Formed in 2009, the act was originally a means to expand the solo project of Dustin Payseur. That same year bassist John Peña and guitarist Christopher Burke were recruited as the lineup for their initial tour. Their debut single, Daydream / Desert Sand was released in February 2010 on Captured Tracks. In May 2010, their debut album Beach Fossilswas released and met with favorable reviews.
The following years saw a number of changes to their lineup, including when John Peña left the band in 2011 to form Heavenly Beat, and guitarist Cole Smith, who left for his solo project, DIIV. In 2012, Tommy Gardner stepped in as the drummer to form their current lineup.
Clash the Truth was released in early 2013, peaking at number 40 on the Independent Albums chart. Paysuer described it as being an album about what happens after you've solved the immediate problems that come with moving away from home - "something that just doesn't feel like it makes sense yet".
In 2017, after a long break, the third album Somersault was released
Adversity
Beach Fossils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We put up a fight for the other side
Raise up our arms to show we're strong
They may break our bones, but we'll carry on
All that you see
Do you wanna be
Adversity?
Do you wanna be
You and me
Adversity?
Oh, the call to move it in
Oh, we're all so new to it
All that you see
Do you wanna be
Adversity?
All that you see
Do you wanna be
You and me
Adversity?
All that you see
Adversity
All that you see
You and me
All that you see
Adversity
All that you see
You and me
Adversity
The lyrics of Beach Fossils' song "Adversity" are encouraging and empowering to individuals who are facing challenging situations in life. The first verse is a question, asking the listener if they will tear down the walls of adversity or if they are going to keep fighting for what they believe in. The stanza is reminding them to raise their arms and show strength, despite the physical pain that comes with it. The phrase "They may break our bones, but we'll carry on" shows that the vocalist doesn't fear the consequences of standing up for what they believe in. This line could also mean that although the antagonist may physically harm you, it will not break your spirit, which will continue to persist through the struggle.
The chorus consists of two-parallel stanzas, "All that you see, do you wanna be Adversity? / You and me, Adversity?" It uses the title of the song as a reminder of the difficulties one faces constantly. It encourages the listener to take up challenges and face them head-on. The repetition of the word adversity in the chorus reinforces the question and reminds them that it is something that can be conquered, and we can choose to fight against it. The second verse refers to the notion of moving forward, even for those who are new to the concept. The songwriter tries to convey here that although you may not have experienced adversity before, it's an ever-present part of life that we must all face.
Overall, "Adversity" could be interpreted as a call to action against life's hardships. While it may be true that overcoming obstacles can be difficult, the song's refrain reminds us to embrace adversity as a challenge rather than a burden. We should face it head-on, without fear, and strive for our best selves.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you tear it down? Will you decide?
Do you have the strength to fight against opposition to tear down what is not right or will you make the decision to leave it as it is?
We put up a fight for the other side
We stand up to those trying to take us down, for a different way of life
Raise up our arms to show we're strong
Show everyone, including our opponents, that we have the strength and determination to fight back
They may break our bones, but we'll carry on
Even if we get hurt in the fight, we'll keep fighting anyway
All that you see, Do you wanna be Adversity?
Is this really the kind of world you want to live in, where there is constant opposition and struggle?
All that you see, Do you wanna be You and me Adversity?
Are we going to be a part of this cycle of struggle and adversity?
Oh, the call to move it in
We need to take action
Oh, we're all so new to it
We may be inexperienced, but we need to start somewhere
All that you see Adversity
This is the reality that we are living in, constantly struggling and fighting against opposition
All that you see You and me Adversity
We are all a part of this cycle, and we can either continue it or work to change it
All that you see Adversity
This is the truth of our world, and we need to face it head-on
All that you see You and me Adversity
We are all in this together, and it's up to us to make a change
Lyrics © JOHN E. SLAMM PENA MUSIC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: James Dustin Payseur, John Felix Baptiste Pena
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yomangfoo1
Beach fossils, diiv, Real Estate, craft spells kept me sane in college in the early 2010s. Coming back to these songs bring the days of my 20s and coming of adulthood. Oh how I miss it.
@theoneandonlyownage
I'm loving this lo-fi indie style! Beach Fossils, DIIV, Craft Spells, Wild Nothing, Real Estate etc.
Anyone know any other bands with this kind of chill, indie sound?
@Hardbody94
The Apartments and Pavement.
@Shoegazings
Try Mothlight, Wand, Gouton Rouge (they are italian and even if u dont understand the lyrics u can feel the dreamy vibes, proud of my homies), Labyrinth Ear.
@indie-tm5lp
Try beach vacation, they were inspired by beach fossils, wild Nothing , craft spells
@JoshB18697
Try Jaws, really chill
@theoneandonlyownage
JoshB18697 Since the comment I made I have found so many bands that fit my criteria, Jaws being one of them. 'Friend Like You' is one of my favourites..
@wkndr4life
Perfect music for traveling by train through the French countryside :)
@88rrodriguez
Nailed it!
@mosesart.47
I fall in love a little more everytime I play this track