The only real hit in Europe for the American group The Connells was the acoustic ballad 74-75 from the album Ring (1993). She entered the top ten of the charts in many European countries, but at the same time she was not successful in the homeland of the team. I hope you enjoy the composition and will be happy to learn a little interesting about it.
Let’s start with the lyrics of song 74-75. I’m not sure that Michael Connell, who wrote the lyrics and music, explained its meaning to anyone. I read a couple of dozen interviews with members of The Connells and realized that no one, except for the author of 74-75, can explain what they are talking about.
For example, Doug MacMillan said the following:
Well, it’s obvious that Mike was writing about some personal experience, although he didn’t pursue the subject. It looks like it’s about a failed relationship or some kind of family affair, and I noticed when we play it at different concerts, different thoughts come to my mind … I prefer not to know what “74-75” is about, because the whole essence of the song that you take from her what you can get.
Next, you need to say a few words about the video clip for the song 74-75. It was shot by the famous American director Mark Pellington. He traveled to Raleigh, the band’s hometown, which is the state capital of North Carolina, and went to Needham Bryant Broughton High School. There he asked for an album of the senior class of 1974-75, found these people and interviewed them. Then he edited the video from old photographs and modern videos of former students of the school.
Naturally, such a clip led the group’s fans to the idea that 74-75 was singing about romantic relationships that were broken off while still at school. So, there is often an assumption that the song is performed on behalf of a person who left his beloved in the last grade. Now, many years later, he regrets that he caused her pain and made her suffer, but also understands that the past cannot be returned.
If you come across information about the song from the original source (from Michael Connell), I would appreciate a link.
As mentioned above, the single 74-75 was especially popular in European countries. It peaked at number fourteen on the UK Singles Chart.
Check out the video clip 74-75 – The Connells, updated in 2015.
Interesting Facts
- 74-75 sounds in James Mangold’s film “Heavy” (“Heavy”).
- Francis Healy, the lead singer of Travis, admitted that he composed the song Writing to Reach You while listening to the song 74-75 on the radio (by the way, he borrowed the chord sequence for this song from Oasis).
Lyrics of Song 74-75 – The Connells
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 slowing down
And believe me
I was the one that let you know
I was sorry ever after 74/75
It’s not easy, nothing to say cos it’s already said
It’s never easy
When I look on your eyes then I find that I’ll do fine
When I look at your eyes then I’ll do better
I was the one that let you know
I was sorry ever after 74/75
Given me more and I’ll do fine
Cos you’re really only after 74/75
Got no reason for coming to me in the rain, running down
There’s no reason
When I look on your eyes then I find that I’ll do fine
When I look at your eyes then I’ll do better
I was the one that let you know
I was sorry ever after 74/75
Given me more and I’ll do fine
Cos you’re really only after 74/75
I was the one that let you know
I was sorry ever after 74/75
Given me more and I’ll do fine
Cos you’re really only after 74/75, 74/75, 74/75
74-75 Lyrics – The Connells Alternate
Don’t come to me when it’s raining
Not worth it
And I hear the same voice that makes everything seem to slow down
And trust me
I was the only one who let you know
I’ve been the reason for your sadness since 74-75
It’s not easy, there’s nothing left to say ’cause it’s all been said
It’s never easy
When I look into your eyes I know that I’ll be alright
When I look into your eyes, I feel better
I was the only one who let you know
I’ve been the reason for your sadness since 74-75
You gave me more and I’ll be fine
‘Cause you only regret 74-75
Don’t come to me when it’s raining
Not worth it
When I look into your eyes I know that I’ll be alright
When I look into your eyes, I feel better
I was the only one who let you know
I’ve been the reason for your sadness since 74-75
You gave me more and I’ll be fine
‘Cause you only regret 74-75
I was the only one who let you know
I’ve been the reason for your sadness since 74-75
You gave me more and I’ll be fine
‘Cause you only regret 74-75, 74-75, 74-75
Song quote
After all, this is nothing more than an inoffensive ballad from an inoffensive guitar band wearing inoffensive shirts. It has harmless lyrics and harmless melody and harmless acoustic guitars.
Michael Hann, The Guardian
