Formed in 1992, the band originally comprised Tim Freedman (lead vocals, piano), Stevie Plunder (lead vocals, guitar) and Andy Lewis (double bass, backing vocals). The line-up has changed many times over the years with Tim the only consistent member of the band, not to mention the only original member still alive. In the current line-up Terepai Richmond hits the drums, Warwick Hornsby plays the bass, and Jak Housden steals the scene on the electric guitar alongside the ever-present Tim Freedman.
Their style of music has been described as muscular piano based pop/rock, however it has been quite varied over the life of the band. Their latest album is titled Little Cloud and is a double album, separated by the two themes of New York and Tim's homeland Sydney.
The band played their final shows in 2010, taking an extended break for Freedman to pursue a solo career.
In 2012, the band were announced as one of the headliners of the Caloundra Music Festival on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
Charlie No. 3
The Whitlams Lyrics
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But a moment is all he can spare
His buddies out there in the city lights
And he is trying to care
See him offering himself to the world
Staring down from the fifty-sixth floor
I'll be happy just to catch him again
The night pressing in on his weary mind
There's a half-eaten moon in the sky
Nothing is calling him back to bed
And no-one is saying goodbye
See him offering himself to the world
Staring down from the fifty-sixth floor
Yeah I'll be happy just to catch him again
We go out because we go back
And back and back
See him offering himself to the world
Staring down
from the fifty-sixth floor, the lyrics of The Whitlams's song Charlie No. 3 are an introspective take on the life of a man who is struggling with inner demons. The lyrics suggest that the singer is going through a tough time in his life, and that he is finding it difficult to cope with the challenges that he is facing. He is trying to be there for his friends, but he can only spare a moment, and his mind seems to be consumed by his own struggles.
The imagery of the half-eaten moon in the sky emphasizes the feeling of loneliness that the singer is going through. No one is saying goodbye, and nothing is calling him back to bed, suggesting that he is in a state of limbo. The lyricist conveys the sense of desperation and confusion that the singer is experiencing through the line, "We go out, we don't always come back." This hints at the possibility that the singer may be engaging in risky behavior to cope with his inner turmoil.
The repeating refrain, "See him offering himself to the world, staring down from the fifty-sixth floor, I'll be happy just to catch him again, we go out because we go back and back and back," conveys that the singer is caught in a cycle of self-destruction. He's reaching out for help, but it's unclear if anyone is listening. The song evokes a sense of sadness, hopelessness, and underscores the importance of reaching out for help.
Line by Line Meaning
He'll need some time to get over this
It will take him time to move on from whatever he is going through
But a moment is all he can spare
He is busy, and can only spare a short amount of time for anything else
His buddies out there in the city lights
His friends are out enjoying themselves in the city
And he is trying to care
He is making an effort to care about what's happening with his friends
See him offering himself to the world
He can be seen displaying himself for the world to see
Staring down from the fifty-sixth floor
He is looking down from a high building, possibly contemplating things
I'll be happy just to catch him again
The person singing would like to see him again, and would be happy to do so
We go out we don't always come back
When they go out, it's not always a guarantee that they will return
The night pressing in on his weary mind
The nighttime is taking a toll on his tired mind
There's a half-eaten moon in the sky
The moon is only half visible in the sky, possibly symbolizing the incomplete state of things
Nothing is calling him back to bed
There is nothing making him feel like returning to bed
And no-one is saying goodbye
No one is bidding him farewell or wishing him well as he goes out
Yeah I'll be happy just to catch him again
The person singing repeats that they would like to see him again, and would be happy to do so
We go out because we go back
They go out because it's what they always do, it's a part of who they are
And back and back
They keep going out and doing the same things over and over again
See him offering himself to the world
The song repeats the line from earlier, emphasizing that he is putting himself out there for everyone to see
Staring down
The final line leaves off with him simply staring down, possibly still contemplating things as he was before
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GRETA GERTLER, TIMOTHY FREEDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind