Their debut single, I'm an Adult Now, quickly became a hit across Canada in 1986, sparked by a low-budget video which made it onto the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic. However, the band did not immediately sign to a record label, and released another independent single, Killed by Love, in 1988. The Amabile twins left the band that year, and were replaced by Kris Abbott and Leslie Stanwyck.
Also in 1988, they signed to Chrysalis Records. Their debut album, Love Junk, was produced by Todd Rundgren and released that year. "I'm an Adult Now" was re-recorded and released as a single again, making it to the charts a second time. The album sold over 100,000 copies in Canada, and was certified platinum, and is considered one of the classics of Canadian rock.
Stanwyck and Sinclair left, going on to form Universal Honey, after completing the band's follow-up with Rundgren, 1990's One-Sided Story.
Starting with the tour for the album, Brad Barker and Susan Murumets joined the lineup. Rachel Oldfield replaced Murumets in 1992. The band then went through difficulties with their record label, but signed to Mercury Records for 1993's The Downward Road.
Label troubles continued, and the band recorded their next two albums for the now-defunct Canadian label Iron Music. Oldfield left the band in 1995, and was replaced by Jennifer Foster, who in turn left the following year and was replaced by Renee Suchy.
Although the group never officially disbanded, after 1996 they did not record as a unit until 2005, when they recorded two new tracks for a greatest hits compilation.
I
The Pursuit Of Happiness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's really not my style
I mean I like to flirt but I don't want to hurt
You could say I'm just a friendly guy
It doesn't often happen but sometimes I'll get a girl laughing
That's if she'll even give me a look
But when it comes to matters of the heart I'll tell you right up front
Baby, there is one thing I am saving just for you
Darling, I got one thing I ain't giving to nobody but you
Sometimes if she's not shy I like to steal a little kiss
A little kiss if she's willing and young
Sometimes she'll be a little too eager
(I hate it when they almost choke you with their tongue)
That's when I back off and try and catch my breath
And think of what I've got to lose
She might be pretty and witty and fun but between the two of you
I know who I'll chose
[Chorus]
Sometimes I go too far - the girls just think I'm icky
They can see the boner in my pants
I know I should keep my hands to myself
But I can't -- I just can't
My skin gets creepy crawly and I'm so alcoholly
That I know it's time for me to leave
'Cause it all means nothing
I belong to you and that's something you'll just have to believe
[Chorus]
The song "I" by The Pursuit of Happiness is a humorous take on a man's pursuit of love and relationships. The lyrics reveal that the singer is not a ladies' man and does not indulge in casual flings. He admits to being a friendly guy who likes to flirt but doesn't want to hurt anyone. The song also touches upon the singer's philosophy when it comes to matters of the heart, and how he believes in playing it safe by the book.
However, the song takes a turn towards the end when it becomes apparent that the singer might not always adhere to his principles. He admits to sometimes going too far and making girls uncomfortable. He also reveals that he has intense feelings for the person he is singing to and cannot keep his hands to himself despite knowing that he should. The song ends with the singer declaring his loyalty to the person he loves, and how he belongs to them completely.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm no ladies man - I don't run around
I'm not a womanizer who goes chasing after every girl he sees.
It's really not my style
That's just not who I am as a person.
I mean I like to flirt but I don't want to hurt
I enjoy playful flirting, but I don't want to lead anyone on or cause them emotional pain.
You could say I'm just a friendly guy
I'm outgoing and social, but I'm not trying to pursue anyone romantically unless it's mutually desired.
It doesn't often happen but sometimes I'll get a girl laughing
Occasionally I'll be able to make a girl laugh, but it's not a common occurrence.
That's if she'll even give me a look
If she's interested, she may look my way and engage in conversation with me.
But when it comes to matters of the heart I'll tell you right up front
I'll be upfront about my intentions and feelings when it comes to romantic relationships.
I'm playing by the book
I have a moral compass that I follow and won't engage in unethical or manipulative behavior to get what I want.
Baby, there is one thing I am saving just for you
I have something special that I want to share with you and only you.
Darling, I got one thing I ain't giving to nobody but you
I have a unique offering that I'm reserving solely for you and will not share with anyone else.
Sometimes if she's not shy I like to steal a little kiss
If there's chemistry between us and she's open to it, I may lean in for a brief kiss.
A little kiss if she's willing and young
I wouldn't engage in anything beyond a brief, innocent kiss with someone who isn't enthusiastic and willing to participate.
Sometimes she'll be a little too eager
Sometimes things could start to get a little out of hand or she may become too forceful in her advances.
(I hate it when they almost choke you with their tongue)
I find it uncomfortable and unpleasant when someone is overly aggressive or pushy with their kissing.
That's when I back off and try and catch my breath
If things start to feel like they're going too far or becoming too intense, I'll take a step back and regroup.
And think of what I've got to lose
I'll reflect on what's at stake and whether it's worth compromising my values or integrity.
She might be pretty and witty and fun but between the two of you
Even if there's chemistry between us, I'll still consider what's truly best from a moral standpoint and won't compromise my values.
I know who I'll chose
I'll choose the option with the most integrity and moral fortitude.
[Chorus]
The repeated section of the song that serves as the main message or theme.
Sometimes I go too far - the girls just think I'm icky
Occasionally my behavior can cross a line and make someone feel uncomfortable or disgusted.
They can see the boner in my pants
My physical arousal can sometimes be noticeable and can make people uncomfortable or embarrassed.
I know I should keep my hands to myself
I'm aware that my actions and advances should be respectful and consensual.
But I can't -- I just can't
My impulses sometimes get the better of me and I struggle to control my physical desires.
My skin gets creepy crawly and I'm so alcoholly
My skin gets uncomfortable and I feel the urge to do something impulsive when I've consumed alcohol.
That I know it's time for me to leave
When I feel like I'm losing control or crossing a line, it's time for me to remove myself from the situation.
'Cause it all means nothing
If I don't have integrity and moral fortitude, then everything else is meaningless and empty.
I belong to you and that's something you'll just have to believe
I'm committed to you and our relationship, but you'll have to trust and believe in me to maintain that commitment.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MOE BERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind