The Beau Brummels broke into the mainstream with their debut single, "Laugh, Laugh", for which they would later be credited for setting the aesthetic foundation for the San Francisco Sound. The band's popularity continued with the subsequent album, 1965's Introducing the Beau Brummels, and the Top 10 single "Just a Little". The group's commercial success declined by the following year, at which time the financially struggling Autumn label was acquired by Warner Bros. Records. After recording an album of cover songs, Beau Brummels '66, the band released a pair of critically acclaimed albums: Triangle in 1967 and Bradley's Barn in 1968.
The band underwent several personnel changes, beginning with Mulligan's departure in 1965. Guitarist Don Irving joined the band in late 1965 when Elliott began to suffer seizures resulting from a diabetic condition, leaving him unable to tour with the band. Shortly after the release of Beau Brummels '66, Irving left the group when he was inducted into the armed forces. Petersen left to join Harpers Bizarre, reducing the Beau Brummels to a trio for the recording of Triangle. Meagher was drafted for military service in 1968, leaving Valentino and Elliott as the only remaining band members. The duo worked with prominent Nashville session musicians to record Bradley's Barn before parting ways in 1969 to focus on solo material and participate in projects by other artists. The five original Beau Brummels reformed in 1974, and the band released an eponymous album the following year.
Out Of Control
The Beau Brummels Lyrics
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What did you say is your name?
I... don't think I know you
Like you have been saying
Ah, you seem to think that such a weak embrace
Can help me remember your old face, no, no
Hey, little girl I think that you should go
Yes, before things start to get out of control
Why... does the sun make you squint so much?
Why... does my skin shiver upon your touch?
Have you got anything on you that is real?
Something I could see or even feel, no, no
Ah yes, hey little girl I think that you should go
You know that there are things way, way out of control
See... that wolf way up high on that hill
You know that he... don't want sheep
But might know someone who will
Ah, what more can I do, yes
What more can I say
You just can't make it here, any old way, no, no
Hey little girl I wish that you would go
Ah yes, now things are way out of control
The Beau Brummels's song "Out of Control" was released in 1965 and is a song about a girl who is trying to get the attention of someone who no longer recognizes her. The lyrics suggest that she may have had a past relationship with this person, but he does not seem to remember her. She tries to provoke some kind of recognition but is ultimately brushed off by the man, who tells her to leave before things get out of control.
The first two stanzas of the song feature the woman trying to jog the man's memory, asking him if he remembers her name and claiming that they know each other well. The man is dismissive, implying that their relationship was not as significant as she thought. He tells her that the weak embrace she is trying to give him will not help him remember her old face.
The next two stanzas shift to the man questioning the woman's intentions and asking her if there is anything real about her that he can see or feel. He is clearly uncomfortable with her presence and wants her to leave before things spiral out of control. The final stanza has a somewhat surreal quality, with references to a wolf on a hill that "don't want sheep but might know someone who will." The man seems to be reaching the end of his patience with the woman and tells her that she just can't make it there any old way.
Overall, the song is an effective portrayal of a situation where one person wants something more from a relationship that the other person is not interested in pursuing. The lyrics capture the awkward, uncomfortable feeling of being pursued by someone who you do not have feelings for. The line "Hey little girl I think that you should go" is particularly powerful in its bluntness and captures the frustration the man is feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
I... can't see you
I am unable to recognize you
What did you say is your name?
Please provide your name again
I... don't think I know you
I don't believe we have met
Like you have been saying
As per your claim
Ah, you seem to think that such a weak embrace
You seem to believe that a feeble hug
Can help me remember your old face, no, no
Will trigger my memory of your previous appearance, but it won't
Hey, little girl I think that you should go
I suggest you leave
Yes, before things start to get out of control
Prior to the situation escalating
Why... does the sun make you squint so much?
I notice you squinting in the sunlight
Why... does my skin shiver upon your touch?
My skin feels uneasy when you touch me
Have you got anything on you that is real?
Can you display something authentic?
Something I could see or even feel, no, no
I doubt you are capable of showing me anything genuine
Ah yes, hey little girl I think that you should go
I strongly advise you to depart
You know that there are things way, way out of control
You are aware that many things are beyond our control
See... that wolf way up high on that hill
Observe the wolf standing on the hill
You know that he... don't want sheep
The wolf is not interested in sheep
But might know someone who will
But he might be able to help you find someone who is interested in sheep
Ah, what more can I do, yes
What else can I do?
What more can I say
What else is there for me to say?
You just can't make it here, any old way, no, no
You can't enter here in any way you please
Hey little girl I wish that you would go
I strongly wish that you would depart
Ah yes, now things are way out of control
Now, the situation is far beyond our control
Contributed by Mila K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.