“So Far So Good”: A Journey Through Time, Resilience, and Unyielding Hope
Ah, where does one even begin when delving into the sonic tapestry woven by bands like Slade? For many of us who lived through the vibrant, often tumultuous, musical landscape of the 70s and beyond, their name evokes a surge of powerful memories. It’s a name synonymous with glammed-up energy, singalong anthems, and an undeniable working-class grit that resonated deeply. And among their impressive discography, tucked away from the more boisterous hits, lies a track that perhaps doesn’t immediately spring to mind for the casual listener, yet holds a profound and reflective beauty: “So Far So Good.” Released in 1974, a pivotal year for the band as they navigated the peak of their stardom, this particular gem didn’t scale the dizzying heights of the charts like its brethren, such as “Merry Xmas Everybody” or “Cum On Feel the Noize.” While an exact, dedicated chart position for “So Far So Good” as a standalone single is harder to pinpoint, it was a poignant album track from their fifth studio album, Slade in Flame, which itself was released to considerable fanfare. The album, an ambitious undertaking that served as the soundtrack to their feature film of the same name, reached a respectable No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying its place in the musical fabric of the time.
The very essence of “So Far So Good” is etched in its title – a candid, almost conversational acknowledgment of survival and endurance. It’s a phrase we often utter when we’ve weathered storms, when we’ve navigated challenges, and when, despite everything, we find ourselves still standing. For Slade, 1974 was a whirlwind. They were at the zenith of their powers, touring relentlessly, recording, and branching out into film – a monumental endeavor for any band. The relentless pressure of fame, the constant demands, and the inherent stresses of being a chart-topping act can be immense. One can only imagine the sheer exhaustion, the moments of doubt, and the quiet reflections that must have punctuated their extraordinary journey. In this context, “So Far So Good” feels like a deeply personal statement from the band members, particularly Noddy Holder and Jim Lea, who were the primary songwriters. It’s a moment of quiet introspection, a pause amidst the frenzy, to assess where they were, what they had achieved, and the road they had traveled.
Beyond the autobiographical undertones, the song’s meaning expands to encompass a universal human experience. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, the quiet strength found in continuing on, even when the path is uncertain or fraught with obstacles. For those of us who have accumulated a few more years and a richer tapestry of life experiences, the sentiment of “So Far So Good” resonates deeply. We’ve all had our moments of triumph and despair, our periods of soaring success and quiet struggle. The song becomes a gentle reminder that simply making it through, day by day, year by year, is an accomplishment in itself. It’s about finding gratitude in the present, acknowledging the journey, and holding onto a quiet optimism for what lies ahead. There’s a subtle melancholy interwoven with the hope, a recognition that life is not without its trials, but the overarching message is one of perseverance. It’s a song that, for many, evokes a sense of shared humanity – the understanding that we are all, in our own ways, striving to make it, and that sometimes, just getting by, is so far, so good. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to reflect our lives, our struggles, and our quiet triumphs. And for Slade, amidst the glitter and the anthems, this track stands as a tender, often overlooked, whisper of truth.