Finn started a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Auckland in 1971. There he jammed in music practice room 129 (later the name of a Split Enz song) with friends and future Split Enz bandmembers Mike Chunn, Robert Gillies, Philip Judd and Noel Crombie. Music soon became more important to him than his studies; in mid-1972 he quit university. A few months later, Judd and Finn (the band's members used their middle names as stage names) formed group Split Ends (renamed Split Enz, shortly before their first move to Melbourne in 1975). The bands' music style is best described as eclectic, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, glam rock, rock and pop. Between 1972 and 1977, Finn and Judd alternated as frontman for the band. Once Judd permanently left the band, Tim Finn's younger brother Neil Finn took his place.
In 1983 Finn recorded his debut solo album, Escapade, while still a member of Split Enz. This met with major commercial success both in Australia and New Zealand, and yielded hit song Fraction Too Much Friction. After contributing four songs to the Split Enz album Conflicting Emotions, Finn left the band permanently in June 1984, to focus on a solo career. The following year he moved to London. 1986 saw the release of his second solo album Big Canoe.
In late 1989, Finn was back living in Melbourne, recording his eponymous third album, Tim Finn, for Capitol Records. In early 1990, he began playing music with younger brother Neil, for an intended Finn brothers record. After working together on some songs, Neil Finn proposed incorporating the tracks onto the latest album of Crowded House, the group he had formed after Split Enz dissolved. Tim Finn performed with the band to promote the band's album Woodface, and co-wrote eight songs, including the hit Weather with You. Yet some time during the tour which followed the album's American release, all concerned realised that the combination was not a good fit. Tim Finn returned to pursue his solo career.
In 2004, the Finn brothers released their second album together, Everyone Is Here. Since then Finn has continued to release solo albums.
Couldn't Be Done
Tim Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we needed to find a like-minded someone
Who had no idea that it couldn't be done
No idea
Send the darkness back to Europe
Waking up in the warm Pacific Sun
And when they tried to tell us that it can't be done
They said it couldn't be done
We had no idea that it couldn't be done
And we needed to find a like-minded someone
Who had no idea that it couldn't be done
No idea
It would be best if you went away for a while
And somehow learned to wear a smile
At least these eyes are open now
They are the ones the bitter tears fell from
When they said it couldn't be done
We had no idea that it couldn't be done
And we needed to find a like-minded someone
Who had no idea that it couldn't be done
No idea it couldn't be done
No idea
When you and I combine
We're coming up from under
In some other state of mind
Filled with a sense of wonder
No idea
Now the coast is clear and the case has been won
And we lost our fear that it couldn't be done
All we needed to find a like-minded someone
Who had no idea that it couldn't be done
No idea it couldn't be done
Who said it couldn't be done?
The lyrics of Tim Finn's Couldn't Be Done speak of an individual or group of people setting out to accomplish something great without any inkling that the feat is impossible. Even when naysayers come forward and declare that their goals cannot be achieved, they remain undaunted and push ahead, determined to succeed. Their determination, and the sheer audacity of their efforts, are what ultimately lead to their victory.
The song seems to speak of the importance of having confidence in oneself even in the face of adversity. By surrounding yourself with like-minded people, you can find the strength and support to tackle any challenge head-on. This idea is echoed in the lines, "We needed to find a like-minded someone/Who had no idea that it couldn't be done."
The song's refrain, "No idea it couldn't be done," is a powerful statement about the power of ignorance. Sometimes, a lack of knowledge or awareness can actually work in our favor by allowing us to attempt things that others would find impossible. In this way, a naiveté becomes a strength rather than a weakness.
Overall, Tim Finn's Couldn't Be Done is an inspiring and hopeful song about the spirit of human ingenuity and resiliency. It encourages listeners to believe in themselves and their ability to accomplish even the most daunting of tasks, provided they remain focused, determined, and confident.
Line by Line Meaning
We had no idea that it couldn't be done
We were naive and unaware of the impossibility of the task at hand.
And we needed to find a like-minded someone
We needed someone who shares our optimism and determination.
Who had no idea that it couldn't be done
Someone who was also unaware of the impossibility of the task.
Send the darkness back to Europe
Let the light of hope and determination spread throughout the world.
Waking up in the warm Pacific Sun
Feeling the warmth of hope and possibility rejuvenating us.
And when they tried to tell us that it can't be done
Others told us that the task was impossible.
We've got to prove them wrong
We were determined to prove the naysayers wrong and accomplish the impossible.
It would be best if you went away for a while
Sometimes it's best to take a break from the noise and negativity.
And somehow learned to wear a smile
Take a moment to find joy and positivity amidst the challenges.
At least these eyes are open now
With a positive mindset, we can see new possibilities.
They are the ones the bitter tears fell from
We shed tears of frustration and disappointment when we faced difficulties in the task.
When they said it couldn't be done
When we were told that the task was impossible.
When you and I combine
When we work together towards the task.
We're coming up from under
We're rising from the depths of doubt and negativity.
In some other state of mind
We're in a state of positivity and possibility.
Filled with a sense of wonder
We feel a sense of amazement and excitement about what we can accomplish.
Now the coast is clear and the case has been won
The task has been accomplished and we're free from obstacles and difficulties.
And we lost our fear that it couldn't be done
We're no longer afraid of the impossible.
Who said it couldn't be done?
A rhetorical question emphasizing that the seemingly impossible can be done.
Contributed by Cooper C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
aaronryanmusic
I love Tim Finn's music. He is so underrated!
GrandPunkTrainwreck
Finally, a solo Tim vid that's viewable here in the US on YouTube!! Been a huge fan of Split Enz, as well as Tim & Neil and all their various projects on through the years since the late '70s. Truly some of the most talented composers & performers of our time and like a fine wine, they only get better with age. LOVE this song & video, thanks so much for uploading this, much appreciated!! :)
jcwaia
Reminds me so much of "Six Months In a Leaky Boat". Such a fun song & video - Good job, Tim!
chigirl1968
tim Rocks! GREAT song!
MrTheposter
Such a great message too (Of course the video seems like it is somewhat about finding New Zealand). If you believe it can be done then it can be done even if everyone else thinks it is impossible. If you think it can't be done then the battle is lost before you have started
bobthemelbournian
Thanks for putting this up - it's a great video :)
Doc Savage
Fantastically catchy, reminds me of a cross between Fraction Too Much Friction and Six Months in a Leaky Boat.
proto
I AM A HUGE TIM FINN FAN. but as much as i am a fan, it'd be nice to have some music along with this :P
Alana Cafe
Tim Finn was the one that had depression. Not Neil. And what makes you so genius anyway? Tim is a LEGEND, and whether or not the video clip is a "rip-off" we can all agree it's awesome anyway.
pubuman
Yeah, McCartney's genius was in writing the music, that's why he and Lennon worked so so well together...