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.
I Will Not Go Quietly
The Whitlams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will not accept your rules
gonna live with myself
before I live with any of you
I will not go quietly
I will not behave myself
It's not for sake of fighting
and I was the best, you all knew it
on the days I cared at all
you can all say I blew it, you'll be talking bout me for years
I was my own man
can ya'll say that?
I was my own man
can ya'll say that?
I was my own man, yeah I was the shit.
I don't believe in Bondi,
don't believe in rugby league
I believe in Yoko, John Lennon, last weekend and me
Well I was the best you all knew it,
on the days I cared at all
now you can all say I blew it, you'll be talking bout me for years
I was my own man
can ya'll say that?
I was my own man
can ya'll say that?
I was my own man, yeah I was the shit.
I will not go quietly
I will not go quietly
I will not accept your rules
I don't believe in Bondi
Don't believe in rugby league
I will not go quietly (repeat till fade)
The Whitlams' "I Will Not Go Quietly" expresses the singer's refusal to conform to societal norms and expectations. The singer asserts that they will not accept the rules of those around them and would rather live with themselves than adhere to anyone else's expectations. They declare that their behavior is not meant to be confrontational, but rather an expression of their individuality. The singer asserts their confidence in themselves as they reminisce about how they were once the best, but even now, people will continue to talk about them for years to come.
The song is also an assertion of the singer's independence. They declare that they were their own man, and ask if anyone else can say the same about themselves. They reject commonly held beliefs about what is important and instead show admiration for individuals like Yoko and John Lennon.
Overall, "I Will Not Go Quietly" is a powerful statement about individuality and nonconformity. It encourages listeners to be confident in who they are and refuse to be held down by societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I will not go quietly
I refuse to leave silently and without resistance.
I will not accept your rules
I reject the set of expectations and regulations imposed upon me.
gonna live with myself
before I live with any of you
I prioritize being at peace with myself over living in accordance with the standards of others.
I will not behave myself
I won't act in accordance with the ways that others want me to behave.
It's not for sake of fighting
It's not for you or anyone else
I'm not intentionally causing conflict, this is simply who I am and what I believe in.
and I was the best, you all knew it
on the days I cared at all
you can all say I blew it, you'll be talking bout me for years
Although I may have not always performed at my best, people know that I had potential, and even if I fell short of that, my presence will continue to be felt for a long time.
I was my own man
can ya'll say that?
I was independent and true to myself, are you able to claim the same for yourself?
I don't believe in Bondi,
don't believe in rugby league
I believe in Yoko, John Lennon, last weekend and me
My interests and values differ from the mainstream, and I prioritize my own passions and experiences over conforming to popular culture.
I will not go quietly (repeat till fade)
My refusal to conform and submit will continue on indefinitely, without backing down.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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