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.
Here's Where You Belong
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can change the mask you wear
But not the way you feel inside
Go bury your head into the sand
But you can never hide
Your mind it is a battleground
Chorus:
Here's where you belong
[2-4, 6: Baby] Here's where you belong
Don't let your fantasies take you away from me
Here's where you belong
Verse 2:
The stains of childhood cannot be erased
Like some paper tattoo
But baby, don't let that drag you down
Like they're expecting it to do
Oh, yesterday's failure is today's success
Your path is easily shown
[repeat chorus]
Bridge:
Oh, lady, I'm waiting
The world in the palm of your hand
Tell me, what would it take you
To make you understand
Verse 3:
Oh, when you stand there in front of your mirror
Unable to realize
That everything you've been seeking
Is right here in front of your eyes
You're traveling barefoot on a rocky road
When you could be safe and warm
[repeat chorus, 3X; fade 3rd time]
In this song, the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band attempts to convey a message about self-acceptance and self-discovery. The lyrics speak of the struggles of the mind and how one might try to hide behind a mask or bury their head in the sand to avoid facing their internal conflicts. The song urges the listener to come to terms with their feelings and embrace their true identity rather than succumbing to societal norms and expectations.
The first verse speaks of the mind as a battleground and the raging storm within one's brain. It implies that the internal struggle is ongoing and cannot be simply ignored or swept aside. The chorus emphasizes that one's true place is where they feel they belong and not to let their fantasies or external influences take them away from that place of true belonging.
The second verse acknowledges that one's childhood experiences and failures cannot be erased, but they need not define them either. The song suggests that yesterday's failure can easily become today's success and that one's path can be discovered through self-discovery and acceptance. The bridge directly addresses "lady" as if speaking to someone directly and asks what it would take to make them understand the truth about themselves. The final verse describes the struggle of a person who is traveling barefoot on a rocky road when they could be safe and warm. It is a metaphor for someone who is struggling to come to terms with their identity and seek happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
You can change the mask you wear
You may alter your appearance, but it won't influence how you feel inside.
But not the way you feel inside
Your emotions can't be changed by just changing your facial expression.
Go bury your head into the sand
You can try to hide your true emotions, but they will still exist.
But you can never hide
Your true emotions will always reveal themselves.
Your mind it is a battleground
Your thoughts have the potential to be a source of conflict within yourself.
Your brain's a raging storm
Your mind can be turbulent and chaotic.
Here's where you belong
This is where you should be.
[2-4, 6: Baby] Here's where you belong
This is where you belong, regardless of your age.
Don't let your fantasies take you away from me
Don't let your imagination distract you from reality.
The stains of childhood cannot be erased
The negative effects of past experiences from childhood can't be completely removed.
Like some paper tattoo
It's like an imprint that can't be erased, just like a permanent tattoo.
But baby, don't let that drag you down
Don't let your past hold you back.
Like they're expecting it to do
Just like others might predict or anticipate those negative experiences holding you back.
Oh yesterday's failure is today's success
Your past failures can be transformed into triumphs in the present.
Your path is easily shown
Your direction towards success is clear and apparent.
Oh, lady, I'm waiting
I'm ready and available for you.
The world in the palm of your hand
You have the power to control your own life.
Tell me, what would it take you
What do you require to comprehend the truth.
To make you understand
So that you can finally realize.
Oh, when you stand there in front of your mirror
When you gaze into the mirror and reflect.
Unable to realize
Incapable of acknowledging what's truly in front of you.
That everything you've been seeking
The things you've been looking for.
Is right here in front of your eyes
Is already within your sight and reach.
You're traveling barefoot on a rocky road
You are facing difficulties without any protective support.
When you could be safe and warm
When the option of being sheltered and comforted is available.
Contributed by Camden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.