Beach Song
Dead Milkmen Lyrics

The Dead Milkmen's "Beach Song" is a satirical take on the typical summer beach experience. The lyrics begin by painting a picture of discomfort – the sand is hot and irritating to the singer's "tender feet," and the air smells like rotting fish and Solarcaine, a sunscreen and pain-relief brand. However, the real problem with the beach is the people – the singer hates them, finding them "insane" for lounging around with towels and umbrellas while the radio blares "fun, fun, fun." The singer's girlfriend is no exception – she lies on the beach "like a barrier reef," soaking up the sun while the singer scowls and complains.

The chorus of the song consists entirely of the singer insisting that he doesn't want to be on the beach. He repeats this idea four times, emphasizing his frustration and unhappiness. The third verse introduces some absurdity when the singer gives his ice cream to a shark and is left with nothing to eat. The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus, ending on a note of dissatisfaction.

Overall, "Beach Song" is a humorous critique of the beach culture so many people embrace during the summer months. The singer's discomfort and irritation are relatable, but the song takes it to an extreme that highlights the absurdity of the situation. By the end of the song, the singer's frustration with the beach and its inhabitants has reached its limit, and the audience is left with the impression that the singer would much rather be anywhere else.