Auerbach grew up in a family with musical roots. His second cousin once removed was the late guitarist Robert Quine, an American guitarist known for his innovative guitar solos. Auerbach became infatuated with blues music during his childhood after being exposed to old records by his father. Auerbach often uses an index finger fingerpick along with his thumb to play chords, a technique similar to many earlier blues players.
Formerly of the three piece Akron band The Barnburners from 2000 until 2002, Auerbach formed The Black Keys with drummer Patrick Carney.
Auerbach released a solo album - Keep It Hid - in 2009. Auerbach played most of the instruments on the album, with his cousin James Quine contributing rhythm guitar on two songs and harmony vocals on two more.
MALIBU MAN
Dan Auerbach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With my boogie board
And bought a big house on the ocean
Stopped being me
I took the shoes off my feet
Just because I took the notion
My hair gave in so my beard came out
It grew past my lips and then it covered my mouth
So no one can read my emotion
Malibu Man
Isn't life great
Got the world in his hands
Malibu Man
Sometimes I get up
But I'm feeling down
Don't have a sister or brother
No family no wife
But I'm still living my life
Just step from a stone to another
I'm a myth of man
I ride the waves when I can
I make the music so people will buy it
I take pride in my ways
And my colossal brigade
I'm just an old fashion reading his riot
Malibu Man
Isn't life great
Got the world in his hands
Malibu Man
Isn't life great
Got the world in his hands
Malibu Man, give it up
The song "Malibu Man" by Dan Auerbach is a reflection of a person's life who has decided to move away from the hustle and bustle of city life in New York to live in Malibu, which is a surfer's paradise. The singer, who is also referred to as Malibu Man in the song, has left behind his old life and embraced a more carefree and relaxed way of life. The opening lyrics of the song, "I moved from New York with my boogie board and bought a big house on the ocean" indicate that the singer has decided to prioritize his love for surfing over his prior professional life in New York.
The song talks about some of the changes the singer has undergone since moving to Malibu. He mentions taking off his shoes just because he felt like it and growing a beard that has covered his mouth, making it hard for anyone to read his emotions. However, he seems happy with the carefree lifestyle he now leads, saying "Isn't life great, got the world in his hands, Malibu Man."
The song's title refers to the singer as Malibu Man, which reflects his identity and the life he now leads. The chorus repeats the line "Malibu Man, isn't life great, got the world in his hands," indicating that the singer is content with his new life and feels like he is living the dream. The song paints a picture of a carefree and uncomplicated life that one can experience in Malibu, away from the chaos and pressure of the city.
Line by Line Meaning
I moved from New York
I left New York and relocated elsewhere.
With my boogie board
I brought along my boogie board.
And bought a big house on the ocean
I purchased a large house that is situated by the ocean.
Stopped being me
I stopped being who I was before.
I took the shoes off my feet
I decided to take off my shoes for no apparent reason.
Just because I took the notion
I did it solely based on a whim or passing feeling.
My hair gave in so my beard came out
My hair began thinning, which led to my beard growing.
Caused quite a face of commotion
It caught the attention of others and led to some confusion.
It grew past my lips and then it covered my mouth
It continued to grow until it fully covered my mouth.
So no one can read my emotion
As a result, others cannot tell how I am feeling at any given moment.
Malibu Man
I call myself Malibu Man.
Isn't life great
I believe life is amazing.
Got the world in his hands
I feel like I have everything under control.
Sometimes I get up
There are times when I feel good or motivated.
But I'm feeling down
In other instances, I feel depressed or unhappy.
Don't have a sister or brother
I do not have any siblings.
No family no wife
I am not married and do not have any family members.
But I'm still living my life
Despite that, I am still moving forward with my existence.
Just step from a stone to another
I am taking each step in life one at a time.
I'm a myth of man
I am somewhat of an enigma or legendary figure.
I ride the waves when I can
I take the opportunity to surf whenever possible.
I make the music so people will buy it
I create songs in order to sell copies to others.
I take pride in my ways
I am content with who I am and what I do.
And my colossal brigade
I have a large group of followers who support me.
I'm just an old fashion reading his riot
I am a traditional person who does things my own way.
Malibu Man, give it up
I am once again calling myself Malibu Man and asking for appreciation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dan Auerbach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@g.a4457
I moved from New York
With my boogie board
And bought a big house on the ocean
I stopped being me
I took the shoes off my feet
Just because I took the notion
My hair gave in so my beard came out
Caused quite a face of commotion
It grew past my lips and then it covered my mouth
So no one could read my emotions
Malibu Man
Isn't life great
Got the world in his hands
Malibu Man
Sometimes I get up
But I'm feeling down
I don't have a sister or brother
No family no wife
But I'm still living my life
Just step from a stone to another
I'm a myth of man
I ride the waves when I can
I make the music so people will buy it
I take pride in my ways
And my colossal duvets
I'm just an old fashion retailers riot
Malibu Man
Isn't life great
Got the world in his hands
Malibu Man
@assailantunknown8939
This guy is criminally underrated as a guitarist and performer..
@enricorossi3968
i mean the black keys are very famous...if you mean as a solo i agree.
@angierterry5
amen.
@brianzak
Word up
@TobleroneCraft
Honestly, there are times where I feel the Black Keys are underrated.
@waylenbeare1020
I mean he has like 5 grammys but whatever
@richiesabloski3035
Greatest album I've heard in a long time... Genius level
@mrcoatsworth429
I think there's a comment on every song of the album that says, "Best song on the album." Can we all just agree that this whole album is awesome? haha
@enricorossi3968
I like the fact that he has done absolutely no advertising over this album. Like some real underground staff.
@martyc2637
A true soul of the 70's. Good Job Dan.