The band self-released their debut album Unicorns Are People Too in March 2003 through their own record label Caterpillars of the Community, with a limited press run of 500 copies.
In October of the same year they went back into the studio, recording several new songs as well as reworking a number of songs from their debut. The resulting second album, Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?, was released in November 2003 on the label Alien8 Recordings, and was a notable departure for a label that has traditionally released albums by avantgarde and highly experimental artists such as Acid Mothers Temple and noise pioneer Merzbow.
The album received glowing reviews from The Village Voice, NME, online magazine Pitchfork and numerous other publications around the world, and it quickly earned the band a fanatical following on the indie-rock circuit. The band toured constantly for 13 months following its release, initially supporting fellow Canadian band Hot Hot Heat across North America before proceeding to play to sell-out crowds in Australia, Europe and the UK, as well as touring several more times across the US and Canada.
The band's hectic touring schedule took its toll, however, and by the time of their Australian tour in December 2004 they were showing signs of exhaustion, playing reportedly lukewarm shows and verbally clashing with audience members. On December 28, 2004, a short message appeared on the Unicorns' website reading "THE UNICORNS ARE DEAD, (R.I.P.)," leading fans to speculate as to whether they had broken up. In early February of 2005 pitchforkmedia.com reported that The Unicorns had split. Also the website solidpr.com issued a press statement on the band's behalf confirming the claims of break-up.
Thorburn and Thompson continue to collaborate together as Th' Corn Gangg (a pop/hip-hop project) and Islands (a pop project).
Penner released a 7" on the Melbourne-based Art School Dropout label. The a-side, "The Ghost Of Creaky Crater", was recorded in Melbourne on December 19, 2004 while The Unicorns were touring the country. The release was limited to 100 copies. Penner now performs under the name Dub Intefadah.
From Wikipedia
Tuff Ghost
The Unicorns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
sit down X3
X2
say something now
X2
the tuff ghost disappears for 3 days
i don't want to hurt you
GHOST
well you can't, 'cause i'm already dead
the tuff ghost is invincible
no guts came out when he bled
GHOST
well i lift weights, but i don't sweat.
i go for a swim, but i don't get wet
i don't care about anyone else
i'm a strong dead man, looking out for himself
i think you're suffering, that's why you're so mean
you're already dead
i can't see right through you X8
The lyrics of The Unicorns' song Tuff Ghost seem to describe a character who is tough and invincible, even in death. The repeated refrain of "tuff ghost, tuff crowd, tuff love" suggests that this character exists in a world that is harsh and unforgiving. The line "the tuff ghost disappears for 3 days" may be a reference to the biblical story of Jesus' death and resurrection, which could suggest that the tuff ghost is a symbol of spiritual strength or resilience. However, the line "the tuff ghost is set in his ways" suggests that this character may be stubborn or resistant to change.
The exchange between the singer and the tuff ghost is particularly interesting, as it highlights the differences between the living and the dead. The singer says "I don't want to hurt you" to the tuff ghost, but the ghost responds with "well you can't, 'cause I'm already dead." This suggests that the tuff ghost is not afraid of anything, as he has already experienced the ultimate form of pain and suffering. The lyrics also suggest that the tuff ghost is a loner, as he does not care about anyone else and is only looking out for himself.
Overall, the lyrics of Tuff Ghost present a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable, and who exists in a world that is both tough and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
tuff ghost, tuff crowd, tuff love
The singer observes the harshness that seems to permeate many aspects of life.
sit down X3
The singer repeatedly tells the listener to take a break and relax.
say something now X2
The singer urges the listener to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings.
the tuff ghost disappears for 3 days
The tough persona the artist has created for themselves seems to falter briefly.
the tuff ghost is set in his ways
Despite the short-lived vulnerability, the artist has a strong sense of his identity and values.
i don't want to hurt you
The singer expresses concern and remorse for the impact his words and actions may have on others.
GHOST, well you can't, 'cause i'm already dead
The singer, embodying the persona of a ghost, claims invincibility and immunity to hurt and pain.
the tuff ghost is invincible
The artist's tough exterior masks a deep sense of inner fortitude and resilience.
no guts came out when he bled
Despite being wounded or hurt, the artist shows no outward signs of pain or vulnerability.
GHOST, well i lift weights, but i don't sweat.
The artist boasts about his strength and toughness, but implies that he is not easily fatigued or overwhelmed.
i go for a swim, but i don't get wet
The singer continues to assert invincibility and detachment from the trials and tribulations of ordinary life.
i don't care about anyone else
The artist seems selfish and self-centered, more concerned with his own well-being than that of others.
i'm a strong dead man, looking out for himself
The singer further asserts his toughness and resilience, but also hints at a sense of loneliness and isolation.
i think you're suffering, that's why you're so mean
The singer attempts to understand the behavior of another person by empathizing with their pain and struggles.
you're already dead
The singer metaphorically tells the other person that they too are in a sense dead or numb to feeling.
i can't see right through you X8
The artist acknowledges the difficulties of understanding and connecting with others, emphasizing the isolating effects of hurt and pain.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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