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)
Resistor
Beanbag Lyrics
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I'm told what to wear I'm sold what I hear ell me am I so unique?
I'm stronger than steel I'm larger than life tell me why I crumble a lot
I laugh as I cheat I'm told I am right but I don't feel that's it anymore
And all of this time
The media says it's fine
The media is out of line
I read what I know I tell what I read tell me why I act a fool
I'm given a look I see that it's sad tell me why I'm depressed
I can't wear this shoe it's bigger than me and I'll never fill it like you do
I can't be this to them
You are what you're called to be
Just look up to Him and He will tell it
I can't be this no more
Why can't we see?
The lyrics to Beanbag's song "Resistor" convey a sense of individuality in a world that is constantly trying to force people into a mold. The singer is expressing frustration with feeling like they don't fit in, being told what to wear and what to think. They assert their strength and uniqueness and question why they still struggle despite their perceived strengths. Despite feeling like they are cheating or being told they are right, they do not feel fulfilled by these actions anymore. The media is also called out for perpetuating this cycle and being "out of line" in terms of their influence.
The second verse further emphasizes the struggle to be an individual. The singer mentions reading and repeating what they hear but also feeling like they are not original. They see the sadness in the world and feel the weight of it on their own shoulders. The shoe metaphor is particularly striking, as it shows the singer being given something too large for them to fill and feeling inadequate compared to others. In the end, the singer declares that they can no longer be what others want them to be and questions why this struggle is so difficult.
Overall, "Resistor" is a powerful commentary on the pressure to conform to societal norms and the struggle to maintain a sense of individuality. It highlights the importance of being true to oneself and not succumbing to outside influences.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm packed in a box I'm whacked in a case tell me why I don't fit in
I feel trapped and confined, and I struggle to understand why my uniqueness doesn't fit into the expectations placed upon me.
I'm told what to wear I'm sold what I hear tell me am I so unique?
I am bombarded with messages telling me what to think, what to believe, and how to present myself. But I wonder, in a world of conformity, am I really all that different?
I'm stronger than steel I'm larger than life tell me why I crumble a lot
On the surface, I appear tough and invincible, like I can handle anything. But in reality, I have my own struggles and weaknesses that often bring me down.
I laugh as I cheat I'm told I am right but I don't feel that's it anymore
I used to take pleasure in bending the rules and getting away with it, and others used to affirm my behavior. However, now I realize that true integrity and honesty are more important to me than external validation.
And all of this time
Despite everything I experience and feel, the world keeps on turning, indifferent to my struggles.
The media says it's fine
Often, voices in the media tell us that everything is okay, that we should just accept the status quo without question. But is that really true?
The media is out of line
In fact, I believe that many messages in the media are misguided and lead us astray from what is truly important.
I read what I know I tell what I read tell me why I act a fool
I try to be informed about the world around me, but sometimes I regurgitate information without really thinking it through. This can make me seem foolish at times.
I do what I see I act like I don't tell me am I so original?
I often emulate what I admire in others and try to conform to their standards, even if it doesn't feel true to myself. I wonder if I am really unique or just another copycat.
I'm given a look I see that it's sad tell me why I'm depressed
When I receive judgmental or critical looks from others, it can make me feel down and dejected, leading me to question myself and my worth.
I can't wear this shoe it's bigger than me and I'll never fill it like you do
At times, I am faced with challenges or opportunities that are simply too big for me to handle, and I feel inadequate compared to those who seem to succeed effortlessly.
I can't be this to them
Sometimes, I know that others have certain expectations of me or want me to behave in a certain way, but I feel unable or unwilling to meet those expectations.
You are what you're called to be
Ultimately, I believe that we all have a unique calling or purpose in life, and we should strive to be true to ourselves and our unique gifts and passions.
Just look up to Him and He will tell it
When I am unsure of my path or feeling lost, I turn to my faith and trust that God will guide me towards my true calling.
I can't be this no more
At times, I feel overwhelmed or burdened by the expectations of others or the demands of the world, and I know that I need to stand up for myself and refuse to conform if it doesn't feel authentic.
Why can't we see?
In a world that often values conformity and external validation, it can be difficult for people to recognize or appreciate the uniqueness of others. We need to do better at celebrating diversity and individuality.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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