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)
Stale
Beanbag Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want the best in my life and I'll please anyone.
I'm strapped into this chair watching TV that's aired live across the globe, I smell!
Throw your attention over here I've got something to say
It won't change your life, but that's "cool" these days.
And now an ad is on.
The show is gone from the box in front of me.
My eyes are burning radiation from the microwave that's on it's cooking my meal,
You can't burn it in the microwave and if I did, hey, I could order out anyway.
You can't burn it in the microwave and if you did, hey.
You've been created from an image of love.
You've been created in an image of God.
Too complex I go to rest I can't seem to get things done.
I'm a woman with a mouth and I'm prepared to switch it on.
I've just come back from all this walking 'cause I'm losing weight
Was talking with a friend of Sharon's mum, fat was out, I looked dumb.
I saw myself in the mirror and I guess I'm getting thinner.
I've been taking all these pills, I better eat some meals
But what's the point? will I see clearer or will I be bigger?
I go to church every Sunday, but when it comes Monday
I'm back at work where I scream and curse
I talk real dirty to people make them think I'm real cool
My life's so simply complex
I leave small groups are on, but what is that as I slam down the phone.
The lyrics of Beanbag's song "Stale" are reflective of the multiple aspects of the modern world and how they contribute to forming one's identity in today's society. In the beginning, the words "Cruel bagged then snagged is how I want things done. I want the best in my life, and I'll please anyone" suggests that the singer has high standards for themselves. However, the next four lines speak of the singer being stuck in front of their television, watching live shows and advertisements. They express the singer's frustration with their current mode of consumption.
As the lyrics progress, the singer notes their negative feelings towards their appearance, their struggles with self-improvement, and their complex relationship with religion. They mention that despite attending church every Sunday, they struggle with their morality and find themselves screaming and cursing at work just a day later. The chorus waves in by saying that the singer has been "created in an image of love" and "an image of God." This line appears to suggest that the singer is more than just their identity's circumstantial aspects, and that they possess a potentially deeper connection to a higher power.
The overall tone of the song is disillusioned, which can be understood as the singer faces the reality of the world they have been raised in. The themes of capitalistic consumption, societal expectations, and the pressure of self-improvement converge to paint a meaningful picture of the struggles that come with modern society.
Line by Line Meaning
Cruel bagged then snagged is how I want things done.
I want to achieve my goals in a ruthless, efficient manner.
I want the best in my life and I'll please anyone.
I strive for the best in my life at any cost or consequence.
I'm strapped into this chair watching TV that's aired live across the globe, I smell!
I am trapped in front of the TV, observing the world via a screen, but I am aware of the unpleasant scents around me.
Throw your attention over here I've got something to say
Pay attention to me, I have something important to share.
It won't change your life, but that's "cool" these days.
Although my message may not have a significant impact, that's considered acceptable nowadays.
And now an ad is on.
The show has gone for now, replaced by advertisements.
The show is gone from the box in front of me.
The television program I was watching has been replaced.
My eyes are burning radiation from the microwave that's on it's cooking my meal,
The radiation from the microwave is causing discomfort to my eyes while cooking my TV dinner.
It's a TV dinner and I think it's fake veal.
The food I am microwaving is a TV dinner, and I believe that the meat is likely imitation veal.
You can't burn it in the microwave and if I did, hey, I could order out anyway.
Even if I accidentally burnt it in the microwave, I could always simply order food from elsewhere.
You can't burn it in the microwave and if you did, hey.
If one were to burn the TV dinner in the microwave, the option of ordering other food remains available.
You've been created from an image of love.
You were made in the image of love.
You've been created in an image of God.
You were created in the image of God.
Too complex I go to rest I can't seem to get things done.
My life is complicated, so I am taking a break from trying to accomplish things.
I'm a woman with a mouth and I'm prepared to switch it on.
I am a strong-willed woman ready to voice my opinions.
I've just come back from all this walking 'cause I'm losing weight
I have recently returned from a walk as part of my weight loss efforts.
Was talking with a friend of Sharon's mum, fat was out, I looked dumb.
In a conversation with someone, they expressed disapproval towards overweight individuals, making me feel self-conscious.
I saw myself in the mirror and I guess I'm getting thinner.
Upon seeing my reflection, I believe that I have lost weight.
I've been taking all these pills, I better eat some meals.
Despite taking diet pills, it is important for me to maintain proper nutrition.
But what's the point? will I see clearer or will I be bigger?
I question the effectiveness of the pills, pondering whether they will lead to increased clarity or more weight gain.
I go to church every Sunday, but when it comes Monday
I attend church regularly on Sundays, but my behavior changes during the weekdays.
I'm back at work where I scream and curse
Upon returning to my job, I become agitated and express frustration.
I talk real dirty to people make them think I'm real cool
I use vulgar language in conversations, believing that it makes me appear more impressive.
My life's so simply complex.
My life may appear straightforward, but it is actually incredibly complex.
I leave small groups are on, but what is that as I slam down the phone.
Despite scheduling to attend small group meetings, I become easily agitated and cancel as I end a phone call.
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