"I met Henri when I was in grade 8," Matt Murphy reminisces. "He came over to my neighbor's house wearing a Jam shirt. I was like, Hey, right on! I like the Jam." Thus began a rock 'n' roll friendship that would eventually lead singer/guitarist Murphy and bassist Henri Sangalang to move from Halifax to Toronto and become the exceptionally fine Flashing Lights, along with drummer Steve Pitkin and keyboardist, tambourine tapper and harmonica hooter Gaven Dianda.
Sangalang and Murphy formed their first band together in grade 12, and Sangalang insists that the music they made at the time was influential on what they're playing now, except with some proficiency in their playing.
Murphy was playing in various other bands around Halifax (including good-time country outfit Little Orton Hoggett) when he decided to jumpstart The Flashing Lights as a 60ss cover band, playing songs by The Kinks, The Yardbirds, and [artistTthe Who.
Alongside The Super Friendz, Murphy made The Flashing Lights a time vehicle for his own 60's inspired yet undeniably '90s creations.
While it might be thought that Murphy's instantly recognizable voice would make The Flashing Lights indistinguishable from The Super Friendz, the band's distinct flavour is apparent.
While gems like "Elevature" and the first single, "Where Do the Days Go", could have been Slide Show - era Super Friendz numbers, the punchy power-pop arrangements are uniquely Flashing Lights.
It's Alright
The Flashing Lights Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Which you can't see for all the city lights
And you're asking everybody on the street
You're saying, "Hey buddy, buddy won't you lend me that beat?"
Cause all your soul compressions of yesteryear
Don't mean all that much now that you're here
You gotta listen to yourself
You're looking through the vault, okay
But you can't see where all the gold is
And you're asking everybody that you know
You say, "I've been there, I've done that
Which way should I go?"
Cause all your sick expressions of yesterday
Don't have all that much to say
Listen to yourself
If you see what I see
Then I say we're singing all night
It's alright
If you want what I want
Then I say we're doing alright
Together
Sleep like an artist all day
But when you wake up
You put your clothes back on
And start dreaming about money in the bank
You're making up lists of people to thank
If you hear what I hear
Then I say we're singing all night
Together
All night
It's alright
If you see what I see
Then I say we're singing all night
It's alright
If you want what I want
Then I say we're doing alright
It's alright
If you hear what I hear
Then I say we're doing alright
It's alright
The Flashing Lights’ song “It’s Alright” is a tale of self-reflection that suggests that the answers to our problems are within ourselves. The first few lines allude to a search for something unattainable, represented by the stars that are obscured by the city lights. The singer of the song appears lost and unsure of the next steps to take, turning to others for guidance. The line “Which way should I go?” speaks to this uncertainty.
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes that there is hope in coming together with others – “If you see what I see” and “If you want what I want” – but this message is contrasted by the following lyrics about the singer’s daily life. The lines “Sleep like an artist all day” and “start dreaming about money in the bank” suggest a struggle between creative aspirations and financial stability.
Overall, the song seems to be commenting on the difficulties of navigating the modern world, where we are bombarded with external messages about how to live our lives. Despite this, there is still hope to connect with others and find personal success.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking for the stars all night
You're searching for something bigger and greater all night long.
Which you can't see for all the city lights
However, the hustle and bustle of the city has blinded you from seeing the stars.
And you're asking everybody on the street
You're not sure where to look, so you're turning to anyone for guidance.
You're saying, "Hey buddy, buddy won't you lend me that beat?"
You're asking for a helping hand or some inspiration to keep going.
Cause all your soul compressions of yesteryear
Your past experiences of finding inspiration don't hold much weight anymore.
Don't mean all that much now that you're here
Those experiences don't matter as much in the present moment.
You gotta listen to yourself
Ultimately, you need to trust and believe in yourself to find what you're looking for.
You're looking through the vault, okay
You're searching for something valuable and precious.
But you can't see where all the gold is
You can't seem to find it no matter where you look.
And you're asking everybody that you know
You're reaching out to others for help and advice.
You say, "I've been there, I've done that
You've had experiences in the past, but they haven't helped you in the present.
Which way should I go?"
You're still seeking direction and guidance from others.
Cause all your sick expressions of yesterday
Your past experiences and emotions don't hold much value in the present moment.
Don't have all that much to say
Those experiences and emotions don't really help you in your current situation.
Listen to yourself
Ultimately, you need to trust your own instincts and judgment.
If you see what I see
If you and I are on the same page.
Then I say we're singing all night
Then we'll keep celebrating and enjoying ourselves all night long.
It's alright
Everything is okay and good.
If you want what I want
If we have the same desires and goals.
Then I say we're doing alright
Then things are going well for us.
Together
We're united and connected in our desires and goals.
Sleep like an artist all day
You can relax and unwind during the day like a creative person.
But when you wake up
But you have to eventually get up and start the day.
You put your clothes back on
You 'get back to reality' and resume your daily activities.
And start dreaming about money in the bank
You start thinking about practical matters and financial stability.
You're making up lists of people to thank
You're reflecting on who and what has helped you achieve success and progress.
If you hear what I hear
If you and I are on the same wavelength.
Then I say we're singing all night
We'll continue to celebrate and enjoy ourselves all night long.
Together
We're connected and united in our goals and desires.
All night
We'll keep celebrating and having fun all throughout the night.
It's alright
Everything is okay and good in the present moment.
Contributed by Charlotte H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.