After Tod left his previous group, Cop Shoot Cop, he quickly regrouped and formed Firewater to explore the styles of music Cop Shoot Cop had only hinted at, including klezmer, cabaret, ska, jazz, and gypsy forms. More than one source described the original Firewater lineup as an "indie rock supergroup", based on members such as Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard, Yuval Gabay of Soul Coughing, Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields, and Hahn Rowe. This original lineup proved unable to tour, and Tod recruited new musicians for the band's first tour. While the lineup has changed over the years, with many different musicians appearing on different albums and tours, Tod remains the singer, songwriter, and bassist of Firewater.
Firewater has released six albums, and has seen some success, especially in Europe and on United States college radio stations.
Their previous album, Songs We Should Have Written, is a collection of cover songs. It includes songs written by Robyn Hitchcock, The Rolling Stones ("Paint It Black" reinterpreted as a crawlingly slow raga which "shove(s) a few downers down the song's throat to counter the original version's adrenaline-fueled fire" ), and a "dark and sweet" take of Sonny and Cher's "The Beat Goes On", described as "10 times more ominous and 20 times more pleasurable" than the original. The album also includes a modern rendition of the Johnny Cash anthem "Folsom Prison Blues".
Their latest album, The Golden Hour, has been recorded with various local musicians and friends when Tod A went on sabbatical and travelled through Thailand, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and Israel. The record was released May 6 in 2008. The band is currently (October, 2008) touring in support of the album.
The Beat Goes On
Firewater Lyrics
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Laigadadeee laigadadaa
Charles ? was once a rage aha
History has banned that stage aha
The mini skirts' the current thing aha
Tini Bopper is our new born king aha
And the beat goes on
Drums keep poundin' a rhythm to the brain
Laigadadeee laigadadaa
Grocery store is a super mart aha
Little girls still break their hearts aha
Men still keep on marching off the war
Electrically they keep their base ball score
And the beat goes on
And the beat goes on
Drums keep poundin' a rhythm to the brain
Laigadadeee ligadadaa
The song "The Beat Goes On" by Firewater is a tribute to the unending rhythm of life. The lyrics reference the changes in society throughout history – from the once-popular Charles Chaplin to the current trend of mini skirts – but emphasize that the beat remains the same. The drums pound a rhythm to the brain, providing a steady foundation for life to continue moving forward.
The second stanza talks about the changes in everyday life – the grocery store has become a super mart and technology allows us to keep score of baseball games electronically. However, despite these changes, men still march off to war and young girls still have their hearts broken. Again, the beat goes on – life continues despite these changes.
Overall, "The Beat Goes On" is a reminder that while the world may change and evolve, life continues to move forward with the same steady rhythm.
Line by Line Meaning
Drums keep poundin' a rhythm to the brain
The incessant beating of drums creates a rhythm that resonates within our minds.
Laigadadeee laigadadaa
This is an onomatopoeic expression representing the sound of the drums.
Charles ? was once a rage aha
A famous icon named Charles used to be revered and popular.
History has banned that stage aha
However, due to changing times and societal norms, this icon is no longer celebrated or appreciated by contemporary audiences.
The mini skirts' the current thing aha
Currently, in fashion, mini skirts are the latest trend.
Tini Bopper is our new born king aha
A new idol has emerged and is highly regarded by young fans.
And the beat goes on
Despite the ever-changing cultural landscape, the drums continue to beat and provide a steady rhythm to life.
Grocery store is a super mart aha
The contemporary marketplaces, nowadays, have evolved from small grocery stores to large super malls.
Little girls still break their hearts aha
Despite these changes, young girls still experience heartbreak and emotional turmoil as they grow up.
Men still keep on marching off the war
The destructive tendencies of men still drive them to engage in warfare.
Electrically they keep their base ball score
Despite the tragic and destructive nature of war, men still find the time to engage in recreational activities such as keeping score at baseball games.
And the beat goes on
Again, the constant rhythm of the drums persists in the face of societal changes and upheaval.
Drums keep poundin' a rhythm to the brain
The chorus repeats, emphasizing the enduring nature of the rhythm.
Laigadadeee ligadadaa
The chorus repeats the onomatopoeic expression used to describe the sound of the drums.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sonny Bono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind