Bi-Coastal

Album: Bi-Coastal (1980)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is from Peter Allen's only Rock-style album, which was produced by David Foster who co-wrote it with Tom Keane, who also co-wrote "Through The Fire" by Chaka Khan and many other songs.
  • Peter Allen told people that this song had a double meaning: he was originally bi-sexual (he married Liza Minnelli in 1967 and split up three years later) and came out homosexual. In fact many consider it about bi or homosexuality but it is not. The song is clearly about how many people can't make up their mind where they want to live. At one point he says, "All those girls on TV movies, all those boys on Broadway," which would be a very different lyric if it was written today.
  • The song was later included in the Peter Allen bio-musical The Boy From Oz.
  • The backing vocals are by Richard Page and Steve George (later of Mr. Mister). It was a hit in Australia and made the US dance charts. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sara - Silver Spring, MD, for all above

Comments: 2

  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdPeter Allen's previous album I COULD HAVE BEEN A SAILOR had a few rock style songs.
  • Sara from Silver Spring, MdThe song really has nothing to do with the gay community
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)

Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica)Songwriter Interviews

The former Metallica bassist talks about his first time writing a song with James Hetfield, and how a hand-me-down iPad has changed his songwriting.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.