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.
Incognito In California
Tim Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The media says "Now where you at?", I've been at this and I've been at that
Whatcha playing Mr X? Whatcha going to do next?
Go no, go no, we don't give a thing away-ay, hey-ey oo-oo
Chorus:
Incognito- In California- California- California
You know that feeling that you get? You're on your marks but you can't get set
You're ready to go, ready to run, still feeling like a bigger one
No-one, no-one days obsessed and pulled apart-art, but you make it hard
California- incognito- in California- California
Bridge:
(Worldness shines?) life goes on (flight in the darkness?) everyone
And now I tinker down to size (?) penetrate above the sky (?)
Feel the way you camaflouge, revealing all the things that show
Show show, show show, many things I didn't know, no no more dreams of
California- incognito- in California- California- California
The lyrics of Tim Finn's "Incognito in California" are about the struggles and pressures of being a celebrity and the constant media attention that comes with it. The song begins with the media questioning the artist's whereabouts and actions, implying that they are always under the microscope. However, the artist brushes it off, proclaiming that they won't give away any clues about their next move. In the chorus, the artist expresses the desire to stay incognito while in California, possibly in an attempt to escape the constant scrutiny.
The second verse describes the feeling of being stuck, wanting to move but unable to do so. The artist is ready to run, but still feels held back. The line "no-one, no-one days obsessed and pulled apart-art, but you make it hard" suggests that the artist is tired of being scrutinized and wants to live a more normal life. The emphasis on the word "California" suggests that the artist sees the state as an escape from the pressures of fame.
The bridge of the song is somewhat cryptic, but seems to speak to the idea that life goes on for everyone, regardless of their fame or status. The last verse seems to suggest a sense of acceptance, as the artist "tinkers down to size" and reveals more of themselves to the world. The repetition of the word "show" implies that the artist is finally ready to be seen.
Overall, "Incognito in California" is a commentary on the challenges of fame and the desire for privacy, set against the backdrop of one of the most famous states in America.
Line by Line Meaning
The media says "Now where you at?", I've been at this and I've been at that
The press inquires about my whereabouts, but I've been busy with various things and not staying in one place.
Whatcha playing Mr X? Whatcha going to do next? Go no, go no, we don't give a thing away-ay, hey-ey oo-oo
People are curious about my plans, but I'm not divulging them to anyone. It's none of their business.
Chorus: Incognito- In California- California- California
I'm in California, trying to keep a low profile and not draw attention.
You know that feeling that you get? You're on your marks but you can't get set You're ready to go, ready to run, still feeling like a bigger one No-one, no-one days obsessed and pulled apart-art, but you make it hard
Sometimes you feel like you're ready to move forward, but something's holding you back. People are always trying to bring you down and criticize you, which makes it difficult to succeed.
California- incognito- in California- California
I'm still in California, trying to keep a low profile and not draw attention.
Bridge: (Worldness shines?) life goes on (flight in the darkness?) everyone
Life goes on for everyone, regardless of fame or success. We all have our struggles and challenges to overcome.
And now I tinker down to size (?) penetrate above the sky (?) Feel the way you camaflouge, revealing all the things that show Show show, show show, many things I didn't know, no no more dreams of
I'm starting to realize the value of keeping a low profile and staying true to myself. No more chasing unrealistic dreams or trying to be someone I'm not.
California- incognito- in California- California- California
I'm still in California, trying to stay under the radar and not attract attention.
Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.