In 1981, a fan of the Clean founded the Flying Nun label to release their first single, "Tally Ho." A follow-up track off one of their early EPs, "Beatnik", also achieved success, as did the second single, "Getting Older". The Flying Nun label went on to be New Zealand's biggest independent record company, championing the Dunedin Sound, a loosely-connected style of music largely produced by bands from this southern city. Others on the label included The Chills, The Verlaines, The Bats, and Sneaky Feelings.
During much of the 1980s, The Clean disbanded, and during this time the Kilgour brothers worked together on an experimental album and EP using the deliberately punning titles "The Great Unwashed" and "Clean Out of Our Minds". Reforming in the late 1980s, the band explored a slightly poppier vein of music while still retaining their experimental edge.
In June 2008 a live album recorded during the 2007 New Zealand tour was released in New Zealand on Arch Hill Records, entitled "Mashed". A new studio album, titled Mister Pop was released on September 7, 2009 on Arch Hill, and on September 8 in the United States on the Merge label.
In December 2009, The Clean announced their first European dates in more than 20 years, supporting the cult U.S band Pavement at Brixton Academy on the 10th of May. They also played at the Pavement curated ATP at Butlins Minehead on the 14th of May. Other dates on the tour included Amsterdam (May 22), Hamburg (May 23), Berlin (May 25) and Barcelona's Primavera Sound festival May 29).
Beatnik
The Clean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's a rebel, he's a traitor, and he's a beatnik
He's a runner, and he's in the race to be a beatnik
He's a mentor, and he's a traitor, and he's a beatnik
She's a pebble, he's the water, he's a beatnik
He's a preacher, he's a teacher, he's a beatnik
Come on! Alright!
1 2, 2 4, ma ma ma ma ma
Come on! Come on! ma ma ma ma ma
'Cos he's a beatnik
'Cos he's a beatnik
'Cos he's a beatnik
The song "Beatnik" by The Clean is an upbeat, catchy tune with lyrics that are simple, yet powerful. The phrase "he's a beatnik" repeats throughout, highlighting the rebellious nature and countercultural identity that comes with being a beatnik. The use of "he" and "she" creates a dynamic where the male is the self-proclaimed beatnik and the female is being influenced by him. This reinforces the idea of a mentor-mentee relationship within the beatnik subculture.
The lyrics, "He's a runner, and he's in the race to be a beatnik," suggest that being a beatnik is a goal or aspiration, rather than just an identity. This aligns with the idea of the beatniks being a movement rather than just a group of people who share certain characteristics. The repetition of "ma ma ma ma ma" in the chorus mimics the beat of a drum, adding to the rhythmic elements of the song and creating a sense of unity within the beatnik community.
Overall, the song "Beatnik" celebrates the beatnik movement's spirit of nonconformity, infectiousness, and creative freedom. It resonates with those who share similar views on art, politics, and society.
Line by Line Meaning
He's a rebel, he's a guru, and he's a beatnik
He's an unconventional person, who defies rules or regulations, and has profound knowledge and understanding, and adheres to the Beatnik culture.
He's a runner, and he's in the race to be a beatnik
He's an ambitious person who is striving to become a Beatnik and immerse himself in the culture.
She's a pebble, he's the water, he's a beatnik
She's a small, unimportant person, and he's the one who gives her meaning and purpose in life, as he embodies the Beatnik culture.
He's a preacher, he's a teacher, he's a beatnik
He's a person who spreads the teachings and values of the Beatnik culture and guides others on their journey to becoming Beatniks.
Come on! Alright!
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement for being a Beatnik.
1 2, 2 4, ma ma ma ma ma
A rhythmic chant that represents the Beatnik culture's emphasis on improvisation and spontaneity while performing music.
Come on! Come on! ma ma ma ma ma
Encouragement to join in on the excitement and spontaneity of the Beatnik culture and music.
'Cos he's a beatnik
Reinforcing the idea that his behavior, values, and beliefs all align with the Beatnik culture.
'Cos he's a beatnik
Repeating the previous line for emphasis, and to reinforce the idea that the person in question is truly a Beatnik.
'Cos he's a beatnik
Repeating the previous line once more for added emphasis and conviction that he is indeed a Beatnik.
Contributed by Alexander K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Sacrimoni
@stellaryellow Hey, they told us that by now we should all have rocket packs and hover boards too, but what have we got? Facebook, and nutri-bullets.
I'm as disappointed as you are.
Talk about over promising and under delivering.
But seriously, I went to Kaikorai Valley High School with Shayne Carter and a few others there , they had a school band called Bored Games, I bought their first EP and they went on to form straight jacket fits. So many great songs but look up their songs She Speeds and Bad note for a Heart , they are awesome.
Shayne lived one street over from me, who knew what he was going to go on to do?
And that was the thing, in Dunedin there was all this talent but most of us didn't realise it.
My mates thought I was nuts wasting $12 on a Bored Games record, as far as they were concerned Bored games, Chills, Verlaines were all weirdos, which I guess is partly true on a certain level but they were / are brilliant
It's only when you look back you appreciate certain things.
Can I also recommend
Pink Frost by Chills
Heavenly Pop Hit by Chills
Cactus Cat by look blue go purple
Death in the maiden by Verlaines
Outer Space by 3Ds
Hey Seuss by 3Ds
Throwing Stones by Sneaky Feelings
Also look up spooky by 3Ds, check out pedrodcification's video, it doesn't just blitz the official video, it's an absolutely stunningly beautiful work of art.
Happy to recommend others too.
Md Hh
Who’s still listening to this in 2021
📻 💥💥💥👍
Flying Nun Records
we are!
Kaden Radez
This video is spot on with all the background and miscellaneous vocals
Dharma is Truth
I'm surprised The Clean didn't become more famous Around The World!!
Gareth O'Brien
im not loved em for years but
andreas hahn
No globalized Media
downallyourstreets
Is that a Chills plug?
Matt83
Heard this on Westside, first time in over 20 years.
resonantfrequency7125
That was fucking beautiful.
TT
Start of the Dunedin sound which nobody really recreated to this extent. The lowfi low production sound was prevalent though. Saw Roger Shepard not that long ago.