The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band (WCPAEB) was an American psychedel… Read Full Bio ↴The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band (WCPAEB) was an American psychedelic rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1965. The group created music that possessed an eerie, and at times sinister atmosphere, and contained material that was bluntly political, childlike, and bizarre. Representing different musical backgrounds among band members, the group, at times, resembled a traditional Byrds-esque folk rock ensemble, but the WCPAEB also, within the same body of work, recorded avant-garde music marked by multi-layered vocal harmonies.

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.

Transparent Day
The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band Lyrics

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Tell me what to do
Tell me how high to go
I don't know whether to believe in you
So don't be surprised when I leave you
What a transparent day
Oh what a transparent day

I have so much to tell you

So many real things to say
You want me for your collection
but you can't see through your reflection
What a transparent day
oh what a transparent day

Tell me what to do
Tell me how high to go
I've been dont know whether to believe in you
So don't be surprised when I leave you
What a transparent day
Oh what a transparent day

What a transparent day
oh what a transparent day.

Overall Meaning

The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band's song "Transparent Day" seems to be about feeling lost and uncertain in a relationship with someone who may not have their best interest at heart. The first verse seems to be addressed to someone who the singer is hoping will guide them in the right direction, but they express doubt about whether they should trust this person's advice. The second verse suggests that the singer has a lot to say but feels like they are just being used by the person they are with. The chorus emphasizes the overwhelming feeling of transparency, suggesting that everything is out in the open and there's nowhere to hide.

Overall, the lyrics seem to convey a sense of vulnerability and a need for guidance and support, but the relationship may be too shallow or one-sided to provide that. The repeated request to be told what to do or how high to go highlights the singer's uncertainty and lack of direction in the situation.

Line by Line Meaning

Tell me what to do
Instruct me on how to act

Tell me how high to go
Advise me on how to succeed

I don't know whether to believe in you
I am uncertain about trusting you

So don't be surprised when I leave you
If/when I depart, it shouldn't be unexpected

What a transparent day
What a clear/specific moment in time

Oh what a transparent day
Oh, what a clear/specific moment in time

I have so much to tell you
I possess a multitude of things to impart to you

So many real things to say
A plethora of genuine statements I need to express

You want me for your collection
You desire to add me to your personal ensemble

but you can't see through your reflection
However, you are incapable of seeing beyond your own image

What a transparent day
What a clear/specific moment in time