There has been more than one artist using the name Beanbag

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)

Chubb
Beanbag Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

He tries hard to be noticed when he's traveling town
His stereo's up loud pumping hits to his ego
Traveling to work in the morning he can't stop yawning
His foot down hard from the light he is screeching from the lights he is off in a hit
He doesn't spend much time except with looking at himself
He spends his money on his wife, his dog is his life
He can't stop yawning so he books the next flight
He is the type that makes you run when you walk

He is the type that will not bother to talk
He saves all his money to spend it today he could not imagine life another way
He yells this is for me he talks nice and loud about the stock he is buying
He doesn't see that the chef brought the plate that he ordered
Just before when he came to his spot
You know he thinks he can't be stopped thinks he won't be popped
Just don't stand near him you don't want to be him
And if you did mate, then join his fate
He is the type that makes you run when you walk
He is the type that will not bother to talk
He saves all his money to spend it today he could not imagine life another way
He finishes late at work
His mobile is flat and his car won't start
On the way he trips in the gutter
His blood clots as he hits the floor
He is the type that makes you run when you walk
He is the ype that will not bother to talk

He saves all his money to spend it today he could not imagine life another way
Jesus now wants you to be more like a big bulb in this damned world

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Chubb" by Beanbag describe a character who is overly preoccupied with his own appearance and status, to the point where he is hyper-focused on impressing others with his music and spending his money on himself. He is on the road a lot, playing his music loudly and trying to draw attention to himself. However, he is also deeply unhappy, shown through his inability to stop yawning, and the fact that he declares "this is for me" when talking about stocks, calling attention to his own selfishness. He is not a pleasant person to be around, with the song suggesting that people avoid him if they can. In the end, the character's pursuit of wealth and status over all else leads to his downfall, symbolically represented by his trip and subsequent death on the way home from work.

One interpretation of the song might be that it is a critique of the shallow and materialistic values that can dominate modern society. The character's obsession with his appearance and status highlights the dangers of prioritizing these things over more fulfilling and meaningful pursuits, such as meaningful relationships or personal growth. The song paints a picture of a truly miserable existence, suggesting that there is more to life than just keeping up appearances.

Line by Line Meaning

He tries hard to be noticed when he's traveling town
He constantly seeks attention whenever he's in town

His stereo's up loud pumping hits to his ego
He plays music loudly to feed his ego

Traveling to work in the morning he can't stop yawning
He's tired and constantly yawning while going to work in the morning

His foot down hard from the light he is screeching from the lights he is off in a hit
He drives recklessly and speeds off as soon as the light turns green

He doesn't spend much time except with looking at himself
He only cares about himself and spends most of his time looking at himself

He spends his money on his wife, his dog is his life
He values his dog more than anything and spends all his money on his wife

He can't stop yawning so he books the next flight
He's so tired that he decides to book the next flight

He is the type that makes you run when you walk
He's intimidating and makes you feel uncomfortable

He is the type that will not bother to talk
He's not interested in talking to anyone

He saves all his money to spend it today he could not imagine life another way
He only lives for today and spends all his money on immediate gratification

He yells this is for me he talks nice and loud about the stock he is buying
He proudly announces his stock buys and only cares about his own gain

He doesn't see that the chef brought the plate that he ordered
He's too absorbed in himself to notice the details

Just before when he came to his spot
Right before he arrived at his destination

You know he thinks he can't be stopped thinks he won't be popped
He thinks he's invincible and can't be stopped

Just don't stand near him you don't want to be him
He's not someone you want to be associated with

And if you did mate, then join his fate
If you become like him, you'll share the same fate as him

He finishes late at work
He works late and finishes work late

His mobile is flat and his car won't start
His phone is dead and his car won't start

On the way he trips in the gutter
He trips and falls in the gutter while on his way

His blood clots as he hits the floor
He bleeds as he falls on the floor

He is the type that makes you run when you walk
He's still intimidating even when he's down

He is the ype that will not bother to talk
He doesn't talk even when he's down