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.
The One Thing
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
I'm playing by the book
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]
In "The One Thing," The Pursuit of Happiness's singer explores his approach to love and relationships. He admits that he is not a ladies' man and doesn't want to hurt anyone. Although he likes to flirt, he emphasizes that he plays by the book when it comes to the matters of his heart. He opens up further and discloses that he has "one thing" that he's saving just for his lover. He goes on to describe how he likes to kiss girls but acknowledges that he's very selective and mindful of who he chooses to be with.
The song has a groovy and upbeat melody that juxtaposes with the personal and sometimes awkward narrative of the lyrics. The singer's honesty about his feelings and desires makes the song stand out. It shows that even though it's not easy expressing one's emotions, doing so can lead to a better understanding of one's identity and what they want.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm no ladies man - I don't run around
I'm not a player and I'm not promiscuous
It's really not my style
It's not the way I am or how I want to live
I mean I like to flirt but I don't want to hurt
I enjoy flirting with women, but I don't want to lead them on or cause them any pain
You could say I'm just a friendly guy
I'm just a nice and sociable person
It doesn't often happen but sometimes I'll get a girl laughing
I don't usually have much success, but occasionally I can make a woman laugh
That's if she'll even give me a look
Assuming she even acknowledges my existence
But when it comes to matters of the heart I'll tell you right up front
I'm honest and upfront when it comes to my romantic intentions
I'm playing by the book
I follow proper etiquette and standards of behavior
Baby, there is one thing I am saving just for you
I have something special that I'm reserving only for you
Darling, I got one thing I ain't giving to nobody but you
I'm exclusive to you and you alone
Sometimes if she's not shy I like to steal a little kiss
If she's open to it, I may sneak a quick kiss
A little kiss if she's willing and young
Only if she consents and is of legal age
Sometimes she'll be a little too eager
Occasionally, she may be too forward or aggressive for my liking
(I hate it when they almost choke you with their tongue)
I don't enjoy overly aggressive kissing techniques
That's when I back off and try and catch my breath
If things get too intense, I'll step back and take a breather
And think of what I've got to lose
I consider the potential negative consequences of my actions
She might be pretty and witty and fun but between the two of you
Although she may be attractive, there's one person who stands out above all others
I know who I'll chose
I know who I'll pick
[chorus]
Refrain indicating the song's main message and title
Sometimes I go too far - the girls just think I'm icky
I may cross a line or make someone uncomfortable, which is not my intention
They can see the boner in my pants
My physical arousal may be visible to others, which can be awkward and embarrassing
I know I should keep my hands to myself
I realize that I need to be more respectful and maintain appropriate physical boundaries
But I can't -- I just can't
Despite my best efforts, sometimes it's hard to resist temptation
My skin gets creepy crawly and I'm so alcoholly
I feel nervous and anxious, and alcohol might be a factor in my behavior
That I know it's time for me to leave
I realize that I need to exit the situation before things get worse
'Cause it all means nothing
Any other encounters or experiences don't compare to what I have with you
I belong to you and that's something you'll just have to believe
I'm committed to being faithful to you, and I hope you trust and believe in me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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