In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
My shadow side, so amplified
Keeps coming back dissatisfied
Elementary, son, but it's soul
My love affair with everywhere
Was innocent, why do you care?
Someone start the car
Time to go
You're the best I know
My sunny side has up and died
I'm betting now where we collide
The universe will shift into a low
The travesties that we have seen
Are treating you like Benzedrine
Automatic laughter from a pro
My, what a good day for a walk outside
I'd like to get to know you a little better baby
God knows that I really have tried
My what a good day for a take-out bride
I'd like to say we did it for the better, oh
I saw you there so unaware
Those hummingbirds all in your hair
Elementary, son, but it's soul
The disrepair of Norma Jean
Could not compare to your routine
Balarama beauty going toe-to-toe
My, what a good day for a, let it slide
I'd like to say we did it for the better, oh
I thought about it and I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated, but I'm not devout
The mother, the father, the daughter, yeah
Right on the verge, just one more dose
I'm traveling from coast to coast
My theory isn't perfect, but it's close
I'm almost there, why should I care?
My heart is hurting when I share
Someone open up, let it show
My what a good day for a, walk outside
I'd like to think we did it for the better, oh
I thought about it and I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated but I'm not devout
The mother, the father, the daughter
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
I do
Yeah
You don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
I do
Yeah
Keeps coming back dissatisfied
Elementary, son, but it's soul
My love affair with everywhere
Was innocent, why do you care?
Someone start the car
Time to go
You're the best I know
My sunny side has up and died
I'm betting now where we collide
The universe will shift into a low
The travesties that we have seen
Are treating you like Benzedrine
Automatic laughter from a pro
My, what a good day for a walk outside
I'd like to get to know you a little better baby
God knows that I really have tried
My what a good day for a take-out bride
I'd like to say we did it for the better, oh
I saw you there so unaware
Those hummingbirds all in your hair
Elementary, son, but it's soul
The disrepair of Norma Jean
Could not compare to your routine
Balarama beauty going toe-to-toe
My, what a good day for a, let it slide
I'd like to say we did it for the better, oh
I thought about it and I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated, but I'm not devout
The mother, the father, the daughter, yeah
Right on the verge, just one more dose
I'm traveling from coast to coast
My theory isn't perfect, but it's close
I'm almost there, why should I care?
My heart is hurting when I share
Someone open up, let it show
My what a good day for a, walk outside
I'd like to think we did it for the better, oh
I thought about it and I brought it out
I'm motivated by the lack of doubt
I'm consecrated but I'm not devout
The mother, the father, the daughter
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
I do
Yeah
You don't form in the wet sand
You don't form at all
Oh, you don't form in the wet sand
I do
Yeah
Lyrics submitted by quazy_qual, edited by coocoosru, demivirius, lizb1245
Wet Sand Lyrics as written by Chad Smith Anthony Kiedis
Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is probably my favorite song of all time, and it saddens me that almost everyone here has missed the point. Here's my take.
This song is about struggle, about Anthony's lifelong struggle to follow his dreams, figure everything out and, and make an impact, even while acknowledging that it is all ultimately meaningless.
It's all in the final lines:
"You don't form in the wet sand. You don't form at all. I do."
Anthony has struggled throughout the years to overcome addiction, conquer the world through music, and find meaning in everything. It all amounts to a very small, temporary impact -- making a form in wet sand. Ultimately, the ocean of life washes everything away, but through his work, struggle, and searching, he has made a tiny impact in the universe, which is what he strives for, and what, ultimately, he is proud of, even if nobody else understands it.
Here's a thorough breakdown, verse by verse:
=========
"My shadow side, so amplified..."
His "sunny" vs "shadow" side is a key motif throughout the song, representing the "sunny" side as a normal, happy, aesthetically driven life. His "shadow side" is a darker, more interpretive, and ultimately more ambitious element to his personality. The entire song is set up as a contrast between these two outlooks.
"Elementry son, but it's so..."
What he's saying is that, the keys to happiness are really easy to grasp, and we learn them early in life. It's "elementary" to overcome his sadness and return to the sunny side of life. However, the second part -- "But it's so..." -- indicates that there is something to this shadowy side of his personality, something that keeps drawing him back, something more important than happiness.
"My love affair with everywhere was innocent, why do you care?"
Anthony has recognized this early on in his life, and I think the key is that the "shadow side" is what caused him to be so curious about the world. When we live in our shadow life, we are motivated to explore, to struggle, to make changes, to overcome whatever it is that's bothering us. What he's saying here is that, throughout his life, people have told him to be happy, to overcome this sadness of his, but he doesn't want to. He wants to explore, it's part of his being. It's innocent -- why do you care?
