everything's Gone Bad' featuring in Triple J's 'Hottest 100', and a stack of WAMI awards under their belt, it was with great sadness that Western Australia marked the end of their career, with Al Nistelberger (guitar, vocals), Grant Joyce (bass, vocals) and Wayne Beadon (guitar, vocals) moving on to the band 'Bipolar Bears' without Matt Wheeler (drums, vocals) or Mike Bruce (guitar, vocals).
As Time Goes By
The Fergusons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take ten broken limbs
And make it alright for them
And I needed you more,
More than you'll ever notice
But I need to do more
If you're to ever know this
No, you won't care at all
For you won't care at all
No, you won't care at all
Dance puppet boy
If you do a good job
Then they'll want you again,
Give it all that you've got
Show them the joy and the pain and the ending
Then do it again, and we'll all stop pretending
They'll pay more attention to what's before mentioned
As you bob your head
'cause you're not even listening
A very small few of you even give meanings
But laugh, clown boy, laugh
'cause it's always so pleasing
Feel, damn you, feel
Like you're alive again
I needed to know,
Needed a show of hands
For all this couldn't be sure
As we see a lot of them
And I traded it all,
Could I make a difference
At all?
I met a woman,
She was wonderful,
Everything perfect,
We both had the world
But I filled up my senses
With thoughts from the ghost
And I spent her life savings
Left no room for
Both of us
Crying and trying
And screaming aloud,
I barely can see her tumultuous crowds
Are careful to hide her and sing much too loud
See, you don't even know what I'm talking about
Feel, damn you, feel
Like you're alive again
I needed you more,
Than you would ever've noticed
Et Al
Couldn't be sure
That you would ever notice
But I gave it my all
Did I make a difference at all?
Like you're alive again
Take ten broken limbs
The Fergusons's song "As Time Goes By" touches on the themes of feeling disconnected and trying to make a difference in the world. The first verse talks about needing someone desperately, but feeling like their efforts aren't being noticed. The chorus reinforces the idea that sometimes we feel like we're talking to a brick wall - no matter how much we try, some people just won't care. The second verse uses the metaphor of a "puppet boy," someone who's expected to perform for others' entertainment. This person is urged to "feel" and truly live, but it's unclear whether anyone is truly listening. The third verse gets more personal, with the singer confessing that they once had everything they wanted - a wonderful partner and a bright future - but they sabotaged it all by obsessing over something else. Now they're unsure if they've made any kind of difference in the world.
Overall, the song seems to be about the struggles of trying to connect with others and find meaning in your life. Despite the difficulties, the singer seems determined to keep trying, even if it's not clear whether it's making a difference or not.
Line by Line Meaning
Like you're alive again
Rediscover the essence of life
Take ten broken limbs
Mend and fix the broken pieces
And make it alright for them
Bring comfort and peace to the troubled
And I needed you more,
More than you'll ever notice
The depth of my need for you goes unnoticed by you
But I need to do more
If you're to ever know this
I have to do more to let you understand my need for you
Or you won't care at all
No, you won't care at all
For you won't care at all
No, you won't care at all
If I fail to communicate, it will be all in vain
Dance puppet boy
If you do a good job
Then they'll want you again,
Give it all that you've got
Society demands, give everything you have and be rewarded only if your performance is satisfactory
Show them the joy and the pain and the ending
Then do it again, and we'll all stop pretending
Present the reality of life but it may have to be repeated to drive its meaning into people's hearts
They'll pay more attention to what's before mentioned
As you bob your head
'cause you're not even listening
People often ignore information passed to them, but they will pay attention when it's too late to correct the mistake
A very small few of you even give meanings
But laugh, clown boy, laugh
'cause it's always so pleasing
Not everyone effectively interprets and applies the message, but they laugh anyway because humor is pleasing
Feel, damn you, feel
Like you're alive again
Feel with your soul, relish in the moment, and bask in being alive again
I needed to know,
Needed a show of hands
For all this couldn't be sure
As we see a lot of them
I needed assurance and confirmation from the majority that what we believe is right
And I traded it all,
Could I make a difference
At all?
I gave up everything, but will my efforts make a difference?
I met a woman,
She was wonderful,
Everything perfect,
We both had the world
Met an incredible woman, two of us could conquer the world
But I filled up my senses
With thoughts from the ghost
And I spent her life savings
Left no room for
Both of us
My mind was preoccupied with past memories, so much so that I spent her life savings, leaving no possibility for a future for us
Crying and trying
And screaming aloud,
I barely can see her tumultuous crowds
Are careful to hide her and sing much too loud
In agony and desperation, I see the suppressing forces working against her, yet her voice is hushed and barely audible
See, you don't even know what I'm talking about
The message is going over your head, and you fail to comprehend it
Et Al
Couldn't be sure
That you would ever notice
But I gave it my all
Did I make a difference at all?
Others were also uncertain if you would comprehend, but I gave it my all, will the effort produce the desired effect?
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Herman Hupfeld
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marc Giroux
The BOSS was a natural. Who is kidding who? Music was is life. Singing, playing multiple instruments, leading jazz bands, he did it all at a time where perhaps jazz wasnt very popular. What a gem. RIP Maynard.
Richard B. Davis
Excellent “
leatherlips
I love Stan Mark and his lead playing on this song! Check it out starting at 2:45.
Marcelo Canônico
holy crap... the best forever.... thanks forerver Maynard.... we will keep enjoying as long as we can...
MFjazzfan
2:40 is the best lick from any music piece i have EVER heard!
Kerry Lorah
Fantastic!! Great performance.
Richard B. Davis
Love it !!!!!
lastknowngood0
MF CHOP CITY. I saw Mayn sing l can't get staryed in Birdland 1959 or 60. He is an outstanding singer!
michael smith
I thought he only played brass and soprano sax but he sang
MrPatricioG
Holy crap, I didn't know Maynard could sing!