Beanbag a… Read Full Bio ↴There has been more than one artist using the name Beanbag
Beanbag appeared with two tracks on the 1984 compilation LP, 'Bands That Could Be God', compiled by Gerard Cosloy of 'Conflict' fanzine. The compilation has become sought after as one of the better and more interesting compilations of US underground music of the time. The album pertained to be a selection of quality, though lesser-known underground music from Boston, Massachussetts, so presumably they were a Boston band or from thereabouts. The tracks had a 'lo-fi', though kind of 'new wave/synthpunk' sound. Two of the better-known artists on the compilation were Deep Wound and Moving Targets.
Beanbag was an Australian band that formed in 1995 and broke up in late 2002.
The group comprised core members vocalist Hans Van Vliet, guitarist Michael Mullins, bassist Phil "Hirvy" Hirvela, and drummer Phil Usher. Steven Lewis-Driver assumed the bass position when Hirvy left the band in early 2002. Jesse Palmer also filled in on guitar after Michael returned to Australia a couple months before the band's demise.
Beanbag released three albums. Guttersnipe was released independently in 1998. They also had two albums on American label Inpop Records, Free Signal (2000) and Welladjusted (2001). During their time in the United States, Beanbag toured extensively, were nominated for two GMA Awards, and had songs featured on several television soundtracks.
The band broke up after a van accident that occurred while driving back to Nashville. The driver swerved to avoid a deer on the interstate. The van and the trailer filled with their gear ended up in a ditch. Hunz was taken to the hospital where he stayed for three days with lung damage. With no vehicle, no gear, and no vocalist, they had very little choice except to disband.
From their Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beanbag_(band)
Bite The Hand
Beanbag Lyrics
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And the trees look around for the sunlight they mention.
Tears fall from the mildew of morning
So dust cannot live when it's placed in its hands by the ocean
It can dream of becoming glass like the sand.
Flames dance on the wall in the house that is dead
Scared of what it's becoming
As water laughs at the heat that's emitted
That a human must breath in order to hear it's own lies.
See the place where I'm bound
We'll take these comforts so I may drown.
Dig out all my shame leave the dirt for the world to gain.
Rain falls like a bullet that's fired from a gun that is wet
'cause it's unprotected now
Rust forms in the barrel now.
You've had the chance but your mind is gone
And the rust erodes away under your skin.
Well I am on my hands and knees!
The song "Bite The Hand" by Beanbag is a poetic and introspective track that deals with themes of decay, mortality, and self-discovery. The opening verses set a somber and atmospheric mood, as the singer describes a damp and lifeless environment where even the trees struggle to grow. The reference to tears falling from the mildew suggests a sense of mourning or regret, perhaps for lost opportunities or unfulfilled dreams.
The next lines use vivid imagery to illustrate the idea of transformation: dust cannot live when it's placed in its hands by the ocean, but it can dream of becoming glass like the sand. This could be seen as a metaphor for the human desire for transcendence or transformation, even in the face of inevitable decay and entropy. The reference to flames dancing on the wall in a dead house conveys a sense of danger or impending doom, as if the singer is aware of a threat but unsure how to confront it.
The chorus is a melancholic and introspective reflection on the burden of shame and the desire to escape it. The singer seems to be addressing someone else, perhaps a lover or a friend, urging them to take comfort in the familiar trappings of life so that he can "drown" in his own sorrows. The final lines, "Well I am on my hands and knees" suggests a sense of desperation or vulnerability, as if the singer is begging for help or guidance.
Line by Line Meaning
Stripped down and the ground is so damp
The singer is in a vulnerable and exposed state, and the environment around them matches this by being wet and uncomfortable.
And the trees look around for the sunlight they mention.
The trees, also in a state of vulnerability, are searching for hope and growth, which is symbolized by the sunlight.
Tears fall from the mildew of morning
The singer is crying due to the depressing and oppressive atmosphere they find themselves in.
So dust cannot live when it's placed in its hands by the ocean
The ocean, a powerful and life-giving force, destroys and eradicates dirt and debris.
It can dream of becoming glass like the sand.
Despite its current state of decay, the artist still has aspirations of becoming something beautiful and valuable, like glass formed from sand.
Flames dance on the wall in the house that is dead
The singer is witnessing the last moments of something that was once alive and vibrant, as represented by the fire in a decaying house.
Scared of what it's becoming
The singer is afraid of the uncertain and potentially negative future that awaits them.
As water laughs at the heat that's emitted
The artist sees the futility of their struggles, as represented by water negating the effects of fire.
Now a flame cannot burn when it's starved of the air
The artist recognizes that one cannot continue a destructive or harmful behavior without support from others.
That a human must breath in order to hear it's own lies.
In order to continue denying the truth or reality of a situation, one must have the support and validation of others.
See the place where I'm bound
The singer feels trapped and limited in their current situation.
We'll take these comforts so I may drown.
Rather than face the harsh realities of the world, the artist will seek out comforting distractions that allow them to ignore their struggles and emotions.
Dig out all my shame leave the dirt for the world to gain.
The singer wants to rid themselves of their personal shame, but recognizes that it will inevitably be absorbed by society as a whole.
Rain falls like a bullet that's fired from a gun that is wet
The rain, like a bullet, has the power to inflict harm and damage, but it is also a natural element that cannot be controlled.
'cause it's unprotected now
The singer is vulnerable to the negative effects of the world around them, as they are exposed and unprotected.
Rust forms in the barrel now.
The artist's mind is weakening and corroding, much like rust would damage a metal object.
You've had the chance but your mind is gone
The artist is addressing someone who has had opportunities to improve their situation, but has allowed their mental state to deteriorate instead.
And the rust erodes away under your skin.
As the person's mental state worsens, it is also taking a physical toll on their body.
Well I am on my hands and knees!
The singer is expressing extreme distress and desperation, as they are literally on the ground in a subservient position.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: FRY, SINGLETON, WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind