Unguarded Moment

The Church

About Unguarded Moment

"The Unguarded Moment" is a song by Australian alternative rock band The Church, released in March 1981. It was the second single from their 1981 debut album, Of Skins and Heart. It was written by Steve Kilbey, the group's frontman, singer and bass guitarist; and Mikela Uniacke (a.k.a. Michelle Parker), who were married at the time. The song reached No. 22 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, and was the band's first radio hit. It peaked at No. 19 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. The single and the album were released on EMI Records then newly revived Parlophone label. Kilbey later said, "The song just doesn't appeal to me. It doesn't give me any pleasure at all. Maybe it was exciting for people who thought the country was going to be bogged down with The Human League and Buggles for the decade."In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "The Unguarded Moment" was ranked number 57.  


Year:
2000
155 
#2

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

So hard finding inspiration
I knew you'd find me crying
Tell those girls with rifles for minds
That their jokes don't make me laugh
They only make me feel like dying
In an unguarded moment

So long, long between mirages
I knew you'd find me drinking
Tell those men with horses for hearts
That their jibes don't make me bleed
They only make me feel like shrinking
In an unguarded moment

So deep, deep without a meaning
I knew you'd find me leaving
Tell those friends with cameras for eyes
That their hands don't make me hang
They only make me feel like breathing
In an unguarded moment

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Church

The Church is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1980. Initially associated with new wave and the neo-psychedelic sound of the mid 1980s, their music later became more reminiscent of progressive rock, featuring long instrumental jams and complex guitar interplay. more »

1 fan

Written by: MICHELLE PARKER, STEPHEN KILBEY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


21 facts about this song

Release Details
"Unguarded Moment" was the debut single off The Church's album "Of Skins and Heart," which was released in April 1981.
Chart Performance
"Unguarded Moment" peaked at number 22 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Songwriting
The song was written by Steve Kilbey and Mick Guy, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist respectively. It is often noted for its catchy, atmospheric guitar riff.
Change in Lyrics
In live performances, Steve Kilbey sometimes changes the lyrics of "Unguarded Moment."
Music Video
A music video for the song was shot, which features the band playing in a field with a church in the background.
Reception and Legacy
'Unguarded Moment' became a classic hit in Australia and is considered one of The Church's most iconic songs.
Band's Perspective
Despite their hit's success, members of The Church have proclaimed their displeasure with "Unguarded Moment," even refusing to play it at concerts on several occasions.
Re-release
'Unguarded Moment' was re-released in 1999 as a part of the compilation album "Under the Milky Way: The Best of The Church".
Song's Theme
The song addresses themes of lost innocence and the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics subtly hinting at sexual awakening and the confusion that accompanies it.
Live Performance Anecdotes
At a 2010 concert in Sydney, Steve Kilbey sarcastically introduced "Unguarded Moment" as "a song that needs no introduction" before launching into the well-known track.
Band Formation
"Unguarded Moment" is one of the popular songs by "The Church", an Australian alternative rock band formed in Sydney in 1980.
Release Date
"The Unguarded Moment" was released in 1981.
Album Inclusion
The song featured on their debut album, "Of Skins and Heart", which was released in April 1981.
Chart Performance
The single peaked at No. 22 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Songwriters
The song was penned by band members Steve Kilbey and Michelle Parker.
Music Video
The music video for this song was filmed at a disused brewery in Sydney, Australia.
Reception
Despite its success, Kilbey has been famously reluctant to play "The Unguarded Moment" live because he thinks it's an immature song.
Regret
Kilbey has been quoted as saying the song was written in ten minutes and that he regrets its status as one of the band's most popular and enduring tracks.
Awards and Recognition
In May 2001, Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) celebrated its 75th Anniversary by naming the Best Australian Songs of all time. "Unguarded Moment" was included in the Top 30.
Cover Version
The rock band "As Tall As Lions" did a cover version of "The Unguarded Moment" on their 2006 EP, "Into The Flood".
Modern Usage
The song continues to be played on both alternative and classic rock stations decades after its release.

Discuss the Unguarded Moment Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Unguarded Moment Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10360402/The+Church/Unguarded+Moment>.

    Missing lyrics by The Church?

    Know any other songs by The Church? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Unguarded Moment

    1.9M
    9,121     274

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the hometown of the Queen group?
    A Liverpool
    B Southampton
    C Manchester
    D London

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss The Church's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Church tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!