I’ve never deliberated so much over whether to feature a song here as I have with ’74–’75 by The Connells. I’ve had it in my collection for years, but could never really connect with it, feeling out of the loop somehow. The thing is, it’s not the song’s fault. The song sounds cool enough, and the last few times I’ve heard it, I’ve enjoyed it, but I don’t know why, and still don’t.
As I write this, I’m still ambivalent about whether to let her rip. Usually, I have a strong personal connection to a song and / or can relay stories, background and interesting aspects about the artist and song. But here, I’m as clueless as Manuel in Fawlty Towers – ‘I know nothing‘. Ah, what the heck! Let’s give it a go and finally put an end to all this umming and ahhing.
As I read the lyrics below, I’m as much perplexed as ever about the meaning and purpose of the song. Then there’s the music video, which shows people alongside their old high school yearbook photos, and my ‘What the F&ck?’ factor goes up another notch. But alas, we may finally have some resolution to the mystery in the official video description. Oh, the moment of truth! Here we go…
‘The song nostalgically reflects on the passing of time and how people change across decades. The music video, directed by Mark Pellington, features students from Needham B. Broughton High School’s Class of 1975 and compares the photographs from their yearbook, with how they look and have aged since then‘
Well, that’s a relief! Finally, after all these years of being in the dark, I can now rest a little easier knowing the grand aspirations and intent behind ’74–’75. Even rereading the lyrics with this in mind, though, still leaves me in a semi-detached state of bewilderment. All I can say is, well, ‘That’s a bit of a stretch, The Connells‘. I feel like calling them the ‘O’ Connells’ – O, don’t ask me why.
Anyway, what do I know, folks? This song has over 17 million views. Sweet! When it’s all said and done, I’m just gonna be glad to get this song off my books. It’s been like having a shitty ex-girlfriend still hanging around. Now I can finally be left in peace!
Funny how this song didn’t chart in the US but reached the top 10 in so many European countries. Could that be because English isn’t their first language? Since the American band The Connells never had another hit of comparable success, they’re widely seen as a one-hit wonder – or a one-night stand, to put it another way.
PS. I hope you guys know I’m just being facetious. I’m in a silly mood this morning and have had too much coffee. I’ve written some offbeat posts before, but this has to be right up there. Obviously, there’s stuff I need to get off my chest, and these guys bore the brunt of it, even if much of what I’ve written does ring true to me. I’m a piece of work, y’all.
[Verse 1]
Got no reason
For coming to me in the rain, running down
There’s no reason
And the same voice
Coming to me like it’s all slowin’ down
And believe me
[Chorus]
I was the one who let you know
I was your sorry ever after, ’74-’75
[Verse 2]
It’s not easy
Nothing to say ’cause it’s already said
It’s never easy
When I look on in your eyes, then I find that I’ll do fine
When I look on in your eyes, then I’ll do better
[Chorus]
I was the one who let you know
I was your sorry ever after, ’74-’75
Giving me more and I’ll defy
‘Cause you’re really only after, ’74-’75
[Verse 3]
Got no reason
For coming to me in the rain, running down
There’s no reason
When I look on in your eyes, then I find that I’ll do fine
When I look on in your eyes, then I’ll do better
[Chorus]
I was the one who let you know
I was your sorry ever after, ’74-’75
Giving me more and I’ll defy
‘Cause you’re really only after, ’74-’75
I was the one who let you know
I was your sorry ever after, ’74-’75
Giving me more and I’ll defy
‘Cause you’re really only after, ’74-’75
[Outro]
’74-’75
’74-’75
’74-’75
References:
1. ’74–’75 – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
What a song. It’s a Time Machine of a tune
I found it a bit of – ‘you had to be there’ kind of song. I’m glad it resonates so strongly with you.