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)
Ooh Child
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Ooh child things'll get brighter
Ooh child things are gonna get easier
Ooh child things'll get brighter
Someday yeah, we'll put it together and we'll get it undone
Someday when we hit it much lighter
Someday yeah, we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Ooh child things are gonna be easier
Ooh child things 'll be brighter
Ooh child things are gonna be easier
Ooh child things 'll be brighter
Someday yeah, we'll put it together and we'll get it undone
Someday, lighter
Someday yeah, we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Someday, brighter
Someday yeah, we'll put it together and we'll get it undone
Someday, lighter
Someday yeah, we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun
Someday, brighter
Ooh child things are gonna be easier
Ooh child things 'll be brighter
Ooh child things are gonna be easier
Ooh child things 'll be brighter
Right now
You just wait and see, things are gonna be
easier
Things are gonna be brighter
The lyrics to Wondermints’ “Ooh Child” encourage listeners to hold onto hope and remain optimistic about the future, despite any current difficulties or hardships. The repetition of the phrases “things are gonna get easier” and “things’ll get brighter” create an uplifting and reassuring message throughout the song. The lyrics also suggest that a brighter future isn't too far off, with the word “someday” repeated throughout the song. The song is ultimately a message of hope and a reminder that things will eventually get better.
The verse “Someday yeah, we'll put it together and we'll get it undone / Someday when we hit it much lighter” hints at the idea that the problems of today are not insurmountable; we can work together to overcome them. Similarly, the verse “Someday yeah, we'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun / Someday when the world is much brighter” speaks to the idea that someday the world's problems will be resolved and things will be better for all of us. Overall, the song's message is one of perseverance, hope, and faith.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
probyngregory
still proud of my contributions to this on brass/vocals.
Josh Humble
This version totally rocks - as does your work on it, Probyn!
Caz Gerald
Jordan, great comment.
Jordan Andrew Jefferson
Totally dig the hell out of the original by the Five Stairsteps. It always gets me groovin' and in a happy mood...
But damn, when I heard this cut I about had a heart attack it was so gorgeous! Being a Brian Wilson/Beach Boys' fan, as BW and the boys saved my life, this one also has so much sentimental weight attached to it, as the Wondermints are one of the big the reasons that BW got back out on the road again! Also, the subtle "God Only Knows" musical references in this cover just blows my mind! For me, this is pop bliss!
Cheers, Probyn! Thank you!
Dale Schmitt
Wow! You took one of my favorite R&B tunes and made it sound like "God Only Knows"! Two great tastes in one candy bar!
Surfer Joe
Heresy alert: I like this better than the original.
Michael
Excellent! Just excellent. So grateful to listen to this song ❤
John Torres
I miss the Wondermints!
trfesok
Quite faithful to the original, with the addition of those counterpoint harmonies on the bridge! I put both in my Wondermints playlist. Thanks for uploading!
Olivia Greene
Ooh harmonies!