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.
Terrified
The Pursuit Of Happiness Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know where her head's at, but her body's still around
It's tiptoe, egg shells, don't step on the cracks
When she walks out the door is she ever coming back
It gets so quiet, it gets so still
You wish she'd break something, but you know she never will
If it's true that the eyes are the mirror of the soul
Hey, hey, it's so empty inside
Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified
Hey, hey, that's the second time you've cried
Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified
She looks at your face and sees you're thirsty for a shake
So she slithers over you like a cool smooth snake
It's sound and fury, that ends without a kiss
And you know down deep you can't live without this
There's nothing for her, she gets you off and goes to work
Leaves you panting in bed, feeling like a jerk
You put on your glasses, haul up your ass
And take a walk to the corner saloon (you buffoon)
Hey, hey, it's so empty inside
Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified
Hey, hey, that's the third time you've cried
Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified
You can sleep till noon, you can drink out of her shoe
Run your fingers through her clothes, spray yourself with her perfume
And you'll never know, never know, man I never know
What to do, what I do to make you come unglued
Hey, hey, it's so empty inside
Hey, hey, she leaves me terrified
Hey, hey, that's the fourth time I cried
Hey, hey, she leaves me terrified
The Pursuit of Happiness’s song “Terrified” is a raw and emotional depiction of a toxic and unstable relationship. The lyrics capture the desperation and frustration of being stuck in a situation where one’s emotions and actions are controlled by a partner who is emotionally unavailable and seemingly indifferent. The singer is constantly walking on eggshells, unsure of what will set their partner off and cause them to leave. The lines “It gets so quiet, it gets so still, you wish she’d break something, but you know she never will” highlight the unspoken tension and lack of communication between the two.
The chorus “Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified” is a powerful statement that underscores the emotional state of the singer. The relationship is in a constant state of turmoil, with the partner giving just enough to keep the singer invested but never fully committing. The lines “You put on your glasses, haul up your ass, and take a walk to the corner saloon (you buffoon)” reflect the singer’s feelings of shame and inadequacy in the face of an overpowering partner.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that is full of inconsistencies, games, and manipulation. The singer is left feeling empty, scared and hungry for more, even though they know they will never receive the love and affection they so desperately crave. The song is a poignant reminder of the dangers of being in a relationship that is founded on insecurity, control and fear.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, as it happens, the talks have broken down
Communication has failed between the singer and his partner.
I don't know where her head's at, but her body's still around
The singer's partner is physically present, but emotionally distant.
It's tiptoe, egg shells, don't step on the cracks
The singer feels like he's walking on eggshells around his partner, trying not to upset her.
When she walks out the door is she ever coming back
The singer is unsure if his partner will return when she leaves.
It gets so quiet, it gets so still
The atmosphere becomes tense and silent.
You wish she'd break something, but you know she never will
The singer desires an emotional outburst from his partner, but knows it's unlikely to happen.
If it's true that the eyes are the mirror of the soul
The singer ponders the idea that one's eyes can reveal their true emotions.
Then hers is hard and cold and completely in control of yours
The singer believes his partner's eyes show no emotion and it affects him deeply.
Hey, hey, it's so empty inside
The singer feels hollow and unfulfilled.
Hey, hey, she leaves you terrified
The singer is afraid of the effect his partner has on him.
Hey, hey, that's the second time you've cried
The singer has been brought to tears multiple times by his partner's behavior.
She looks at your face and sees you're thirsty for a shake
The singer's partner can recognize his needs and manipulates him to fulfill them.
So she slithers over you like a cool smooth snake
The singer's partner moves over him in a seductive, manipulative manner.
It's sound and fury, that ends without a kiss
The relationship has a lot of drama but is ultimately unfulfilling.
And you know down deep you can't live without this
The singer is aware that he is emotionally dependent on his partner.
There's nothing for her, she gets you off and goes to work
The singer's partner uses him for physical pleasure and then leaves for work.
Leaves you panting in bed, feeling like a jerk
The singer is left feeling ashamed and embarrassed after his partner leaves.
You put on your glasses, haul up your ass
The singer gets dressed and tries to move on from the situation.
And take a walk to the corner saloon (you buffoon)
The singer goes to a bar, possibly as a coping mechanism, and calls himself a fool for doing so.
You can sleep till noon, you can drink out of her shoe
The singer is willing to do anything to feel close to his partner, even if it's strange or unorthodox.
Run your fingers through her clothes, spray yourself with her perfume
The singer tries to find comfort in his partner's belongings and scent while she's gone.
And you'll never know, never know, man I never know
The singer is uncertain about the future of his relationship and feels like he will never truly understand his partner's intentions.
What to do, what I do to make you come unglued
The singer wants to know what he can do to elicit a true and emotional response from his partner.
Hey, hey, it's so empty inside
The singer is left feeling hollow and unfulfilled due to his partner's behavior.
Hey, hey, she leaves me terrified
The singer is afraid of the impact his partner has on him.
Hey, hey, that's the fourth time I cried
The singer has been brought to tears numerous times by his partner's actions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MOE BERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind