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.
Wake Up and Smell Cathy
The Pursuit Of Happiness Lyrics
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Everywhere I turn, I get people gnashing their teeth
There's danger around every corner
And sorrow and hatred on every street
These people act like there's nothing
The sorrow they bring, I just can't comprehend
But I have a secret consolation
She's the gentle whisper against my hand
So every night when I go to bed
I can dream of a peaceful world
Cause' every morning I Wake Up And Smell Cathy
Cathy knows how much I worry
And sometimes the world is out of control
She knows that I can't change that
I can't alter the evil in another man's soul
So every night when I go to bed
I can dream of a peaceful world
Cause' every morning I Wake Up And Smell Cathy
Cathy's on every morning
I light a cup of her everyday
When I taste her full body flavour
It makes the world go away
Every night when I go to bed
I can dream of a peaceful world
Cause' every morning I Wake Up And Smell Cathy
The Pursuit of Happiness's song, "Wake Up and Smell Cathy," is a melancholy yet romantic ode to finding comfort and solace in a world that can often feel cold and unfeeling. The singer of the song feels alienated and lonely in a society where people seem selfish and cruel, and danger lurks around every corner. But despite this, the one thing that keeps them going is their love for someone named Cathy. Cathy is like a beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak existence, and the singer draws strength from her love and companionship.
The lyrics are particularly poignant because they highlight the fragile nature of human relationships, especially in a world where people seem more interested in tearing each other down than building each other up. The singer's reliance on Cathy is both heartwarming and heartbreaking because it underscores how important it is to have someone who truly cares about you in a world where it can feel like no one does.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes life is so lonely
Life can be isolating and lonely at times.
Everywhere I turn, I get people gnashing their teeth
People are often angry and frustrated, causing tension wherever I go.
There's danger around every corner
Life can be unpredictable and dangerous.
And sorrow and hatred on every street
There are negative emotions everywhere, causing pain and discontent.
These people act like there's nothing
Others seem oblivious to the pain and negativity surrounding them.
The sorrow they bring, I just can't comprehend
It's hard to understand why others bring so much pain and sorrow.
But I have a secret consolation
Despite all the negativity, there is something that brings comfort in the midst of it all.
She's the gentle whisper against my hand
The source of consolation is represented by a gentle touch or presence.
Cathy knows how much I worry
The source of consolation is aware of the artist's fears and concerns.
And sometimes the world is out of control
There are times when events and circumstances are beyond our control.
She knows that I can't change that
The source of consolation understands that the singer can't change the world or others' actions.
I can't alter the evil in another man's soul
The artist realizes that they can't change the inherent negativity in others.
Cathy's on every morning
The source of comfort is present and reliable every day.
I light a cup of her everyday
The singer seeks out the comforting presence of the source of consolation regularly.
When I taste her full body flavour
The source of consolation brings a sense of satisfaction and completeness.
It makes the world go away
The source of consolation provides a brief escape from the negativity and pain of the world.
Every night when I go to bed
I can dream of a peaceful world
Cause' every morning I Wake Up And Smell Cathy
The artist finds the ability to dream of a better world and starts each day with the comforting presence of the source of consolation.
Writer(s): MOE BERG
Contributed by Elizabeth L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.