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)
Happy Dispatch
Beanbag Lyrics
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"My family's been shot to death" seems to find no answer.
The music on the radio is louder then a death.
You tune in you turn it and then you switch it off.
The music on the radio is softer if the person that is dying is your family or your friend.
Surreal twist of fate, they don't deserve to be there.
Victims of society most power is all formed from greed, why can't we see this?
Brothers sisters need to learn to love each other but who cares about this phrase if
And all I've done like the stuff I did in high school with my friends
Can you even compete with the life that I have had brother 'cause if you can't shut it
I don't want to hear that about the way you're talking what you're doing.
See what the problem is, it's us!
If we just stand still, then we will realize that we are single minded
And we are self-centered!
The lyrics in Beanbag’s song Happy Dispatch are reflective and impactful, highlighting the harsh realities of life and society’s indifference towards others. In the beginning, the lyrics detail the anguish of a person pleading for help to save their family on television, but the plea is unanswered. The next verse shifts to the radio, where music is playing louder than the sound of death. The lyrics imply that people are more interested in escapism and entertainment than the serious issues affecting society. The tone of the song then switches to a questioning and reflective nature, where the lyrics question why society is so greedy and uncaring towards each other. The lyrics call for the need to love each other as brothers and sisters, but society seems to ignore this idea.
The song then becomes more personal, with the lyrics reflecting on the individual’s perspective of their own life. They ponder whether their own happy life is hindering their ability to see the suffering of others. They question whether they are too self-centered and single-minded. Overall, the lyrics of Happy Dispatch provide a powerful commentary on society’s apathy towards others and the need for individuals to reflect on their own sense of empathy and compassion towards their fellow human beings.
Line by Line Meaning
Help me!" scream these words from the TV nightly.
The TV is constantly showing distressing news, with people crying out for help.
"My family's been shot to death" seems to find no answer.
Tragedies and crimes occur frequently without any solutions or making any changes to prevent them.
The music on the radio is louder then a death.
The radio stations play louder music compared to the grave problems faced by society.
You tune in you turn it and then you switch it off.
Even though we know that the music isn't addressing our problems, we still switch to that channel and then switch it off.
The music on the radio is softer if the person that is dying is your family or your friend.
Things become more serious and personal when we experience the same problems ourselves, and we realize that the music on the radio can never be enough to alleviate the pain.
Surreal twist of fate, they don't deserve to be there.
Tragic events happening to people can be unexpected, and they don't deserve to be going through it.
Victims of society most power is all formed from greed, why can't we see this?
Most power in society comes from greed that exploits the vulnerable and oppressed, and we are failing to recognize this as a problem.
Brothers sisters need to learn to love each other but who cares about this phrase if
We should all love and support one another, but this idea is disregarded by many.
I'm so happy with my life
Some people may be content with their own lives and avoid engaging in issues that don't directly affect them.
And all I've done like the stuff I did in high school with my friends
Some people are satisfied with their past and live in nostalgia, without considering the present or future issues.
Can you even compete with the life that I have had brother 'cause if you can't shut it
People may compare their experiences and believe their own lives are superior to others, without understanding or listening to a contrasting perspective.
I don't want to hear that about the way you're talking what you're doing.
Others' concerns or actions that don't align with one's own beliefs may be dismissed or ignored.
See what the problem is, it's us!
We are the ones causing and perpetuating the issues in society and our attitudes and actions should change to improve the situation.
If we just stand still, then we will realize that we are single minded
If we refuse to address the issues in society or dismiss others' concerns, we become self-absorbed and close-minded.
And we are self-centered!
Our focus on our own lives and situations can lead us to neglect or disregard the problems of others.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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