They are probably best known for their cover of The Monkees hit, Pleasant Valley Sunday. Over the years they have had numerous lineup changes and have played different musical styles including dance, house, techno, pop, and alternative rock.
Pleasant Valley Sunday
Code Of Ethics Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is trying hard to learn their song
They serenade the weekend squire
Who just came out to mow his lawn
Another pleasant valley Sunday
Charcoal burning everywhere
Rows of houses that are all the same
And no one seems to care
See Mrs. Gray, she's proud today
Because her roses are in bloom
And Mr. Green, he's so serene
He's got a TV in every room
Another pleasant valley Sunday
Here in Status Symbol Land
Mothers complain about how hard life is
And the kids just don't understand
Creature comfort goals, they only numb my soul
And make it hard for me to see
Ah, thoughts all seem to stray to places far away
I need a change of scenery
Ta ta ta ta, ta ta ta ta
Ta ta ta ta, ta ta ta ta
Another pleasant valley Sunday
Charcoal burning everywhere
Another pleasant valley Sunday
Here in Status Symbol Land
Another pleasant valley Sunday
(A pleasant valley Sunday)
Another pleasant valley Sunday
(A pleasant valley Sunday)
The Code Of Ethics's song, Pleasant Valley Sunday, is a commentary on suburban life and the conformist attitudes that come with it. The song paints a picture of a stereotypical suburban community where people go about their daily routines and don't question the monotony of their lives. The local rock group is trying hard to learn their song, but the weekend squire, who represents the established suburban culture, barely acknowledges their presence. The song highlights the fact that conformity and complacency are prevalent in such communities, where no one seems to care about what's happening outside of their little bubble.
The second verse of the song describes the contentment that comes with achieving the American Dream. Mrs. Gray is proud of her roses, and Mr. Green has a TV in every room. However, this contentment only lasts for a while. The third verse alludes to the fact that creature comfort goals only numb the soul and make it hard to see anything beyond our immediate surroundings. The lyrics suggest that we need a change of scenery to get out of our comfort zone and seek new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
The local rock group down the street
A nearby rock band is practicing and trying to perfect their music
Is trying hard to learn their song
They are putting in a lot of effort to improve their skills and musical abilities
They serenade the weekend squire
They perform for the wealthy person in the neighborhood who has leisure time on weekends
Who just came out to mow his lawn
The wealthy person is doing a mundane task but can still enjoy the music
Another pleasant valley Sunday
This is another typical and uneventful day in this community
Charcoal burning everywhere
Barbeques are happening in many backyards, adding to the monotony of suburban life
Rows of houses that are all the same
The architecture and design of the homes lack individuality and creativity
And no one seems to care
The residents have become complacent and indifferent to the lack of diversity
See Mrs. Gray, she's proud today
A resident is pleased with her garden, bringing some joy to her day
Because her roses are in bloom
Her flowers are at the peak of their beauty and add some color to the otherwise bland environment
And Mr. Green, he's so serene
Another resident is calm and peaceful, possibly due to his wealth and success in this status-obsessed community
He's got a TV in every room
His wealth allows him to indulge in luxury items like multiple televisions
Mothers complain about how hard life is
Even those who have it all can still find something to complain about, revealing the emptiness of their lives
And the kids just don't understand
Children are growing up in this dull, materialistic environment and are not able to appreciate the beauty of a simpler life
Creature comfort goals, they only numb my soul
Focusing only on obtaining material comfort and convenience leads to a life lacking in depth and meaning
And make it hard for me to see
It's difficult to appreciate the true beauty of life when getting caught up in the endless quest for creature comforts
Ah, thoughts all seem to stray to places far away
Despite being physically present in this community, many residents daydream of being somewhere else with more excitement and adventure
I need a change of scenery
This dull, homogenous community is suffocating and someone desires to break free from it to find something more fulfilling
Ta ta ta ta, ta ta ta ta
Instrumental interlude
Another pleasant valley Sunday
The repetition of this phrase reinforces the mundane sameness of the community, highlighting the desire for something more stimulating
Here in Status Symbol Land
This community is defined by the superficial display of wealth and the obsession with maintaining social status
A pleasant valley Sunday
Another uneventful day in an outwardly idyllic, but ultimately unsatisfying, community
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING, GERRY GOFFIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ashley Sirbaugh
I loved this band!! I still listen to this album frequently! Thanks for uploading!
Praise Adesida
Thanks so much for uploading this!!!
Kristina Zubic
Always loved this version. Who was producer?
Junior Chaveriat
Rick the drummer......YES!!!!!
Rachel Carr
SKIPPPPPPPPPYYYYYYYY!
uoflcardinalfan
Funny how things haven't changed much since the Monkees recorded this song. People continue to sin by not devoting Sunday to the Lord.
Farrah Teague
I once read that this song is actually about a mental institution.
Antelope Freeway
So, it's not the lies, the greed, the vanity or the hurtful ways we can treat each other-- its the way we act on Sunday that the Infinite Creator of the Universe really gets hung up on? Wow- He really is unfathomable! btw-- find the lyrics, the song is not about Sundays at all, it's about living in Status Symbol Land, where looks "trump" substance.
uoflcardinalfan
Good point. But sinning does not please the Lord.
toobertunes
Sinning is so much more fun. "I love the smell of charcoal in the morning."