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
Golden Age
Beach Fossils Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To lose my mind
But I couldn't say
That I would mind
You only see
What you want to see
And I don't want you to see me
I'm doing tonight
I never know what
I'm doing tonight
And I never have plans
When it turns to night
'Cause I don't do nothin'
But stay inside
And I open my eyes
And everything's blue
From the top of the sky
To underneath you
Ain't trying to do more
Than just sit here
I can look in your eyes
And tell you're sincere
And we're dropping it off
And we're not coming back
'Cause we're trying to get lost
We both know that
You can gather the wine
And I'll carry the shade
And we'll dine in the pine
Of the golden age
I'm unlocking the doors
And we'll go to the roof
'Cause the stories we told
Are becoming the truth
Just put out your hand
And I'll take it in mine
Walk down to the center
Of the wind and shine
We'll take a swig
And we'll lie right down
We'll become all the colors
Of each others sounds
We can pick one up
And we can let it fly
'Cause in the golden age
We'll never die
"Golden Age," by Beach Fossils, is a song about embracing the present moment and finding contentment with simplicity. The lyrics imply that life is not about always knowing what we are doing or having any grand plans, rather it's about finding happiness in small moments, even in just sitting still and observing the world around us. Nature and its beauty play a significant role in this song, represented by the color blue and dining under the pines. The song's title represents a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time, although it remains unclear if the Golden Age referred to is a personal memory or an ideal to strive for.
The chorus of the song encapsulates the desire to escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life and get lost in peaceful moments. The last verse is an invitation to a companion to join the singer in experiencing a blissful moment, lying down and enjoying each other's company, becoming one with nature and the sounds around them.
Overall, "Golden Age" highlights the importance of being present, experiencing the present moment, and finding fulfillment in simplicity and nature.
Line by Line Meaning
And I'm not trying
I'm not consciously attempting
To lose my mind
To become mentally unstable
But I couldn't say
But I'm not completely certain
That I would mind
That I would find it bothersome
You only see
You solely perceive
What you want to see
That which aligns with your desires
And I don't want you to see me
And I'd prefer not to be seen by you
I don't know what
I'm unsure of what
I'm doing tonight
I'll be occupied with today
I never know what
I'm always uncertain about what
I'm doing tonight
I'll be occupied with today
And I never have plans
And I never make arrangements
When it turns to night
As nighttime approaches
'Cause I don't do nothin'
Because I'm not active
But stay inside
Except for remaining indoors
And I open my eyes
And I commence seeing
And everything's blue
And everything appears blue
From the top of the sky
From the zenith of the sky
To underneath you
All the way to directly below you
Ain't trying to do more
I'm not aiming to achieve anything beyond
Than just sit here
Than simply sitting in this place
I can look in your eyes
I'm capable of examining your eyes
And tell you're sincere
And determine that you're genuine
And we're dropping it off
And we are relinquishing it
And we're not coming back
And we won't be returning
'Cause we're trying to get lost
Because we're attempting to become lost
We both know that
We're both aware
You can gather the wine
You are able to collect the wine
And I'll carry the shade
And I will transport the shade
And we'll dine in the pine
And we'll consume our meal in the pine trees
Of the Golden Age
Of the idealistic past
I'm unlocking the doors
I'm opening the entrance ways
And we'll go to the roof
And we'll ascend to the roof
'Cause the stories we told
Because the accounts we shared
Are becoming the truth
Are manifesting as reality
Just put out your hand
Simply extend your hand
And I'll take it in mine
And I'll grasp it with mine
Walk down to the center
Move toward the center
Of the wind and shine
Where the wind and sun converge
We'll take a swig
We'll consume a gulp
And we'll lie right down
And we'll recline immediately
We'll become all the colors
We'll alter to be every color
Of each others sounds
Of one another's sounds
We can pick one up
We are able to lift one up
And we can let it fly
And we can allow it to soar
'Cause in the Golden age
As when all was perfect
We'll never die
We will be immortal
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: James Dustin Payseur
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind