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.
Ritual #1
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Being chased down the road
To ruin her virginity in her hands
Of every bird's broke her cocoon
About to cry
Underneath butterfly skies
Knock her with the most weather
trying to be part of a crowd
Dream of holding hands
A pegasus in their lap( A midget sits in their lap?)
About to cry
Underneath butterfly skies
There she goes
Being chased down the road
To ruin her virginity in her hands
Of every bird's broke her cocoon
About to cry
Underneath butterfly skies
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song "Ritual #1" talks about a girl who is being chased down the road, her virginity in her hands, and her cocoon being broken by every bird. This can be seen as a metaphor for her innocence being lost as she engages in sexual acts with different partners. The line "underneath butterfly skies" can represent the beauty and freedom of sexual expression but also the vulnerability and fragility that comes with it. The song also talks about the pressure to conform to society's expectations, as the girl dreams of holding hands and being part of a crowd, but ultimately feels alone and about to cry.
The lyrics of "Ritual #1" are open to interpretation, but the overall theme seems to be about the loss of innocence and the pressure to conform to societal norms. This was a common theme in the counterculture movement of the 1960s, which the West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band was a part of. The band was known for their experimental sound and psychedelic influences, which can be heard in "Ritual #1" with its dreamy and atmospheric music.
Line by Line Meaning
There she goes
A woman is leaving the scene, likely evoking a feeling of loss or abandonment.
Being chased down the road
She is being pursued or followed, possible with negative intentions or results.
To ruin her virginity in her hands
She holds her virginity, which may be a source of conflict or vulnerability in her current situation.
Of every bird's broke her cocoon
She has been through a transformative experience, perhaps maturing or becoming more independent with help from others.
About to cry
Her emotions are heightened, possibly due to stress, pain, or sadness.
Underneath butterfly skies
She is surrounded by a serene or idyllic environment, symbolized by the metaphorical image of butterfly-filled skies.
Knock her with the most weather
She is exposed to the elements, perhaps with physical discomfort or danger.
Pasefy along the stream
She is moving slowly or steadily, adapting to her surroundings.
trying to be part of a crowd
She seeks acceptance or to fit in with others, possibly to avoid feeling vulnerable or alone.
Dream of holding hands
She has a desire for intimacy or connection with others, possibly due to feeling isolated or abandoned.
A pegasus in their lap
She has a magical or fantastical creature, which may represent her hopes, dreams, or inner strength, with her.
About to cry
Her emotions are still intense, possibly due to the conflicts or challenges she faces in her life.
Underneath butterfly skies
The environment around her is still peaceful and serene, in stark contrast to her inner turmoil.
Contributed by Grace R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.