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.
Growing Pains
Tim Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It remains to be seen if its worth the worry,
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry.
And I won't regret it for a single moment,
The hours I spend investigating,
A way of living with no misgiving.
It remains to be seen if its worth the worry,
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry.
And I tumble onwards,
And stumble sideways.
When you least expect it,
There's a major breakthrough,
No way of knowing,
If you're coming or going.
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry,
It remains to be seen if its worth the worry,
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry.
Growing pains leave no trace,
They're peculiar to the human race.
Growing pains leave no trace,
They're peculiar to the human race.
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry,
It remains to be seen if its worth the worry,
Growing pains, growing pains, always in the middle,
You dont want to complain or play seocond fiddle,
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry.
The song "Growing Pains" by Tim Finn is a reflection on the experiences of growth and transformation that every individual faces in life. The lyrics emphasize the rush and speed at which one experiences these changes and the innate uncertainty that accompanies them. The phrase "growing pains" is an apt metaphor for the discomfort and upheaval that come with growth. The first verse suggests that these pains may not always be worth the effort, but the singer resolutely declares that he will not regret the time he spends investigating and seeking ways to live without misgiving.
The second stanza portrays the singer's sense of disorientation as he moves through life, with abrupt changes and unexpected breakthroughs. He acknowledges that the road ahead is uncertain, and there is no way to know where life will lead him. However, the chorus reminds us that growing pains are part of the human experience and that they are uniquely our own. The final verse describes how, even in the midst of these changes and upheavals, one must keep moving forward and strive to avoid playing a secondary role in life.
Overall, "Growing Pains" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the universal experience of growth and change, with all its associated joys and challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry,
The difficulties and struggles of growing up are constant and urgent.
It remains to be seen if its worth the worry,
There is no guarantee that the struggles of growing up will result in a positive outcome.
And I won't regret it for a single moment,
Despite the challenges, the singer does not regret the time spent seeking a fulfilling life.
The hours I spend investigating,
The artist invests significant time and effort in understanding how to live without doubt.
A way of living with no misgiving.
The artist seeks to live without uncertainty or hesitation.
And I tumble onwards,
The singer continues to stumble forward in life without a clear direction.
And stumble sideways.
The singer faces unexpected challenges and setbacks.
When you least expect it,
Unexpected moments can lead to significant breakthroughs.
There's a major breakthrough,
Sudden and significant progress can occur in life.
No way of knowing,
It is impossible to predict when or how progress will occur.
If you're coming or going.
The singer is uncertain about whether they are making progress or falling behind.
Growing pains leave no trace,
The difficulties of growing up are an internal and personal experience.
They're peculiar to the human race.
The challenges of growing up are unique to humans and our experience of life.
Growing pains, growing pains, always in the middle,
The singer is constantly in the midst of the difficulties of growing up.
You dont want to complain or play seocond fiddle,
Despite the challenges, the singer does not want to complain or feel inferior to others.
Growing pains, growing pains, always in a hurry.
The difficulties of growing up are a constant and urgent experience.
Contributed by Mila M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.