When live he has a loop pedal that allows him to record a loop live and then sing/play over the top of the loop. Watch this YouTube video for an idea.
Aside from solo performance he is also well known for the many bands he has been involved with - most notably Totally Gourdgeous, Oxo Cubans and Bomba.
Lots of his songs are available free as MP3 on his Myspace and his website: http://www.malwebb.com/
"You're a freak" said Ani DiFranco of Mal (really!)
"He's like Bobby McFerrin, Aphex Twin and Cole Porter playing scrabble" - B.Freely
Bike
Mal Webb Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get your (gasp) heart started
Push on a pedal
Push it down and up again
Get on your bike, sit on the seat
Push your feet on the pedals
And ride it all around
Ride it all around
Oh, get that car out of my way
I want to ride my bike today
It keeps me fit and gets me there
And won't go stinking up the air
Leave behind the daily grind
And let your mind unwind
If it's life you tend to like
You'd better get yourself a bike
Oh, oh, get yourself a bike
The lyrics to Mal Webb's song "Bike" are all about the freedom and joy that comes with cycling. The first verse encourages the listener to push on the pedals and get their heart started. This is a great metaphor for taking action in life and getting things going. The repetition of "push on a pedal" drives this message home.
The second verse is all about the advantages of cycling over driving a car. Not only does it keep you fit, but it also gets you where you need to go without polluting the air. The line "leave behind the daily grind" speaks to the idea that cycling can be a form of escapism, a way to clear your mind and enjoy the present moment.
The final line of the chorus, "get yourself a bike," is a call to action. The song encourages listeners to embrace cycling, not just as a mode of transportation, but as a way of life. The repetition of the phrase "ride it all around" emphasizes the idea that cycling should be fun and enjoyed without limits.
Overall, "Bike" is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates the joys of cycling. It encourages listeners to put down their cars and embrace a simpler and more sustainable form of transportation.
Line by Line Meaning
Push on a pedal, push on a pedal
Start your exercise by pedaling your bike with force
Get your (gasp) heart started
Increasing your heart rate by cycling
Push on a pedal
Keep your legs moving by pedaling up and down
Push it down and up again
A continuous cycle of pushing the pedal down and up again
Get on your bike, sit on the seat
Sit on the bike saddle after mounting your bike
Push your feet on the pedals
Rotate the pedals by pushing your feet on them
And ride it all around
Cycling throughout different locations
Oh, get that car out of my way
Car hindering the cyclist's path
I want to ride my bike today
The need to cycle presents itself
It keeps me fit and gets me there
Cycling keeps the cyclist in good shape and gets them to their destination
And won't go stinking up the air
Cycling does not pollute the air like cars do
Leave behind the daily grind
Breaking free from the everyday work-life routine
And let your mind unwind
Relaxing while cycling
If it's life you tend to like
If you value your life,
You'd better get yourself a bike
Cycling is a great way to stay healthy and happy
Oh, oh, get yourself a bike
Cycling is highly recommended
Contributed by Asher A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.