The group formed in 1992, and released a vinyl single, "Proto Pretty", which was later compiled on Rhino Records' "Poptopia" series of power pop compilations. They followed this with the albums Wondermints (1995), Wonderful World of the Wondermints (an album of cover versions from 1996), Bali (1998) and Mind If We Make Love to You (2002). Most of these albums were released in Japan prior to release in the United States. The group also contributed to the soundtrack of the first Austin Powers movie at the request of Mike Myers.
In 1999, the group signed on to be part of Brian Wilson's touring band. Walusko and Gregory have played with him continuously ever since, with D'Amico only having toured with Wilson in 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003. When D'Amico left to spend time with his family, he was replaced in 2001 and early 2002 by Andy Paley, and in 2004 by Nelson Bragg. However, D'Amico rejoined Wilson's band in the summer of 2008, replacing Jim Hines on drums after relieving fellow multi-instrumentalist Scott Bennett of his temporary drumming duties. Sahanaja also missed a few shows in 2003 and 2008, being replaced by Gary Griffin, and in 2016, when Billy Hinsche took his place.
All Wondermints can be heard on Wilson's CDs and DVDs Live at the Roxy Theatre, Brian Wilson on Tour, Pet Sounds Live, and Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, with Sahanaja, Walusko, and Gregory also appearing on the Pet Sounds Live in London album and the studio albums Gettin' in Over My Head and Brian Wilson Presents Smile.
The band is part of a power pop scene in Los Angeles, many of whose members play on each other's records. All of the members of Wondermints, especially Gregory, have made frequent guest appearances and have several side projects, some of the more notable of which are Love, The Eels, Baby Lemonade, The Negro Problem, Stew and Kim Fox.
Albums
Wondermints (1995)
Wonderful World of the Wondermints (1996)
Bali (1998)
Mind If We Make Love to You (2002)
Kaleidoscopin': Exploring Prisms of the Past (2009)
Darling
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't be denied it's the way that you feel
If you want it, you gotta try
Taking the best of the lesson you know
When the night has turned to dawn I will be gone
Where's the reason and the strength to carry on
Taking a chance and forgetting the reason
That I need you on my mind
Making the best of the season till now
Is there nothing in the world that takes the sound
For the more we can conceive the more we found
La la la la
Darling can you feel it? I need your love
I need the way that you make me feel
Darling if you want it, you can be sure
Taking the best of the lesson you know
There so many in the stars watching the sky
And you know somehow that most of them will die
Darling can you see something inside
Can't be denied it's the way that you feel
If you want it, you gotta try
Taking the best of the lesson you know
When the night has turned to dawn I will be gone
Where's the reason and the strength to carry on
The lyrics to Wondermints' song "Darling" speak to the idea of taking chances in love despite the unknown outcome. The song begins with the singer asking their lover if they can see something inside, something that cannot be denied– their love for one another. They encourage each other to take chances, to try, and to take the best of the lessons they have learned in order to make their relationship work. However, the song acknowledges that there may be struggles along the way, and questions whether there will be enough reason and strength to carry on through these struggles.
As the song progresses, the singer begs their lover to come back even though they may be far behind. They ask their lover to forget the reasons why they may have had doubts before and to focus on the present, to make the best of the moments they have together. The lyrics then shift to the idea that there is a limit to what they can grasp in the world, as they ponder if there is anything that can take the sound away. The song ends with a final plea for love, asking their darling if they can feel it and assuring them that they need their love and the way it makes them feel.
Overall, "Darling" is a song about the uncertainties of love and the importance of taking chances despite the unknown outcome. It speaks to the idea of focusing on the present and appreciating the moments that are shared.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling can you see something inside
Asking the person if they are able to recognize a feeling, intuition or insight within themselves
Can't be denied it's the way that you feel
Acknowledging that the feeling inside is undeniable and genuine
If you want it, you gotta try
Encouraging the person to take action and pursue what they desire
Taking the best of the lesson you know
Advising to use the knowledge and experience gained from past lessons to guide their actions
When the night has turned to dawn I will be gone
Implying that the artist's time is limited and they won't be around forever
Where's the reason and the strength to carry on
Questioning the purpose or motivation for continuing on without the singer
Come back, I can see you far behind
Asking the person to return to the present and not dwell on the past
Taking a chance and forgetting the reason
Encouraging the person to take risks and not be held back by fear or uncertainty
That I need you on my mind
Expressing the artist's desire to have the person present in their thoughts
Making the best of the season till now
Encouraging the person to enjoy and appreciate the present moment
Is there nothing in the world that takes the sound
Asking if there is anything in the world that can capture or express the feeling inside
For the more we can conceive the more we found
Implying that there is always more to discover and explore
Darling can you feel it? I need your love
Expressing the singer's need and desire for the person's love and affection
I need the way that you make me feel
Acknowledging the positive impact that the person has on the singer's emotions and well-being
Darling if you want it, you can be sure
Assuring the person that if they want the singer's love, it will be genuine and unwavering
There so many in the stars watching the sky
Implying that there are many people in the world observing and pondering life
And you know somehow that most of them will die
Acknowledging the fleeting and temporary nature of life and existence
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephanie
Been looking for this song everywhere! Finally!
André Angelo
very good
gonkici yamyam
thanks upload ! Wondermints好きでした。このカバーはストーリーズとレフトバンクの関係を知っていれば、間奏で「プリティー・バレリーナ」のフレーズが出た意味が判りますしニヤリとしちゃいますね。
Mexhonduran madness
Better than Side to Side by Ariana Grande