The name comes from the bouffant wigs that are part of the band's distinctive look, worn by singers Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson. Along with Wilson and Pierson, fellow vocalist Fred Schneider, drummer (and later guitarist) Keith Strickland, and guitarist Ricky Wilson (Cindy's older brother) formed the band after a drunken night at a Chinese restaurant. They shared a passion for mixing and matching older styles with a partying, good-time public image, which set them apart from many staid 70s contemporaries.
Their sound is particularly marked by the vocals of Wilson and Pierson, with Kate singing in a slightly deeper voice, along with the generally monotone or spoken-word vocals of Schneider. Aside from their vocals, the band also had a unique New Wave sound that was a combination of 50s and 60s dance music and surf rock, and the unusual guitar-string tunings utilized by Ricky Wilson. Although a clear part of said movement, their music was more experimental than most new wave groups, indulging in all manner of odd vocal and synthesizer effects. The B-52's created a quirky dance vibe that became very popular and their tours have been successful for decades.
Website= http://theb52s.com/
Theme for a Nude Beach
The B-52's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Sand bar in the bay)
Sand bar in your mind
(Sand bar in the bay)
There's a beach
Oh, I hope it's not out of reach
It's very beautiful
Together we'll go down to nude beach
Together we'll stroll on the sand
We'll stroll on the sand together
Where the air and the land meet forever
The sea, the land, and a land of tan
We know a place where we are free
We throw our suits into the sea
There is a sand bar in your mind
(Sand bar in the bay)
Sand bar in your mind
(Sand bar in the bay)
Please, take my hand
You are a woman, oh, I am a man
This place is so remote, everything is revealed
It's so mysterious, here I must stay forever
Together we'll go down to nude beach
Together we'll stroll on the sand
We'll stroll on the sand together
Where the air and the land meet forever
The sea, the sand and a land of tan
We know a place where we are free
We throw our suits into the sea
We know a place where we are free
We throw our suits into the sea
We know a place where we are free
We throw our suits into the sea
We know a place where we are free
The B-52's's song "Theme for a Nude Beach" transports the listener to a carefree, sun-soaked utopia free from societal constraints. The lyrics depict a place where one is free to embrace their natural state, throw their clothes away and bask in the beauty of the ocean shore. They invite their audience to join them at the Nude Beach, which serves as both a physical location and a state of mind. The song is a celebration of freedom, sensuality, and the endless possibilities of the imagination.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation and encourage listeners to imagine what a Nude Beach might be like. The lyrics "There is a sand bar in your mind / Sand bar in the bay" could suggest that the Nude Beach is not only a physical location but also a state of mind that can be accessed mentally. The chorus repeats this idea of a "sand bar in the mind," alluding to the idea of freedom from self-consciousness.
The song's upbeat, party-like atmosphere is complemented by its less-than-serious lyrics. The exaggerated, playful tone provides a lightheartedness and a sense of fun that's key to the song's success. The B-52's's "Theme for a Nude Beach" is an invitation to escape, to be free and to enjoy life in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a sand bar in your mind
Your mind has a place of tranquility and calmness that can be accessed through imagination.
(Sand bar in the bay)
This place is like a sandbar in the bay, offering a sense of safety and peace in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
There's a beach
There is a beach that represents freedom, liberation, and acceptance of oneself and others.
Oh, I hope it's not out of reach
The desire for the beach is great, and they hope that it is not too far away or difficult to attain.
It's very beautiful
The beach is not only physically stunning but also offers spiritual and emotional beauty.
Come my little peach
Let's go together to this place of beauty and acceptance.
Together we'll go down to nude beach
Let's travel to this beach where we can be free from societal pressures and constraints.
Together we'll stroll on the sand
Walking together on the sand represents unity and shared experience.
We'll stroll on the sand together
Repetition emphasizes the sense of togetherness and belonging.
Where the air and the land meet forever
The beach symbolizes the intersection of nature and humanity, offering a sense of permanence and stability.
The sea, the land, and a land of tan
The beach brings together the vast, open sea, the stable land beneath our feet, and the warmth and color of a tan, representing the beauty and diversity of life.
We know a place where we are free
The beach represents a safe space where one can let go of inhibitions, judgment, and expectations and be truly oneself.
We throw our suits into the sea
Throwing their suits into the sea symbolizes shedding societal expectations and embracing freedom of expression and identity.
Please, take my hand
Inviting another person to join in the experience and journey to the beach.
You are a woman, oh, I am a man
Acknowledging the differences in identity and celebrating diversity and acceptance of all individuals.
This place is so remote, everything is revealed
The beach represents a space of isolation and contemplation where one can confront and reveal their true self.
It's so mysterious, here I must stay forever
The beach represents a space of curiosity and wonder, where one can stay forever to explore its mysteries and beauty.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bobshunkweiler
This must be the prettiest song they ever recorded. I believe all of them sing in the chorus. A treat.
Shteve67
bobshunkweiler
This one and She Brakes For Rainbows are both brilliant, vocally.
toyoscio
@bobshunkweiler They do
David Barnes
Hugely talented and won't be forgotten. Their songs are distinctive and unique.
SharkSport
This album was so sad and beautiful when it was released (and still). The critics snobbery only made the true B-52's fan love it more.
BandfromtheBand
This is a sweet song from a terribly underrated album by the B's, the nicest band I have ever met who plied me with beer after their show in San Francisco on the Cosmic Thing tour, and who kept me engaged in conversation for nearly 2 hours. They all seemed lonely and perhaps overworked, but hungry for company from just another fan. That was me. Honestly, they were incredibly sweet people. They were still reeling from Ricky's death. This was when CD's were still kind of newfangled things. Other folks brought in albums to be signed and then abruptly left! I brought in my CD copy to be signed and they fawned all over me! I still have it, with my backstage pass still affixed to the plastic jewel case. The show was awesome and they are absolutely great personalities!!! I love 'em! My Partner at that time, rest in Peace, Louie Beeson, worked for Bill Graham Productions so we both would get backstage passes with all the major bands that came to town back in the 80's and early 90's.
mikeycbaby
Thanks for sharing 🥲 ❤️
AviatorRider
I believe they were inspired to write this song right during their first trip to Brazil. Some elements on this beautiful song (cuíca a and lyrics) suggest that. Great song...
David Renton
The guitar riff at 1:37 grabs me every time
Katrinawitch
Ricky!!