Was There Anything I Could Do?
The Go-Betweens
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She comes home and she's happy She comes home and she's blue She comes home and she tells him Listen baby we're through I don't know what happened next All I know is she moved Packed up her bags and her curtains Left him in his room Was there anything I could do? She went out with her paint box Paints the chapel blue She went out with her matchsticks Torched a carwash too I don't know where she's living All I got is a card A picture of her at the pyramids A knife held to her heart Was there anything I could do? She came down from the mountains Said goodbye to her guru She went back to her room Lost herself in voodoo I don't say that I blame her People don't know what they want If you spend your life looking behind you You don't see what's up front Was there anything I could do? Putting out her fire Putting out her fire
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: GRANT MCLENNAN, ROBERT DERWENT GARTH FORSTER
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Song Release"Was There Anything I Could Do?" by The Go-Betweens was released in August 1988.
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Album The Song Belongs ToThe song is from the band's 5th studio album "16 Lovers Lane" which itself is critically acclaimed.
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Highest Chart Position"Was There Anything I Could Do?" is noteworthy for being the band's highest charting single in Australia, peaking at No. 62.
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SongwriterThe song was penned by Robert Forster and Grant McLennan, the co-founders of the band. Their songwriting partnership is highly respected in the music industry.
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Music VideoThe video clip for the song was shot in black and white, and is known for displaying a strong cine-film style.
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Retrospective RecognitionIn May 2001, Australasian Performing Right Association named this song as one of the Top 30 Australian songs of all time.
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Unique InstrumentationThe song is noted for its lush instrumentation that includes a mix of acoustic and electric guitar, as well as violin which was played by band member, Amanda Brown.
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GenreOften classified as indie or alternative rock, the song marked a shift towards more mainstream pop influences for The Go-Betweens.
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Significance"Was There Anything I Could Do?" is considered a signature song of The Go-Betweens.
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ReceptionThe song received widely positive reviews for its poignant lyrics, expressive vocal delivery and evocative instrumentation.
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LyricsThe song tackles themes of helplessness and desperation within a relationship, delivered in an ironically upbeat fashion, showcasing the band’s knack for contrasting melancholic lyrics with major-key melodies.
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Citation
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