Aspiring musician and scenester Bob Markley managed to join the group the Laughing Wind in exchange for his connections in the music industry and substantial bankroll. The original five-piece line-up consisted of Michael Lloyd (rhythm guitar, vocals), Shaun Harris (bass guitar, vocals, Danny Harris (lead guitar, vocals), John Ware (drums), and Markley (tambourine, vocals). Although Markley possessed the least musical talent, his expertise in law enabled him to assume control of the group's name and publishing, which generated a divide in the WCPAEB's creative mindset.
The band debuted with the album Volume One in 1966 on the small FiFo record label. In the early years of the group, much was made of the WCPAEB's elaborate psychedelic light shows, which became the focal point of their live performances in Los Angeles. Following the release of Volume One, the WCPAEB signed with Reprise Records, recording three albums with the company, including arguably their most accomplished work Volume 3: A Child's Guide to Good and Evil in 1968. Two additional albums, Where's My Daddy? and Markley, A Group, were distributed on independent labels before the group disbanded in 1970.
Free As A Bird
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And have a perfect time
Many things are changing
Everything is strange and new
A boy stands out of reach
Across the street from your fingers
On the outside edge of town
This time wont come again
This is your precious time
Do't waste any of it
Apologizing to your friends
For all your loose ends
This time wont come again.
You're as free as a bird
You're as free as a bird
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song, Free As A Bird, is an introspective musing on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment. The first verse describes a time in the past when everything seemed perfect and carefree, but now everything has changed and become strange and unfamiliar. The second verse introduces the image of a boy standing just out of reach on the outside edge of town, and the desire to reach out to him. The chorus reminds us that this moment in time is precious and we should not waste it, emphasizing the idea that we are as free as birds to make the most of our lives.
The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the transience of youth and the importance of seizing the moment. The imagery of the boy on the outside edge of town could be interpreted as a symbol of the unknown and uncharted territory of the future, and the need to take risks and explore new possibilities. The overall message of the song is ultimately one of empowerment and personal agency, encouraging listeners to embrace their freedom and make the most of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You used to run and climb
In the past, you enjoyed physical activities like running and climbing
And have a perfect time
You felt happy and content during those activities
Many things are changing
You are experiencing a lot of change in your life
Everything is strange and new
These changes are making everything feel unfamiliar and different
A boy stands out of reach
There is a boy who you are interested in but cannot easily reach or connect with
Across the street from your fingers
He is so close yet so far away, just across the street but not within reach
On the outside edge of town
He is on the outskirts of town, possibly far from your usual social circles
and you want to go to him
You have a desire to reach out to him and pursue a relationship
This time won't come again
You realize that this moment in your life is unique and you won't have another chance to experience it
This is your precious time
You understand that this moment is valuable and should not be wasted
Don't waste any of it
You should not squander this opportunity
Apologizing to your friends
You should not spend your time apologizing to your friends
For all your loose ends
For the things that you have left unfinished or unresolved
You're as free as a bird
You feel liberated and unencumbered by the constraints that previously held you back
You're as free as a bird
You repeat this refrain to emphasize the ease and lack of restriction you feel in this moment
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.