Formed in 2009, the act was originally a means to expand the solo project of Dustin Payseur. That same year bassist John PeƱa 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 PeƱa 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
BE NOTHING
Beach Fossils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All you got
Is you never had nothing
You wish you had something
All you want
All you want
You always got something
You wish you had nothing
Gone to roam
To get back home
Did you find devotion
Or were you just floating?
Now so strong
All along
I told you don't rush it
'Cause you're never gonna trust it
Be nothing
Be nothing
Be nothing
Be nothing
All you want
All you want
Is you never had nothing
All you got
All you got
Is you always want something
The lyrics of Beach Fossils' song "Be Nothing" explore themes of longing, dissatisfaction, and the constant pursuit of something better.
In the first two lines, "All you got, all you got, is you never had nothing. You wish you had something," it suggests that the person referred to in the song feels like they have never had anything significant in their life. They desire to possess or achieve something meaningful, but it has always eluded them. This highlights a sense of longing and dissatisfaction with their current circumstances.
The next two lines, "All you want, all you want, you always got something. You wish you had nothing," further emphasize this longing and dissatisfaction. Despite always having something, the person still feels unfulfilled and desires to have nothing. This could be interpreted as a desire for simplicity or a longing for a sense of detachment from the materialistic world.
The following lines, "Gone to roam, to get back home, did you find devotion or were you just floating? Now so strong, all along, I told you don't rush it cause you're never gonna trust it," reflect the search for purpose or direction. The mention of roaming and attempting to find home suggests a journey to find a sense of belonging or purpose. The question of whether they found devotion or were just floating indicates uncertainty about whether they are truly committed to finding meaning in their life or just going with the flow. The last line advises not to rush, as trusting that they will eventually find what they seek may be difficult for them.
The final lines, "Be nothing, be nothing," are repeated and serve as a sort of mantra. This repetition might suggest a yearning for simplicity or a desire to let go of materialistic desires entirely. By encouraging the idea of being nothing, the lyrics convey the idea of detachment from worldly possessions or expectations.
Overall, "Be Nothing" explores themes of longing, dissatisfaction, and the constant desire for something more meaningful in life. It questions the pursuit of materialistic desires and suggests that finding contentment may be more achievable through letting go and embracing simplicity.
Line by Line Meaning
All you got
Everything you possess
All you got
Everything you possess
Is you never had nothing
You have never experienced lack or emptiness
You wish you had something
You desire to possess something
All you want
Your desires
All you want
Your desires
You always got something
You always manage to obtain something
You wish you had nothing
You wish to be devoid of possessions or desires
Gone to roam
You have departed to explore or wander
To get back home
With the intention of returning to your place of belonging
Did you find devotion
Did you discover and dedicate yourself to a deep commitment
Or were you just floating?
Or were you simply drifting aimlessly
Now so strong
Now filled with strength or determination
All along
Throughout the entirety of your journey
I told you don't rush it
I cautioned you against hastening or forcing things
'Cause you're never gonna trust it
Because you will never fully trust the outcome
Be nothing
Embrace the concept of being without identity or attachment
Be nothing
Embrace the concept of being without identity or attachment
Be nothing
Embrace the concept of being without identity or attachment
Be nothing
Embrace the concept of being without identity or attachment
All you want
Your desires
All you want
Your desires
Is you never had nothing
You have never experienced lack or emptiness
All you got
Everything you possess
All you got
Everything you possess
Is you always want something
You constantly desire to possess something
Lyrics Ā© Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Jack Doyle Smith, James Dustin Payseur, Thomas Chase Davidson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stefanusmurrayterblanche4977
Great sound, enjoyed the bass line and smooth transitioning phases
@karlosdeevs
hey, ur name just caught my eye:
It's the same as one of South Africa's greatest sportsmen.
@theadamtron
This is my absolute favorite track from this album. The middle build up on this incredible.
@teamjakexx
The soft flanger notes in the end š
@tylerjuanrodriguezokonma836
I listen to this everytime I'm high because of the bass it sounds soooo good
@ShaunyP26
Always loved this song. They seem way younger than I expected.
@TheRonaldsrangers
Love it...
@billythekid2324
This song is like walking in the woods.
Or travelling in space.
@maillotadrien8540
Pure Sound !
@50zezima
My favorite one from this album