After the release of some EPs and singles, the group signed with Merge Records who released their second album, Long Goodbye, in 2003. After a world tour, they headed back to the studio in fall of 2005 to begin work on their third album, Cannibal Sea, which was released in March of 2006.
Mrs. Bean
The Essex Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your daughter's under her chair
She's hiding her face, her legs, her hair
You've got them all so very clean
You've done so well, you've kept
So you must have an angel under your spell
The people watching from the street
Like they know your name
La da da
Oh and it feels like thunder outside
Magnificent watch you have my dear
I wonder could I take a peak
The grandfather clock behind that wall
He hasn't ticked for a week, no
It's quiet and dark the whole of the day
It's like a lovely, lonely night
The clowns'll be coming out at three
Get ready, are you feeling alright
No I'm not alright
La da da
Oh and it feels like thunder outside
The Essex Green's "Mrs. Bean" is a song that seems to be a tale of a woman named Mrs. Bean, who is renowned in her community for her accomplishments. The song starts by describing Mrs. Bean's daughter, who appears to be cowering under her chair or hiding in fear. However, the lyrics suggest that Mrs. Bean has everything under control, with her ably managing to keep everything clean and in order. The song seems to suggest that Mrs. Bean might have a touch of magic or something otherworldly about her because she has an "angel under her spell."
The second verse of the song inquires about Mrs. Bean's magnificent watch, which the singer seems to be curious about. They wonder if they could take a peek at her watch, but the mention of the grandfather clock piques the listener's interest. The clock has not ticked for a week, and the atmosphere in the house seems eerie and unsettling. The singer suggests that it is like a "lovely, lonely night," but that is only because the clowns are coming out at three. The song ends on an ominous note, with the line "Oh and it feels like thunder outside," suggesting that something ominous is impending.
Line by Line Meaning
Magnificent wonder Mrs. Bean
Addressing Mrs. Bean admiringly.
Your daughter's under her chair
Mrs. Bean's daughter is hiding under her chair.
She's hiding her face, her legs, her hair
Mrs. Bean's daughter is completely covering herself.
You've got them all so very clean
Mrs. Bean has done a great job at cleaning her daughter.
You've done so well, you've kept
Praising Mrs. Bean for her good work.
So you must have an angel under your spell
Suggesting that Mrs. Bean's daughter is so well-behaved, she must be under a magical spell.
The people watching from the street
Referring to passersby who are watching Mrs. Bean's daughter.
They'll know her name so well
Implying that Mrs. Bean's daughter is very popular and well-known in the neighborhood.
Like they know your name
Drawing a comparison between how famous Mrs. Bean's daughter is and how well-known Mrs. Bean herself is.
La da da
Repeating an indeterminate sound.
Oh and it feels like thunder outside
Describing the stormy weather outside.
Magnificent watch you have my dear
Complimenting Mrs. Bean on her fine timepiece.
I wonder could I take a peak
Expressing interest in seeing Mrs. Bean's watch up close.
The grandfather clock behind that wall
Identifying a specific grandfather clock in the room.
He hasn't ticked for a week, no
Noting that the grandfather clock has not been working for some time.
It's quiet and dark the whole of the day
Describing the atmosphere in the room as gloomy and hushed.
It's like a lovely, lonely night
Comparing the room to a peaceful but melancholy nighttime scene.
The clowns'll be coming out at three
Referencing the traditional circus trope of clowns coming out at a specific time.
Get ready, are you feeling alright
Asking Mrs. Bean to be prepared for the coming festivities.
No I'm not alright
Mrs. Bean responds that she is not feeling alright.
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ilyssa Nagelberg
Always knew of my favorite songs to listen to on a spring day driving around. It's been over a decade and I can't get enough of them.
Ozan C. Gökoğlu
i really love the sound of this song. don't feel something special about the rest of the album, although it is cool, but this one is excellent. one of my favorites
Tourkat37
Rad track! X- Cheers!
jungmin seo
Best album
elconejito99
Magnificent Wonder Mrs. Bean.....dope ass intro :)
Blas Rosales
love it
Paul Davis
Sounds a lot like the Go-betweens....bit of Steeleye Span
oliver crowder
im in love
Geekzon
How come this hasnt more views?
StainLeopard
sweet..!!