The Go-Betweens were a critically-acclaimed cult act famously summarised by Village Voice critic Robert Christgau thus: “Robert Forster and Grant McLennan are the greatest songwriting partnership working today.”
Early drummers Lissa Ross and Tim Mustapha were followed by Lindy Morrison, who was a constant member through the six albums the band recorded in their first and most prolific era. Robert Vickers made the band a four piece when he joined on bass for the third album - "Spring Hill Fair". He left following the fifth album, to be replaced by long-time Brisbane muso John Wilsteed. Amanda Brown (violin, oboe and vocals) was the other key member, heavily influencing the Go-Betweens sound on the final two albums in this period.
The Go-Betweens toured overseas numerous times and produced such indie hits as "Cattle and Cane" (1983) and "Streets of Your Town" (1988). After recording six acclaimed albums, Forster and McLennan disbanded The Go-Betweens in December 1989.
Forster and McLennan pursued solo careers throughout the '90s but were inspired to work together after they were invited by fans at French music magazine Les Inrockuptibles to perform at the magazine's 10th anniversary.
In 2000, Forster and McLennan reformed The Go-Betweens, assisted by all three members of Sleater-Kinney, and recorded the album The Friends of Rachel Worth.
The most recent line-up (2005) included Forster, McLennan, Adele Pickvance (bass) and Glenn Thompson (drums).
In October 2005 The Go-Betweens finally achieved mainstream recognition, with the album Oceans Apart (produced by Mark Wallis and Dave Ruffy) winning an ARIA award for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
Grant McLennan died in his sleep at his home in Highgate Hill, Brisbane on May 6, 2006. He was preparing for a party at his home when he mentioned he was feeling ill, and went to lie down. He was found later that night, and is believed to have suffered a heart attack. With McLennan's death, Robert Forster announced that the Go-Betweens are no more.
"The Go-Betweens have made their final album. They have played their final show. We let it rest at that, being very proud of what we have done." - Robert Forster (May 7th 2006). In June 2007, a tribute album, Write Your Adventures Down, was released in Australia.
Discography:
Non-Album Singles
* "Lee Remick/Karen" (Able Label, 1978)
* "People Say/Don't Let Him Come Back" (Able Label, 1979)
* "I Need Two Heads/Stop before You say It" (Missing Link/Postcard, 1980)
Albums
* Send Me A Lullaby (1982)
* Before Hollywood (1983)
* Spring Hill Fair (1984)
* Liberty Belle and the Black Diamond Express (1986)
* Tallulah (1987)
* 16 Lovers Lane (1988)
* 16 Lovers Lane Acoustic Démos (1996)
* Live on SNAP (1999)
* The Friends of Rachel Worth (2000)
* Bright Yellow Bright Orange (2003)
* Oceans Apart (2005)
* Live At The Tivoli, Brisbane (2006)
Compilations
* 1978-1990 (1990)
* Bellavista Terrace: Best of the Go-Betweens (1999)
* 78 'til 79 the Lost Album (1999)
Previous Members:
* Malcolm Kelly ("People Say")
* Jaqueline / Candice ("People Say")
2) The Go-Betweens [60s] A american garage band, made one single 1965.
Knock Knock / Have Her for My Own
Apology Accepted
The Go-Betweens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess I still do
I'm doing it again
But that's what happens
When you're in view
More used to naked men
You said leave the light on
Don't be frightened
I can wait to see if my
Apology's accepted
Too proud to hang my head
In shame beside your bed
But sometimes you want something
So bad, you'll grab anything
You said that's ridiculous
There's only one thing that precious
I don't know how long
I can wait to see if my
Apology's Accepted
I gotta know is my
Apology accepted
Time and time again
Your soft eyes close
In trust above me
Such a simple question
I pretended I was sleeping
I didn't know anything
But you I'm keeping
I don't know how long
I can wait to see if my
Apology's Accepted
I gotta know is my
Apology Accepted
The Go-Betweens' "Apology Accepted" describes a man who is seeking forgiveness from his partner after continuously saying foolish things. He admits that he still messes up sometimes, but it's because she's always on his mind. The man acknowledges his mistakes and expresses his remorse, but he's too proud to make a public apology. He doesn't want to admit his guilt, and he fears judgment from others. However, he's haunted by the possibility that his apology might not be accepted, so he asks for reassurance from his partner.
The song expresses the vulnerability inherent in seeking forgiveness. The man wants to make things right, but he's afraid of being rejected. He's also unsure of whether or not his partner truly forgives him. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is wrestling with his own insecurities and seeking validation from someone he loves. The chorus of the song, "I don't know how long/I can wait to see if my/Apology's accepted/I gotta know if my/Apology's accepted" perfectly describes the man's intense desire for his partner's approval.
Overall, "Apology Accepted" is a heart-wrenching track that encapsulates the complexity of human relationships. It's a song about forgiveness, love, and the fear of rejection.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to say dumb things
In the past, I would speak foolishly.
I guess I still do
I admit that I continue to do this.
I'm doing it again
Once again, I am making the same mistake.
But that's what happens
It seems to be a pattern with me.
When you're in view
Especially when I'm around you.
More used to naked men
I am more familiar with seeing men unclothed.
You said leave the light on
You requested that the light stay on.
Don't be frightened
You don't need to be scared.
I don't know how long
I am unsure of the time frame.
I can wait to see if my
I'm willing to wait and find out if my
Apology's accepted
Your forgiveness will be granted.
Too proud to hang my head
I have too much pride to admit my mistake.
In shame beside your bed
I can't bring myself to apologize in person.
But sometimes you want something
At times, you will do anything to get what you want.
So bad, you'll grab anything
Even if it's not the right thing to do.
You said that's ridiculous
You find this behavior absurd.
There's only one thing that precious
You believe that only one thing is truly valuable.
I gotta know is my
I must know if my
Apology accepted
You will forgive me for my mistake.
Time and time again
Repeatedly, throughout time.
Your soft eyes close
You become relaxed and vulnerable.
In trust above me
You have confidence in me.
Such a simple question
It's a straightforward inquiry.
I pretended I was sleeping
I acted as if I were asleep.
I didn't know anything
I was unaware of any wrongdoing.
But you I'm keeping
Despite my mistakes, I still want to be with you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN, ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RBK Ian FN
The most underrated band in history. Lucky enough to see them live both originally in 1986 and in 2003 when they reformed. Also saw Grant McLennan do a solo gig at The Leadmill in 96. Can't have been more than 40 people there bu he was brilliant. Sadly missed. By the way that's him singing if nobody answered the earlier question.
Stephen De Carteret
Bought this magnificent album in the 80’s. They truly were a top band and criminally underrated. No real compensation to them but people are getting to appreciate their brilliance anew.
E Says
My fav album, one of the best Australian albums of the 80's.... EVER!
E Says
This arrangement is....AMAZING to say the least! The drone organ is hypnotic. I'm learning this song but I need to change key which I fear may tarnish the songs finish? Miss you Grant :(
NashSpaceRocket
what drone organ? That's a 12 string electric playing in the background.
E Says
@NashSpaceRocket there's an obvious hammond organ playing a single note, G I believe, that doesn't change throughout the entire arrangement as a crescrndo. The 12 string is obviously there but a 12 string cannot sustain a note like that.
Searchandpreserve
@E Says you`re so right! It´s simply a great musical idea, sounds like a clamp around the heart and that goes so well with the song´s message..
patrick cullen
1000 acoustic guitars?
TheChamberlaingirl
One of my favorite albums ever.
E Says
I'm going to make a YouTube video about this album