Electric Music and the
Beck Lyrics


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Out on the highway I'm doin it my way
Handing out money of flies making honey
Zig-zag patients vibrating the ancients
Legions of plenty, the pigs on the levee

Let's don't be like everyone else
With the one-trip rooms, the half-way house
Big black drums beat in the night
Running away, that's what I like

Breezes are turning, village is burning
Convalescents open the presents
Wandering children ready and willing
Beggars and light-weights hard as the highway

Let's don't be like everyone else
With the one-trip rooms, the half-way house
Big black drums beat in the night
Running away, that's what I like

Abandoned coal mines, we'll have a good time
Sunstroke rivals recycling bibles

Let's don't be like everyone else
With the one-trip rooms, the half-way house




Big black drums beat in the night
Running away, that's what I like

Overall Meaning

In "Electric Music And The Summer People," Beck takes us on a road trip through a world that is characterized by chaos and confusion. The song opens with the singer driving down the highway "doing it my way," and encountering a variety of strange characters along the way. These characters include "Zig-zag patients vibrating the ancients" and "legions of plenty, the pigs on the levee."


As the song progresses, we see the singer rejecting the idea of conforming to society's expectations. He urges us to "let's don't be like everyone else" and instead embraces a life of running away and adventure. There is a sense throughout the song that the road represents a kind of escape from the problems of society. The abandoned coal mines and recycling bibles of the final verse suggest a world that is in disarray, but also one that is ripe for exploration and discovery.


Overall, "Electric Music And The Summer People" is a song about the thrill of the open road and the freedom that comes with letting go of societal expectations. The chaos and confusion of the world the singer encounters make it clear that this is not an easy path, but the song suggests that it is ultimately worth pursuing.


Line by Line Meaning

Out on the highway I'm doin it my way
I'm taking control of my life by living out my dreams and desires on the open road.


Handing out money of flies making honey
I'm embracing the spontaneous and sometimes unpredictable nature of life on the road, seeing beauty and value where others may not.


Zig-zag patients vibrating the ancients
I'm finding inspiration and energy from the past and from those who came before me, even in the most unexpected places and people.


Legions of plenty, the pigs on the levee
I'm aware of the wealth and abundance around me, but also of the dangers and temptations that come with it.


Breezes are turning, village is burning
Change is happening all around me, sometimes in ways that are destructive or difficult to bear.


Convalescents open the presents
Even those who are healing or recovering from illness or trauma can find joy and hope in life's small gifts and moments of wonder.


Wandering children ready and willing
Young people are often eager and prepared to explore the world and embrace its challenges, without judgment or fear.


Beggars and light-weights hard as the highway
Those who seem weak or vulnerable can still be tough and resilient in the face of adversity and struggle.


Abandoned coal mines, we'll have a good time
Even in the most desolate or abandoned places, there is potential for fun, adventure, and unexpected discoveries.


Sunstroke rivals recycling bibles
The heat and intensity of life can sometimes feel overwhelming or even overwhelming, but there is always room for creativity and imagination.


Let's don't be like everyone else
I'm determined to chart my own path in life, taking risks and making my own rules rather than following the crowd.


With the one-trip rooms, the half-way house
I won't settle for a life of mediocrity or conformity, but will seek out new experiences and challenges at every opportunity.


Big black drums beat in the night
There is power and vitality in music, especially when played loud and proud under the stars.


Running away, that's what I like
I'm not running from my problems or responsibilities, but embracing the freedom and adventure of the open road and the unknown.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BECK CAMPBELL, PHILIP MICHAEL COULTER, JOHN KING, TOMMY LEE SCOTT, MICHAEL SIMPSON, TED WRIGHT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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