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
I'm All Right
The Go-Betweens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When my nerves are steady
When my eyes are free of tears
Someday
She doesn't want to hurt me
It's OK
I'm Allright.
A sad man
Trying to lift a hundred weight
If I can
When I say I'm available
She smiles
She doesn't want to hurt me
It's OK
I'm Allright.
I'm allright, I know
I'm allright, I know
can it be can it be will it be will it be
Allright.
She can see that I'm still angry
It's no good
I can see her during the day
That's good
I have to earn the night
At night
She doesn't want to see me
It's OK
I'm Allright.
I'm Allright, I am Allright, I'm Allright.
I'm allright, I know
I'm allright, I know
can it be can it be will it be will it be
Allright.
The lyrics of "I'm Allright" show a man who is struggling to cope with heartbreak and the aftermath of a relationship that has ended. The song is written from his perspective, and he talks about how he knows that he is still not ready to move on. However, he tries to convince himself that he is fine and that he will eventually be able to heal. The idea of being "allright" is repeated throughout the song, creating a sense of repetition that reflects the man's internal struggle.
The first verse talks about how the man's nerves need to be steady, and his eyes free of tears for him to be ready to move on. He acknowledges that his partner doesn't want to hurt him, but he tries to convince himself that everything is fine. The second verse continues this theme of self-deception, with the man splashing and dashing himself, trying to lift a hundred weight, and saying he is available to see his partner. He knows that she doesn't want to hurt him, but he is trying to show that he can handle it.
The chorus is a repeated affirmation that he is "allright", even though it's not entirely clear if he believes it. The last verse is particularly poignant, as he says that his partner can see that he's still angry, but he's trying to earn the right to be with her. He knows that she doesn't want to see him because he's hurting, but he's determined to convince himself that he's "allright".
Overall, "I'm Allright" is a powerful song about heartbreak and trying to move on, even when you're not quite ready. It captures the emotional complexity of coming to terms with the end of a relationship and the effort it takes to convince oneself that everything will be okay.
Line by Line Meaning
She knows that I'm not ready
She is aware that I am not prepared for something.
When my nerves are steady
When I am calm and composed.
When my eyes are free of tears
When I am not crying or feeling emotional.
Someday
At some point in the future.
She doesn't want to hurt me
She does not want to cause me pain or harm.
It's OK
Everything is fine.
I'm Allright.
I am doing well and do not need any help.
Splashing and dashing myself
I am recklessly behaving and acting without purpose or direction.
A sad man
Someone who is feeling unhappy and melancholy.
Trying to lift a hundred weight
Attempting to carry a burden or responsibility too heavy for me.
If I can
If it is possible for me to do so.
When I say I'm available
When I state that I am free or able to do something.
She smiles
She reacts positively or happily to my availability.
She can see that I'm still angry
She is aware that I am still feeling upset or frustrated about something.
It's no good
The situation or circumstance is not beneficial or positive.
I can see her during the day
I have the opportunity to spend time with her during daylight hours.
That's good
A positive outcome or situation.
I have to earn the night
I need to prove myself or do something to deserve spending time with her in the evening.
She doesn't want to see me
She has no desire to spend time with me at the moment.
I am Allright
I am doing well and do not need any help.
Contributed by Jayden E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.