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
You Can't Say No Forever
The Go-Betweens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boyfriend says he's boss you're scared of a new endeavor.
What can be tempting you?
Who can be tempting you, you
Look like a winter.
You can't say no forever
You can't say no forever.
Run! if you have to run up to the mountain
Air a writer's retreat maybe.
Sheltered and lonely there a fireplace and a rocking
Chair you understand me.
You can't say no forever
You can't say no forever.
I've tried.
You can't say no in December as the trees
Lined the drive. I'm sure your family
Remembers me by your side.
Night! as your clothes discard he asks
Was your day hard you can barely answer
"Yes my world's tumbling down
Stone by stone to the ground"
Please take out the garbage.
You can't say no in December a piano
Played by a child's hand drifts over the
Verandah and I'm your man.
You can't say no forever.
You can't say no forever.
You can't say no forever.
You can't say no forever.
I've tried and I know why.
The Go-Betweens' song "You Can't Say No Forever" speaks of a woman who is faced with the challenge of making a decision. She looks reluctant to take the plunge, indicated by the lyrics, "You can't say no forever." The opening line seems to imply that the woman has to listen to what her boyfriend says, and she is scared to try out something new. This highlights the struggle and possible fear of change people experience when presented with new opportunities. The line "What can be tempting you?" suggests that the woman may be considering a tempting offer, and the line "Who can be tempting you?" implies that there may be a person enticing her to do something that she finds difficult to resist.
In the chorus, the singer emphasizes the idea that one can't keep saying no forever, and the reference to having tried before implies that the woman must have been presented with several opportunities before. In the second verse, the singer urges the woman to flee if she has to run away to a writer's retreat, and that in such a situation, he "understands" her. The line "You can't say no in December" suggests a deadline or an occasion that requires a decision. The last verse depicts a scene where the woman's wardrobe needs cleaning, and the mundane nature of the task contrasts with the critical decision she is trying to make.
Overall, the song deals with the anxiety of making decisions, the fear of change, and the inevitability of having to make those decisions eventually.
Line by Line Meaning
You can have hearing loss when you're
You may not be listening or paying attention when
Boyfriend says he's boss you're scared of a new endeavor.
Your fear of trying something new arises because your boyfriend is asserting his authority over you.
What can be tempting you?
What is luring or tempting you to consider new opportunities?
Who can be tempting you, you
Who is enticing you to take on new challenges and possibilities?
Look like a winter.
You appear aloof, distant, or emotionally withdrawn.
You can't say no forever
You cannot refuse new opportunities and experiences forever.
You can't say no forever.
You cannot reject new options and possibilities for an indefinite period of time.
I've tried.
I have attempted to persuade you to take risks and embrace change.
Run! if you have to run up to the mountain
Flee the situation if you need to, even if it means retreating to a secluded mountain location.
Air a writer's retreat maybe.
Perhaps go to a writing retreat center for some solitude and inspiration.
Sheltered and lonely there a fireplace and a rocking
You will find shelter and seclusion in a cozy cabin with a fireplace and rocking chair.
Chair you understand me.
You will understand my point of view and feelings if you take the time to reflect and meditate in a peaceful environment.
You can't say no forever
You cannot indefinitely refuse new opportunities and experiences
You can't say no forever.
You cannot continuously reject new chances and changes in your life.
I've tried.
I have attempted to convince you to take risks and embrace the unknown.
You can't say no in December as the trees
December is a time when you should not refuse opportunities, especially if the enchanting, beautiful surroundings such as trees are present.
Lined the drive. I'm sure your family
Your family surely remembers me accompanying you while strolling through the beautiful, natural scenery.
Remembers me by your side.
Your family recollects me having accompanied you during a pleasant time together.
Night! as your clothes discard he asks
At night, when you take your clothes off, your significant other asks
Was your day hard you can barely answer
You can hardly answer your loved one's question because you are too tired or overwhelmed.
"Yes my world's tumbling down
You answer in the affirmative, indicating that you are experiencing turmoil or chaos.
Stone by stone to the ground"
Your world feels like it is crumbling or falling apart, with parts of your life collapsing piece by piece.
Please take out the garbage.
In the midst of a difficult conversation, a trivial and mundane request, in this case to take out the trash, can feel like a odd and unrelated interruption.
You can't say no in December a piano
In December, you should not refuse opportunities and possibilities, even if they come unexpectedly, as exemplified by the sound of a piano in the background.
Played by a child's hand drifts over the
A piano tune played by a child melody drifts across the atmosphere, reflecting the beauty of life and its tensions.
Verandah and I'm your man.
I am the one who will support, comfort, and care for you, even during difficult times, like a reassuring presence on the veranda.
You can't say no forever.
You cannot prolong your rejection of opportunities and options indefinitely.
You can't say no forever.
You cannot reject the unknown for an indefinite amount of time.
You can't say no forever.
A continuous refusal to take on the new and the unknown ultimately proves unsustainable.
You can't say no forever.
It is important not to continually refuse new opportunities and possibilities.
I've tried and I know why.
I have tried to convince you to take risks and embrace the new because I know it is for the best to try.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN, ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Todd Robson
Beautifully evocative song. The Go Betweens were perfect. Poetry set to music. Never ever tire of them.
Paul Mulcahy
The Go Betweens are the sound of Oz, big wide open space and that beautiful blue sky!!
MrDunkiep
Funky syncopated beat - catchy. I meant to buy this album at the time but never got round to it. Reading Grant and I at the moment and feel like I'm discovering the band for the first time.
lyonslaforet
You can't say no forever but you can say yes to the excellence of this song!
Beatriz Caballero hdez
preciosa cancion
SALVADOR ROMERO MOLINA
BEST SONG IN THE ALBUM & MY TOP 2 GO BETWEENS SONG EVER
ELXOSE80
Thanks for sharing this brilliant song.
*10*/Fav
louser777
Robert Forster was the man!
alotofconcordes
I mean there is something about catching the train to work and coming out of Central into Roma Street and this song playing.
Lonnie Regalturdz
Robert Forster sounds especially Tom Verlaine-y in on this track.