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.
Shifting Sands
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
is slipping from your hands
cause I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
They say that I did hurt you
but they don't understand
that I was born to wander
They say that I will follow
beware my heart commands
for I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
The lyrics to The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song Shifting Sands depict a restless spirit that cannot be contained. The singer admits that their love is slipping away from their hands, with a hint of resignation. The reason for this is that the person was born to wander and cannot stay in one place for too long, "like the shifting of the sands." The second verse addresses the accusations from others that they have hurt someone, but the singer argues that they are misunderstood because their need to travel is an intrinsic part of who they are. The final verse is a warning for those who may try to hold onto the wanderer, "beware my heart commands," as they will inevitably leave.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the love I gave you
My affection towards you is already familiar to you.
is slipping from your hands
However, you are losing your grip on that love.
cause I was born to wander
The reason for this is because I have always had a natural inclination to travel and move around.
like the shifting of the sands
This wandering nature is as natural and ever-changing as the sand dunes that constantly reshape themselves.
They say that I did hurt you
I have heard that some people believe that I have caused you pain.
but they don't understand
However, these people do not fully comprehend the complexities of my personality and desires.
that I was born to wander
I was literally born with a tendency to explore the world and everything in it.
like the shifting of the sands
This is an inherent part of who I am, just like the constantly changing patterns of the sand dunes.
They say that I will follow
I have also heard that some people believe that I will thoughtlessly follow anyone or anything.
beware my heart commands
But I caution those who believe this, as my heart and desires are the ones that truly guide me on my wanderlust-laden journey.
for I was born to wander
Ultimately, my destiny and purpose in life is to follow my wandering spirit, regardless of how it may appear to others.
like the shifting of the sands
This tendency to move about the world is as natural and unstoppable as the winds that constantly rearrange the sand dunes.
Contributed by Brooklyn P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MykTheOccultist
You know the love I gave you
is slipping from your hands
cause I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
They say that I did hurt you
but they don't understand
that I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
They say that I will follow
to where my heart commands
for I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
@kylestone4912
You know the love I gave you
Is slipping from your hands
'Cause I was born to wander
Like the shifting of the sands
They say that I did hurt you
But they don't understand
That I was born to wander
Like the shifting of the sands
They say that I will follow
To where my heart commands
For I was born to wander
Like the shifting of the sands
@baronpsychex1992
Incredible work of Expression a Jewel of 60s Creativity 😍
@josephsanangelo
my dead brother introduced me to this great album 50+ yrs ago. Still love it ... great beauty
@akaLisette
I heard their song "I won't hurt you" and got intruiged. This is something truly amazing!
@Algenit
thanks for continuously expanding my musical horizons.....you are the man EarpJohn! Great post!!!
@Jameswilliam1982
For a few minutes i thought this was a new band, that managed to get the feel of the 60's today, oh well i knew it was too good :D
@MykTheOccultist
You know the love I gave you
is slipping from your hands
cause I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
They say that I did hurt you
but they don't understand
that I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
They say that I will follow
to where my heart commands
for I was born to wander
like the shifting of the sands
@johnbartley7101
It's too bad
that my love is the shore
it leaves you bare
and makes you shiver
when it's gone
@grankerr
one of my very favorite albums ever just rediscovered. i heard it on 33 1/3 when it first came out. thanks for the reissue !
@user-qm2ze7dh9m
What kind of living creature in this world had the balls to dislike this?
@Warhead-ds4dc
Probably someone who constantly sees this in their recommended feed and dislikes it so it goes away