Their second album, 'Trouble in Paradise' (recorded at Melbourne's 'Sing Sing Studios') was produced by Sal Villanueva (Thursday, Taking Back Sunday) and mixed in his New Jersey studio 'Big Blue Meenie'. It was released in New Zealand on October the 24th, 2005; its singles were '11:57', 'Burn', 'You Are', and 'One Left Standing'.
The band's third, self-titled album was released in 2008. The band hasn't released any new material since (except for an unreleased track from sessions for their third album, 'Slow Down Boy'), but toured New Zealand in 2011 and 2017.
Elemeno P are:
Dave Gibson (Singer/Songwriter),
Justyn Pilbrow (Songwriter/Guitarist),
Lani Purkis (Bass/Backing Vocals) and
Scotty Pearson (Drums/Backing Vocals)
Band Website.
Beverly Laurel
Elemeno P Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a city that only on occasion sleeps
Put your hand on your heart id you're a refugee
On a boulevard knows as Beverly
Well I hate to burst your bubble but you're so L.A
Would you come to the viper room, I'm a DJ
And did I mention, I'm heading straight up to the mansion
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
On the way up or on the way down
There's a price to pay in this material town
Give'em hell, take a shot, give them whatever you got
There's a wizard of oz behind the backdrop
Got to learn, got to pray, got to get my head straight
Did I leave it too late, can taste the heart ache
Did I mention I'm heading to the capitalist chapel
It's a capital, and it's an animal
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
Higher, higher
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
The lyrics to Elemeno P's song Beverly Laurel are a commentary on the fickle and materialistic nature of Los Angeles, as well as the pressure to succeed in the city. The singer is lost and struggling to make it in a place that only occasionally rests, referring to Beverly Boulevard, a famous street in Los Angeles. The city is portrayed as a place where refugees come to seek a better life but may be lost in the superficial world.
The singer tries to break free from this superficiality by mentioning his desire to DJ at the Viper Room, a famous nightclub, and move up the ranks to eventually reach the mansion. However, he is also acknowledging that there is a price to pay in a materialistic town like Los Angeles. He encourages himself and others to give it their all regardless of the cost, and to take whatever shot they can to succeed. The chorus emphasizes this drive to reach higher, with a catchy and upbeat repetition of "2, 3, 4 reaching higher."
Overall, the song is a commentary on the pressure to succeed in a city that often values material success over substance, while encouraging one to pursue their dreams regardless of the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a wreck, I was lost at sea
I was in a state of chaos and confusion like a sailor lost in the vast ocean
In a city that only on occasion sleeps
In a city that never really sleeps and is always active
Put your hand on your heart id you're a refugee
If you feel like you are a stranger in this place and don't belong here, acknowledge it
On a boulevard knows as Beverly
Referring to the famous Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles
Well I hate to burst your bubble but you're so L.A
I don't want to offend you, but you are very much like the stereotypical image of Los Angeles
Would you come to the viper room, I'm a DJ
Come to the Viper Room and listen to my music as I am the DJ there
And did I mention, I'm heading straight up to the mansion
I am going to the mansion (referring to a luxurious residence) without any detours
Pay the ransom and sing the anthem
To enjoy and indulge in the luxuries, one must pay the price and follow the rules
There's a price to pay in this material town
In this city, one has to pay a high price to fulfill their materialistic desires
Give'em hell, take a shot, give them whatever you got
Do whatever it takes to impress and stand out
There's a wizard of oz behind the backdrop
Behind the glamour and shine, there are dark secrets and hidden truths
Got to learn, got to pray, got to get my head straight
I have to educate myself, meditate, and focus to sort out my thoughts and emotions
Did I leave it too late, can taste the heartache
I am worried if it's too late to make things right, and the feeling of regret is causing emotional pain
Did I mention I'm heading to the capitalist chapel
I am going to the place where the wealthy and powerful meet to discuss financial matters
It's a capital, and it's an animal
It's a city that is only driven by money and success, and it can be ruthless at times
2, 3, 4 reaching higher
A rhythmic repetition of 'reaching higher' to emphasize the desire to achieve success and climb higher in life
Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.