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
Man O'Sand to Girl O'Sea
The Go-Betweens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll write a song about us breaking up.
"The Traffic Lights on the Street of Love"
Have just turned red, turned red, and
[Chorus]
Man o'sand to girl o'sea
Says it's love you'll get from me
Says it's love you'll get from me
I want you back,
Say it isn't so.
Tears for certain there's no relief
I feel no better with wet cheeks.
And man I stand up to you
I feel it now, I do, and
[Chorus]
So we break up, you leave my life
Leave, leave me alone, and
Man o'sand to girl o'sea says it's love
Man o'sand to girl o'sea says it's love
[Chorus]
I want you back, I want you back, I want you back
Because I
Feel no better, Feel no better, Feel no better
[Chorus]
You're the one, the one I need, need in times
Times like these
The song "Man O'Sand to Girl O'Sea" by The Go-Betweens is a track that talks about a tumultuous love affair that is seemingly coming to an end. The first verse talks about how the singer feels so confident in their love that they can even write a song about ending it. The metaphor of the "Traffic Lights on the Street of Love" turning red implies that their relationship has hit a stop and they are at a crossroads of sorts.
In the chorus, the singer, who is referred to as "Man O'Sand," makes a promise of love to "Girl O'Sea," telling her that she will always receive love from him. However, in the second verse, the tone changes, and the singer expresses his desire to get back with his lover, crying tears of sadness that offer no relief. The lines "And man I stand up to you, I feel it now, I do" suggests that the singer may have been hesitant to express his feelings in the past, but now he is ready to speak his mind.
As the song comes to a close, the singer addresses his lover one last time, saying that he wants her back because she is the one he needs, especially in times like these. The song is a poignant reminder of how love can be both beautiful and heartbreaking, and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that is on the brink of collapsing.
Line by Line Meaning
Feel so sure of our love
Despite feeling certain about our love, I am acknowledging the potential for our breakup and will write a song about it.
"The Traffic Lights on the Street of Love" / Have just turned red, turned red, and
Our relationship has hit a red light, suggesting a stop in our love story despite the momentum we had.
Man o'sand to girl o'sea / Says it's love you'll get from me
I, like the sand, may not be constant, but my love for you, like the sea, will remain.
I want you back, / Say it isn't so. / Tears for certain there's no relief / I feel no better with wet cheeks.
Despite wanting you back, I cannot deny that our breakup has brought tears and no comfort.
And man I stand up to you / I feel it now, I do, and
I am confronting you and acknowledging my feelings wholeheartedly.
So we break up, you leave my life / Leave, leave me alone, and / Man o'sand to girl o'sea says it's love
As we split, I am still reaffirming that my love for you will remain like the sand and sea.
I want you back, I want you back, I want you back / Because I / Feel no better, Feel no better, Feel no better
My desire for you to return to my life stems from my unyielding feelings of sadness and despair.
You're the one, the one I need, need in times / Times like these
In moments of despair, I realize that you are the one I need in my life, despite our current situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN, ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Benjamin White
I agree, this, the single version, is much better than the album version. Something about the production is much more urgent, immediate, and impressive. It's one of The Go-Betweens finest moments, in fact.
David James Buckner
I could not disagree with this statement more wholeheartedly. It IS, in fact one of the band's finest moments. But the LP version is supreme, as it contains one of their best guitar outbursts. The song builds, breathes and then quietly explodes.
mayanne alves
GOSTO MUITO DESSA BANDA OS CARA MANDA BEM !!!!
kiwicom65
Excellent audio of a Wellington, New Zealand full Go-Betweens gig from 1985 including this track. Recorded from the sound desk, so very good quality. 17 tracks: The Go-Betweens - 1985 Wellington
Phil James
Just Looked, You have been hit by the Youtube police Dept. Damn.
Rich Alderson
I'm an outsider here, I prefer the album version, I'm always a sucker for a great guitar solo and Grant really rocked it on this song.
But I still like this version as well, edits it down to make a good single.
Timmybear
Much better than the over-extended album take. :)
Jose Pedragosa
Simplemente Acojonante,!!
shrew972
thank you - great version
Phil James
Great single (and 'B' side). Makes current guitar bands sound like Sham 69. Not in a good way. Should have been massive. Like The Replacements. My love makes me weep.