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.
Royal in the Afternoon
The Whitlams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't get home at a hundred o'clock
Nobody goin' to satisfy me
Except you and the baby and the colour TV
I was always in my prime
Now I'm falling over the line
The boys are sad to have let me go
You quiet me down
I been all over the place and I ain't found anyone
Can keep my feet on the ground, no
We can be bigger than my old habits
Over my dead body but still
If I am awake in the morning
We'll be royal in the afternoon
The words of a drunk fade with the light
Satan delivers and the goods are alright
He's at home now counting the dough
I'm standing here for another last throw
We can be bigger than my bad habits
Over my dead body but still
If I am awake in the morning
We'll be royal in the afternoon
The Whitlams's "Royal in the Afternoon" is a song about wanting to change one's lifestyle and be satisfied with the simple pleasures of life. The singer sings about how they won't drink or smoke anymore, and they won't stay out past midnight. However, they express that they will only be truly satisfied with the company of their partner and child and their color TV. The lyrics suggest that the singer has lived a wild and chaotic life and has struggled to find someone to ground them. However, they seem to have finally found that anchor and are committed to living a stable and content life.
The singer also touches on their desire to be "royal in the afternoon." This line indicates that they want to feel like their life has meaning and that they are living it to the fullest. The line is somewhat ironic, as being "royal" typically involves living a life of luxury and indulgence, but the singer is seeking simplicity and humility. The imagery in the lyrics is vivid, and the contrast between the chaos of the singer's past and the grounded present is palpable.
Overall, "Royal in the Afternoon" is a song about finding meaning and satisfaction in life's simple pleasures. The singer has lived a wild and chaotic life but has finally found someone to ground them and help them find contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't drink, I won't smoke
I'm making changes in my life and avoiding negative habits.
Won't get home at a hundred o'clock
I'll be responsible with my time and not stay out too late.
Nobody goin' to satisfy me
Except you and the baby and the colour TV
Only the important people and things in my life can bring me true satisfaction.
I was always in my prime
Now I'm falling over the line
I used to be at my best, but now I'm past my peak.
The boys are sad to have let me go
But you got it all to get me home
My old companions miss me, but my family is my priority now.
You quiet me down
I been all over the place and I ain't found anyone
Can keep my feet on the ground, no
Only you can calm me and keep me grounded, despite my wandering tendencies.
We can be bigger than my old habits
Over my dead body but still
If I am awake in the morning
We'll be royal in the afternoon
We can overcome my past mistakes and move forward as a better version of ourselves. We'll celebrate our success in the future.
The words of a drunk fade with the light
Satan delivers and the goods are alright
He's at home now counting the dough
I'm standing here for another last throw
People's promises made under the influence of alcohol are unreliable. Temptations of the devil may seem appealing, but he only cares about personal gain. I'm choosing to stay sober and make a wise decision now.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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