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.
Out of This World
Tim Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's vapour flowing like a bridal gown
From the rocket ship that we're counting down
And love is leaving for the cold of space
It's a mystery, it's our saving grace.
Out of this world with you
Out of this world, it's true
There's no limit on the things we'll do
Out of this world.
It's only when I look into your eyes
I can see beyond what I fear inside
And I love the way that you reminded me
How it all belongs to eternity.
Out of this world with you
Searching for life I never knew
Out of this world, it's true
There's no limit on the things we'll do
Out of this world.
Out of this world.
Out of this world with you
Searching for life we never knew
Out of this world, it's true
There's no limit on the things we'll do
Out of this world.
Out of this world
Out of this world with you.
The lyrics to Tim Finn's song "Out Of This World" offer a poetic representation of two individuals embarking on an extraterrestrial journey together. The opening lines set the stage for this concept by describing the rocket ship countdown and the visual of "vapour flowing like a bridal gown." The mention of love leaving for the cold of space is a poignant reminder of the inherent risks of exploring the unknown. However, the lyrics suggest that this is a necessary journey of discovery, referencing the search for life that has gone unknown. In fact, the song seems to suggest that finding and experiencing new facets of life is the driving force behind this adventure.
The chorus refrain of "Out of this world with you" solidifies the idea that the relationship between these two people is what is framing their experience. Their bond is strong enough to propel them beyond their fears and locate the beauty and wonder in the vast expanse of space. Finn artfully paints a picture of two people stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the limitless possibilities that lay ahead. The use of the line "there's no limit on the things we'll do" emphasizes the boundless nature of this journey and the excitement of not knowing what's next.
Overall the lyrics to "Out Of This World" meld the ideas of love, adventure, and discovery into a dreamy cosmic ballad. The song is a poignant reminder that there is always beauty and wonder to be found if we are courageous enough to step outside of our own universe and explore the endless possibilities that await.
Line by Line Meaning
There's vapour flowing like a bridal gown
The rocket ship is emitting vapor that resembles a flowing bridal gown
From the rocket ship that we're counting down
The vapor is coming from the rocket ship that is preparing for launch
And love is leaving for the cold of space
Love is being sent on a journey to the cold depths of space
It's a mystery, it's our saving grace.
The idea of sending love into space is a mystery, but it's something that could potentially save us
Out of this world with you
Being with you takes me to another world
Searching for life I never knew
Together we are exploring new experiences and discovering new aspects of life
There's no limit on the things we'll do
Our potential is limitless when we are together
It's only when I look into your eyes
When I look into your eyes, I see things that I wouldn't otherwise
I can see beyond what I fear inside
Through you, I can see beyond my own fears and limitations
And I love the way that you reminded me
You have a way of reminding me of things that are important and meaningful
How it all belongs to eternity.
Together, we are connected to something infinite and timeless
Contributed by Lily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DamGreek
Been a Tim Finn fan for a long, long time...Split Enz, Crowded House, his solo stuff....all amazing. I love this track, and it reflects a "seasoned" songwriter, who's also enjoying fatherhood. The song has so much compassion. Thanks Tim for sharing this amazing gift you have with the world!
scneese64
I adore the part where Elliot hugs Tim...his reaction is of pure, unconditional love...words cannot express such a lovely moment & thank you for sharing that with us...of course, music is perfection as well.
MaJK
LOVE this song!! Favourite Tim Finn song. What a huge talent you are Tim. Thank you from the heart of my bottom 😁
beaglehowl
fantastic! Best Tim Finn song ever. Can't wait to get the whole CD. He's amazing.
Luke Pratt
Tim Finn is the Jeff Bridges of the music industry and I'm very grateful for both. I worked on one of his video clips in 2006 and he only consolidated my estimation of him as a true and wise gentleman.
Tamar Lederman
skulll yeah VBOTHER
Emaline Delapaix
I think is the best Tim Finn album yet. So beautiful...
trunkeight
It's funny you know, how songs take on this life of their own, and haunt their way across time and space. This pearl floated to me on a surf for 'The Conversation' info, heard the song once, and forgot it for a month. One morning, out of the blue, the whole chorus just audibly materialized from thin air into my mind as if it were being performed before me.Such a beautiful melody, I hadn't realized how far I must have internalized the hook and it's wonderful intent. Pure genius with a long fuse!
Rosa Rubiginosa
Sweet sweet sweet voice. Always so pure and angelic
dunkiep
He can still sing with such a perfectly clear voice. That's just beautiful - I feel a bit guilty for biasing to Neil so heavily in my record collection.