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.
Stools and Rules
Beady Belle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What is a hiding place that's been exposed
What is a clown that doesn't cut a caper
What is a song that's never been composed
What is a book without enclosing cover
What is a letter written with no ink
What is adultery with no secret lover
What happens between the two stools
That doesn't fit in the pigeonhole
Is it there the exceptions that prove the rules
Define the things beyond control
What is a mirror that breaks into a thousand pieces
And seven years of bad luck if you've never had such
What is Virgin Mary if she didn't give birth to Jesus
What is a stripper that refuses to undress
What is a pipe dream without a future chapter
What is nostalgia without memories of the past
What is "cops and robbers" if no one is the captor
What is permanence that doesn't last
The lyrics to Beady Belle's song "Stools and Rules" touch on the concept of balance and the idea that there must be an opposite in order for something to truly exist. The verses describe various examples of this duality, such as a present without wrapping paper, a clown without a caper, and a glass for one who cannot drink. These examples illustrate the importance of both parts of the equation and the idea that something cannot be fully understood or appreciated without its contrasting counterpart.
The chorus introduces the idea of the "two stools", suggesting that there is a space between the two that cannot be easily categorized or defined. It is in this undefined space where the exceptions to the rules exist and where things that are beyond control can be found. The song seems to suggest that it is important to acknowledge and appreciate this space, as it is where creativity and individuality thrive.
Overall, "Stools and Rules" is a thoughtful and philosophical song that offers a unique perspective on the importance of balance and the beauty of the unexpected.
Line by Line Meaning
What is a present without the wrapping paper
Without its wrapping paper, a present may lose its relevance and impact.
What is a hiding place that's been exposed
Once a hiding place is exposed, it loses its ability to provide security and protection.
What is a clown that doesn't cut a caper
A clown's purpose is to amuse and entertain, but without performing, there's no point to their presence.
What is a song that's never been composed
Without a song to express emotions, certain feelings may not be fully realized and may remain trapped within.
What is a book without enclosing cover
The cover of a book serves to give it an identity and helps to attract a reader's attention.
What is a letter written with no ink
Without ink, a letter would be illegible and the intended message would be lost.
What is adultery with no secret lover
The secrecy and taboo nature of an affair is what makes it appealing, without that element, it loses its allure and meaning.
What is a glass for one who cannot drink
A glass serves no purpose if one cannot use it for its intended function, which is to consume a beverage.
What happens between the two stools
There may be situations where one is stuck between two choices or positions and unable to make a decision.
That doesn't fit in the pigeonhole
These situations may not fit into the conventional categories or expectations.
Is it there the exceptions that prove the rules
In these exceptional cases, the usual rules and expectations may be challenged or redefined.
Define the things beyond control
These situations may be beyond one's control, and it's important to recognize and accept them as such.
What is a mirror that breaks into a thousand pieces
A shattered mirror reflects fragmented and distorted images, making it difficult to see clearly.
And seven years of bad luck if you've never had such
In some cultures, breaking a mirror is believed to bring bad luck for seven years.
What is Virgin Mary if she didn't give birth to Jesus
Mary's role in giving birth to Jesus is a significant part of her identity and importance in religious history.
What is a stripper that refuses to undress
A stripper's job is to remove their clothing to entertain, without doing so, they wouldn't be fulfilling their role.
What is a pipe dream without a future chapter
A pipe dream is often an unrealistic idea, and without a plan of action, it may never come to fruition.
What is nostalgia without memories of the past
Nostalgia is often tied to memories of the past, without those recollections, the feeling may not be present.
What is "cops and robbers" if no one is the captor
The game of cops and robbers revolves around there being a captor and a captive, without one, the game cannot be played.
What is permanence that doesn't last
The idea of permanence is that something lasts indefinitely, without that quality, it loses its definition and significance.
Contributed by Avery H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.