In 1999 Beate was asked by Bugge Wesseltoft to make a record for Jazzland rec. He gave her freedom to make the record she wanted. Beate meant that the best way to really make a record of her own was to make it completely by herself - composing, arranging, text writing, programming, recording and producing. Since she had a studio at home, she would do as much as possible there, on her own Macintosh computer.
After a while Marius contributed more to the creation of the record. Dividing up the labour, Marius took care of the groove elements and Beate was in charge of the melodies, harmonies and lyrics, with some exceptions both ways. Since the work was done in private surroundings, the record was entitled “Home”. Most of the recordings were done in Beate’s 6 meters flat in Oslo except for the strings, vibraphone and drums, which were done in Bugge’s room (Bugge Wesseltoft's studio).
Because of the co-operation between Beate and Marius, the project name “Beate S. Lech” was abandoned and “Beady Belle” was created. Beady Belle worked solidly on this record for one and a half years.
Skin Deep
Beady Belle Lyrics
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I like the open dell
And I prefer the secret
That I'm allowed to tell
I like the happy ending
I like the flying start
And I prefer the carefree
I don't believe
There's seething under the surface
I don't believe
There're answers behind the obvious
And honestly I speak
With my toungue in my cheek
Beauty is only skin-deep
I like the sugarcoated
I don't think that Nick is old
And I believe that all
That glitter must be gold
I swim tabove the water
Naivety is my friend
The water of forgetfulness
Allows me to pretend
The song "Skin Deep" by Beady Belle is a commentary on the human tendency to prefer superficiality and simplicity over the complexities and realities of life. The opening lines of the song, "I like the shallow water, I like the open dell, and I prefer the secret that I'm allowed to tell," suggest a preference for things that are easy and uncomplicated. The singer prefers happy endings and flying starts, and cares only to be light at heart instead of confronting the difficulties of life.
The chorus of the song, "I don't believe there's seething under the surface, I don't believe there're answers behind the obvious, and honestly I speak with my tongue in my cheek, beauty is only skin-deep," further emphasizes this point. The singer is so focused on the surface-level appearances and experiences of life that they deny the existence of deeper meanings and truths. They are content to live in ignorance and denial, choosing to "swim above the water" and pretend that everything is simple and easy.
Overall, "Skin Deep" is a poignant commentary on the human desire for simplicity and superficiality in a world that is often complex and difficult to understand. It invites listeners to reflect on their own tendencies towards denial and ignorance, and to consider the importance of facing life's challenges with openness and honesty.
Line by Line Meaning
I like the shallow water
I prefer easy situations that don't require much depth or complexity.
I like the open dell
I enjoy wide, open spaces where I can be free and easy.
And I prefer the secret
That I'm allowed to tell
I like having secrets that I can share with others.
I like the happy ending
I enjoy stories or situations that have positive outcomes.
I like the flying start
I enjoy getting a head start in new situations.
And I prefer the carefree
To be light at heart
I like being free from responsibilities and having a light, unburdened spirit.
I don't believe
There's seething under the surface
I don't think there are hidden, negative emotions lurking beneath the surface of things.
I don't believe
There're answers behind the obvious
I don't believe that everything has a hidden, deeper meaning.
And honestly I speak
With my toungue in my cheek
I speak ironically or in jest, with a hint of sarcasm or humor.
Beauty is only skin-deep
Physical beauty is superficial and doesn't necessarily reflect a person's inner qualities.
I like the sugarcoated
I prefer things that are presented in a positive or appealing light.
I don't think that Nick is old
I choose to overlook negative or undesirable qualities in people or situations.
And I believe that all
That glitter must be gold
I believe that things that look attractive or valuable must be so in reality.
I swim tabove the water
I like to keep my head above water, maintaining a superficial or shallow perspective.
Naivety is my friend
I prefer to view things with an innocent, inexperienced perspective.
The water of forgetfulness
Allows me to pretend
I choose to forget or ignore negative aspects of reality in order to maintain a happy and carefree outlook.
Contributed by Sydney G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.