On My Block
The Go-Betweens · Other Songs - The Go-Betweens
alright... come on... no-w-w-w-w
the main gate to the mansion is locked
it's on my street -- on my block
I went in but I got chased off
the store-keeper said 'why don't the cars stop?'
but the mansion's not the attraction it once was
and it's on my, it's on my, on my... on my block
on my block
girl I've been called names times before
it happens cause it happens here
and nobody said they'd ever hear
the garden is unkept and in bloom
there is wilderness and flowers in my room
the caretakers kept to be fired soon
on my block
girl I've been called names times before
it happens cause it happens here
and nobody said they'd ever hear
the maingate -- the mansion -- is locked
I'm standing on the spot
and it's on my, oh my my... on my block
on my block (fade)
About On My Block
"On My Block" by The Go-Betweens stands as a defining track from the band's mid-1980s era, characterized by its driving rhythm and John Farnham's distinctive vocal delivery. Released during a period when the group was refining their sound beyond their earlier punk-influenced roots, the song exemplifies the band's ability to blend melodic pop sensibilities with introspective lyricism. It features a prominent guitar riff that became a staple of their live performances and radio play, cementing their status as a significant voice in Australian rock. The recording captures the collaborative spirit of the band's catalogue, showcasing their evolution into a more polished, yet authentic, indie rock sound that resonated deeply with audiences of the time.