"My what a good day for a walk outside I like to get to know you little better baby God knows that I really tried"
I think this is where most people's interpretation of the song go awry, because they think he's talking about a woman. Not at all. He is addressing life itself (or the world, perhaps). Even through the mountain of struggle he's been through to know life, he still wants to know her a little better. He's not done with his search yet, a motif played out throughout the rest of the song.
"I'd like to say we did it for the better of..."
This line is an exact counterpart to the earlier lyric of "elementry son, but it's so...". In both of these cases, he's seeking a justification for why he puts himself through all of this, but he doesn't know. He trails off, because he feels like there's some reason, but it is impossible to say what it is. He'd like to say it's for the betterment of something, but he has lost all real reasons to continue going down this path.
"The disrepair of Norma Jean..."
I don't get the Norma Jean reference, unfortunately, maybe somebody can fill in.
"I thought about it and I brought it out I'm motivated by the lack of doubt I'm consecrated but I'm not devout"
This is the turning point of the song. Anthony has given a lot of thought to this, and he's bringing out his shadowy side again, because he's not done searching. He is also entirely confident in this, nobody is going to change his mind. "Consecrated but not devout" is yet another reinforcement that while he's definitely touched upon truths you might consider sacred, he has not yet understood the true nature of God.
As a sidenote, this is the only explicit religious verbage in this song, so I don't think this song is about religion, but I do think religion is a particularly poignant way to express the dilemma that Anthony is facing. God is, inherently, unknowable by humans, but part of living a religious / spiritual life is to seek to understand him constantly, despite knowing it is ultimately fruitless.
"Right on the verge just one more dose I'm travelling from coast to coast My theory isn't perfect but it's close I'm almost there why should I care My heart is hurting when I share Someone open up Let it show"
Again, these verses just reinforce the previous themes of continuing to search for the perfect truth, even though his theory is "close". It still hurts for him to open up to his shadowy side, and it still doesn't make any sense why he should keep doing this to himself.
The last line of this verse is particularly sad, and I think hits home with what Anthony thinks is upset about in regards to other people He has gone through all of this pain and struggle, all of this searching, and he lays it out for everybody to see through his work. It's very hard for him to do this. What he's saying is, why can't anybody else open up the way I do? He's practically begging for somebody else to understand, empathize, and have the courage to show the world.
Also, this sets up the final verse in an important way. Throughout all of this, Anthony has drawn a line between himself and his goals and what he sees everyone else doing -- pursuing happiness, fame, comfort, and fulfillment. It's easy to live a happy life, and the more that Anthony abandons that, the more he feels (rightfully, in my opinion) angry and confused that he's the only person who gets it. He feels that everyone else is missing an important piece to the puzzle, and he wants to feel that his struggle was worth it, even if it's a tiny, tiny thing. Which brings us to the final verse:
"You don't form in the wet sand. You don't form at all. I do."
This is a powerful, profound, incredible statement, and it's no coincidence that this is both the title of the song and the apex of the intensity of the song.
He's saying that, at the end of the day, the "sunny" way of living life means absolutely nothing. Your life will be remembered by nobody. You don't form in the wet sand. You don't form at all. Anywhere, in any medium.
Anthony, however, does. He makes a tiny, tiny dent in the universe. People will remember him long after he is dead, and even though this doesn't ultimately matter, as humanity will die out and our bodies will be washed away into the cosmic ocean, ultimately, his life had meaning, he made something, and he's proud of it and wouldn't have it any other way.
===
Final notes, what follows is just my opinion. I think that this song could only have been written by Anthony Keidis and performed by RHCP, and the fact that Stadium Arcadium was such a great album is a testament to that fact.
Most bands that you know of had a good run, put out some albums, and then faded away back into the sunny, comfortable side of life. Not RHCP. They have rocked, kicked ass, and struggled, for over 20 years, and they still kick ass. I can't think of any bands that have maintained such a strong musical and lyrical skill and remained such a potent cultural influence for as long as they have.
I think that this song only could have been written now, after 20 years of striving to make the best music. In short, Anthony and the rest of the band earned this song. The message would not have been nearly as powerful if it was from anybody else. And in a way, in terms of RHCP's overall musicography, I think that this song explains the mentality behind why they have continued to succeed and thrive where lesser musicians (nay, lesser people) would have been content to give up long a go.
Kudos to Kiedis, RHCP, and everyone out there who choose to continue to struggle, search for truth, and do good, even though comfort and ease is right around the corner.
@ckjohnson7 I didn't read all of this. But I did read what you said from "you don't form..." And your comment really meant a lot to me. I read Anthony's book and its story and his voice and their music work for me to help keep me sober sometimes. So what you said was beautiful and it was much appreciated. Thank you!!!
