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)
Shine on Me
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You shine down from the stars
Outta this world
And I've just begun
To step inside your radiating light
I can't believe that things once dim
Now look bright
Shine the light, shine on me forever
Show me the colors that I never knew
Show me that it's true
I'll leave it up to you
Luminous child
You set my mind at ease
And blow it away
One little smile
Will give us all the good news from the sun
I love the way you do what's never been done
I love the way that you're for real
Shine the light, shine on me forever
Show me the summers that I never knew
Show me that it's true
I'll leave it up to you
I can't believe that things once dim
Now look bright
But I could feel it
Yes, I feel it
Shine the light, shine on me forever
Show me the colors that I never knew
I believe in you
Shine the light, shine on me forever
Take me to places that I've never seen
Child of light, shine on me forever
Show me the summers that I never knew
The lyrics to Wondermints' "Shine on Me" describe a person who is the "one" and "shines down from the stars" with an aura of radiating light that sets the singer's mind at ease. The singer expresses disbelief that things that were once dim now look bright and an admiration of the shine that the person brings to their life. They love the way the person does what's never been done and that they are "for real." They ask for the person to continue to shine on them forever and show them colors they never knew and take them to places they've never seen.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that the singer is describing the feeling of being in love with someone who brings light and positivity into their life. The person they're singing about is someone who they look up to, who has transformed their world, and who they believe is the real thing. They're asking for that person to continue to shine on them and take them to new heights, which could be interpreted as a desire to be with that person and experience what they have to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
You are the one
You are the most important person in my life
You shine down from the stars
You are an extraordinary person, almost like you come from another world
Outta this world
You are out of this world
And I've just begun
To step inside your radiating light
I am just starting to bask in your glorious presence
I can't believe that things once dim
Now look bright
I am amazed at how much my life has improved since meeting you
But I believe that you're for real
I trust that you are genuine and true
Shine the light, shine on me forever
Show me the colors that I never knew
Show me that it's true
I'll leave it up to you
Please continue to be my beacon of light and show me new things, I trust you to guide me
Luminous child
You set my mind at ease
And blow it away
You, my radiant friend, make me feel calm and exhilarated at the same time
One little smile
Will give us all the good news from the sun
Just a small gesture from you can fill my life with joy
I love the way you do what's never been done
I love the way that you're for real
Your uniqueness and authenticity are what make me love you
I can't believe that things once dim
Now look bright
But I could feel it
Yes, I feel it
Even though it's hard to believe, I can feel the change you've brought to my life
Show me the summers that I never knew
I believe in you
Show me experiences that I never even knew existed, I trust in you completely
Take me to places that I've never seen
Child of light, shine on me forever
Show me the summers that I never knew
Please continue to take me on adventures and show me the world through your eyes, you are a true light in my life
Contributed by Mateo J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tiny Dancer
This is a fabulous album. Love every track. I can't believe it is 20 years old.