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)
These Stains
Beanbag Lyrics
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I hold your name on my placenta
It has fame to see adventure
Call its name to find dementure
Oh, why did I leave you? I am
Here but shame told me
'always' and it is soldering out these stains
Sold my peace for anarchy
Holding all I have to be
I shook the rug out so delicately
Oh, why did I leave you? I am
Here but shame told me
'always' and it is soldering out these stains
If I had just listened to you
If I had just focused in on you
Oh, why did I leave you? I am
Here but shame told me
'always' and it is soldering out these stains
Oh, these stains
The song These Stains by Beanbag is a melancholic reflection on the regrets of a person who has walked away from someone they deeply cared about. The opening lines, "I am shame, can I enter? I hold your name on my placenta" convey a sense of guilt and a desire to make amends. The person's shame and regret remind them of the person they have left behind, who has left an indelible mark on their being. The lines "It has fame to see adventure, call its name to find dementure" suggest that the person's desire for adventure has led to a kind of madness or disorientation, and they now want to find their way back to the person they left behind.
The chorus of the song, "Oh, why did I leave you? I am here but shame told me 'always' and it is soldering out these stains" expresses the person's deep regret for leaving and the feeling that they can never fully wash away the stains and damage caused by their actions. The lines "Sold my peace for anarchy, it took me to the sea" suggest that the person gave up a peaceful life for one of chaos and recklessness, which ultimately led them away from the person they loved.
The repetition of the question, "If I had just listened to you, If I had just focused in on you" underscore the sense of regret and longing that the person feels. They know that had they paid more attention to the person they loved, they would not be in the position they are in. The final lines of the song, "Oh, these stains" convey the inescapable nature of the guilt and damage that the person has caused.
Line by Line Meaning
I am shame, can I enter?
I feel so much shame that I wonder if I am worthy enough to enter or participate.
I hold your name on my placenta
Your name is so deeply ingrained in my being that it feels like it's a part of me, just like a placenta nourishes a developing baby.
It has fame to see adventure
Your name is synonymous with adventure and excitement, and it makes me want to seek out new experiences.
Call its name to find dementure
Invoking your name can lead to bouts of madness, as my thoughts and feelings become overwhelming and confusing.
Oh, why did I leave you? I am
The regret of leaving and being away from you constantly haunts me, making me realize how much I miss you.
Here but shame told me 'always' and it is soldering out these stains
Despite being physically present, my shame continues to eat away at me, exacerbating my guilt and creating a mental image of permanently stained memories that cannot be erased or undone.
Sold my peace for anarchy
I sacrificed my inner peace and stability for chaos and disorder, which only brings temporary satisfaction and joy.
It took me to the sea
My decision to embrace chaos and give up stability has led me to unfamiliar and turbulent waters.
Holding all I have to be
Despite the chaos and turbulence, I still cling onto everything I have, hoping that it will keep me afloat and help me survive.
I shook the rug out so delicately
I tried to rid myself of any perceived wrongdoing, but did so carefully and subtly in order not to draw too much attention to myself or make too much of a mess.
If I had just listened to you
I realize that my inability to listen and heed your advice has led to all the consequences and regrets that I am currently facing.
If I had just focused in on you
If I had just made you my main priority and given you my undivided attention, I would not be in the current situation that I am in.
Oh, these stains
The permanent marks and blemishes on my conscience and memories, caused by my actions and decisions, constantly haunt me and remind me of my mistakes.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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