The band is something of a Supergroup: Eric Wilson from Sublime and Long Beach Dub Allstars, RAS-1 also from Long Beach Dub Allstars, Trey Pangborn from the Falling Idols and Bargain Music and Damion Ramirez from Capitol Eye. The latter two bands, albeit not as well known, were quintessential Long Beach bands that helped influence the sound of Long Beach Shortbus today.
Their first CD was a self-titled EP and featured their hit "California Grace." Their second CD was entitled Flying Ship of Fantasy, featuring tracks from their first album. "California Grace" is also available on the soundtrack to the MTV reality series Laguna Beach. Sadly On October 7th, 2007, it was announced that the band will be parting ways. Their final show took place at the Haunted Ball And Chain festival in San Diego, CA, on November 2nd and 3rd.
Better Than This
Long Beach Shortbus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every man needs to get a little sleep
We all need sanctuary from the trouble on the street
Working hard and making money
But I'd rather be dreaming underneath a shady tree
And I'm tossing and I'm turning and I'm fearing daylight
I'm so spun out, but I think I know what we could do
I'm exploding with ideas but I can't call you
Oh lord, I hear people in the trees
I'm going on a mission, unlock your ten-speed
I hear this place is hot, swarming with police
And there's a man on the corner with this camera on me
And I'd do anything to get a little rest
I think a nightmare would be better than this
I think a nightmare would be better than this
There's a house they say is haunted up the street
The last family that moved in evacuated in a week
That voodoo lady always got to me
And I'm searching for her spirit desperate for company
'Cause it's 6:00 in the morning, I've been up all night
Can't stop, the wheels are turning, fearing God's morning light
I'm so spun out, but I think I know what we could do
I'm exploding with ideas but I can't call you
Oh Lord, I hear people in the trees
I've got to take the world on a mission with me
I had a close brush with voyeur destiny
And then I hope that you're looking and can see right through me
Can't you see?
I'd do anything to get a little rest
I think a nightmare would be better than this
I think a nightmare would be better than this
Lord, can it get be better than this?
Can't keep living like this
Better than this
Oh, I feel so shallow, just like a puddle
I think a nightmare would be better than this
The song's meaning according to Ras-1:
"I wrote this song at a very sad time in my life. It came very naturally,
because it was all true, but by no means am I saying it was cool to be that
way (spun out). Rather, I hoped that this song could touch some people that
have been there and let them know that their problems were not unique, and
possibly show how desperate a drug addict can feel to some who had not been
there. Whatever, it's just a song."
The song "Better Than This" by Long Beach Shortbus expresses the singer's desperate need for rest and escape from the troubles of the world. While others may be content with working hard and making money, the singer would rather be dreaming under a shady tree. He has been up all night, unable to sleep and tormented by his thoughts. The whole world seems to be closing in on him, as if he is being watched by the police and a mysterious camera. He doesn't know how to handle his ideas or call out to someone for help. Instead, he imagines embarking on a mission with the world on his back, in search of haunted houses and voodoo spirits. He feels lost and shallow, wishing for a nightmare that might somehow be more bearable than the reality he faces.
The song's lyrics are a poignant depiction of the struggles and pain of drug addiction, which the songwriter Ras-1 has experienced firsthand. He offers this song as a form of solace and recognition for those who may feel similarly trapped and desperate. The music itself reflects the intensity of the emotions described, with a driving beat, soaring vocals, and an urgent guitar riff. The song's mournful tone and insistent rhythm create a powerful sense of tension and release, underscoring the themes of isolation, longing, and hope. In the end, the singer's plea for a better life resonates with anyone who has suffered from addiction or despair, reminding us that there is always a glimmer of hope that things can get better.
Line by Line Meaning
Every man needs to get a little sleep
All individuals require rest and sanctuary from the real world.
We all need sanctuary from the trouble on the street
Everyone yearns for a place of peace in a world filled with problems.
Working hard and making money
Putting in maximum effort in order to earn income.
But I'd rather be dreaming underneath a shady tree
Personal preference would be to relax underneath a tree and enjoy the serenity.
And it's 6:00 in the morning, I've been up all night
At the time of composing, they were suffering from insomnia and it was morning.
And I'm tossing and I'm turning and I'm fearing daylight
Unable to rest and in a state of distress at the thought of morning.
I'm so spun out, but I think I know what we could do
Despite feeling lost, the songwriter still has ideas to pursue.
I'm exploding with ideas but I can't call you
Despite creative inspiration, there are no options to reach out to others.
Oh lord, I hear people in the trees
A cry for help, hearing things and contemplating seeking assistance.
I'm going on a mission, unlock your ten-speed
Going on an adventure, determining to make changes and escape the current situation.
I hear this place is hot, swarming with police
Believing that their location is a high-profile location with intense police activity.
And there's a man on the corner with this camera on me
Feeling trapped and under scrutiny due to someone observing them.
And I'd do anything to get a little rest
Desperate for relaxation, willing to go to extreme lengths.
I think a nightmare would be better than this
The current situation is so dire, that they would even prefer a nightmare instead.
There's a house they say is haunted up the street
Rumor has it that there is a spooky house nearby.
The last family that moved in evacuated in a week
The previous family moved out within a week, hinting at the haunting nature of the house.
That voodoo lady always got to me
Being frightened by a witch doctor, thinking that they are cursed.
And I'm searching for her spirit desperate for company
Feeling alone and desiring to find comfort in supernatural phenomena.
Can't stop, the wheels are turning, fearing God's morning light
Unable to halt their thoughts and experiences, even with fear of the next morning.
Oh Lord, I hear people in the trees
Once more, reaching out for support and succor.
I've got to take the world on a mission with me
Desire to make a positive change and bring others with them.
I had a close brush with voyeur destiny
Almost encountering an uncomfortable situation that could have skewed their future experiences.
And then I hope that you're looking and can see right through me
Hoping for someone else to see into their true feelings and intentions.
I feel so shallow, just like a puddle
Feeling as if they are nothing but a hollow, superficial being.
Lord, can it get be better than this?
Asking for intervention and a change to their circumstances.
Can't keep living like this
Acknowledging that something must change for their quality of life to improve.
Better than this
Desiring any type of improvement to their current situation.
I think a nightmare would be better than this
Reiterating the depth of their unhappiness and desperation for change.
Contributed by Christian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.