@ckjohnson7 Thank You for sharing this beautiful meaning, I have been searching about the truth of life both in Shadow and Sunny, and it's good to know even from this song that you don't have to care whether you do your own good, sharing your heart and humanity to the world while ones around you picking up as you're doing for fake or sth. I do appreciate that atleast his lesson has been shared and courage people to keep going up because not only you are the only person who's just a weirdo but there're the others too for u might not know. I love the way he wtote "you don't form the wet sand..." It's legendary in the way ❤️❤️❤️ RHCP is always and always my fav
@ckjohnson7
@ckjohnson7
@ckjohnson7 <br /> I was looking for maybe agreement on how I interpret this song and you actually come the closest and I appreciate the breakdown line by line. I love symbolizum because it says one thing to a broad population - and a lot more to deep individuals who are trying to identify. I might want to make my own full comment - here I will add that this whole song is about the impact his addiction has had on his life. His dark side OFF ripping and running and ways he had switched addictions to try and satisfy his need to feel better, yet faking it "automatic laughter from a pro" pro at looking good. <br /> Historically "wet", "rain" and the like represent drug dependency. Here wet sand is about struggling with addiction and forming a life and comparing it to making sand castle or sculpture. You, meaning most people either don't take shape while in their addiction - or get through it and go on to FORM or set their lives. HE does form in his addiction as it's been with him his whole life - yet he's made a life both painfully and successfully. Now understand that he and the band has sought treatment and recovery as is reflected in many of their songs and alluded to in this one, so he is very aware of how he acts out on it. Many if not most Addicts seeking recovery get into an addictive and idyllic relationship. "I saw you standing there so unaware with hummingbirds all in your hair" is straight out of a Cinderella, Snowwhite, princess scene - love at first sight. So he puts all his effort in this fantasy relationship - using the sexy yet innocent Norma Jean - he imagines this take out bride he's obsessing on is even better than Marilyn who is historically the comparison as the perfect looking woman, and so describes this new object of this moments obsession - which will last till it goes south...<br /> and here again the theme you (she, relationships) don't form in the wet sand (addiction) but I do (all in!). Every addict has plausible but untrue reasons for their behavior:<br /> "I'd like to think we did it for the better, God knows that I really tried." Which is a refrain for every effort. Then motivated by the LACK of doubt - a real strange way of describing motivation but perfect way of describing deniel. <br /> Now this verse of "on the verge of one more dose..." feels like he's trying real hard to stay clean while on tour - surely a trigger for him. So "my heart is hurting when I share" could be reference to a meeting or talking to his sponsor or someone helping him stay clean, "someone open up..." may be needing to find someone whom he identifies with - or it could be acting out on the love addiction needing the other to share his passion. <br /> "What a good day for a let it slide" could also mean he could use just once. A.A. Calls it a slip as long as you don't keep doing it. <br /> Anyway I see this subject in a lot of their lyrics and they have been instrumental to my own recovery, so I absolutely identify with most of it. I'm 19 years clean and a counselor of over 10 years. I encourage Addicts seeking recovery to start a playlist of songs that help them when they are feeliling like using. Same for sex and love Addicts - and I so appreciate the bands contribution for sharing their experiences through such heartfelt songs and lyrics. <br />
@ckjohnson7
@ckjohnson7 I like how you broke down each song lyric but you missed the main point of the song completely. It's about his relationship with someone... the lyrics are directed towards that person.
@ckjohnson7 Hey, just wanted to say that I love your explanation of the lyrics - I've loved this song since it came out and sensed there was a deeper meaning at work here (as with a lot of Anthony's lyrics - the man gets palmed off too readily as a writer of nonsense), but I'd never picked it apart properly before. Like you said, any interpretation has to be taken with a pinch of salt, only Anthony really knows what he was talking about (maybe not even Anthony!), but you did a great job, so well done.<br /> <br /> You mentioned the Norma Jean line, Norma Jean was Marilyn Monroe's birth name so I've always seen that as a reference to her decline from one of the world's hottest movie stars and most desirable women, to her gradual 'disrepair' and eventual untimely death. I suppose you could argue he's comparing that to someone who, in your words, is wrapped up in the shallower "sunny" side and fails to see the depth of the "shadow" side (just realised while typing this - Anthony's covered this before - Otherside, where he says "I don't believe it's bad").<br /> <br /> Anyway, cheers and it's good to shed some light on such a great song!<br /> J
@ckjohnson7 I don't usually look for lyrics meaning but this song somehow made me sick, I'm really glad you commented this.<br /> <br /> Kiedis songs don't usually strike like this, but when it does... Under the Bridge and Wet Sand aren't just another songs. Kiedis know the moment to shine.
@ckjohnson7 thank you for putting this together. Appreciated 10 years later 🙏🏼
"You don't form in the wet sand" was actually a line and tune that John had in his head for awhile. Anthony heard him mumbling it over and over and asked if he could use it. I think that Anthony used it and added lyrics that show his inability to connect with his significant others on a permanant basis. This has been shown in his many serious, but unlasting relationships. A lot of the lines are hopeful, but followed by feelings of disconnect, which comes to a head in the chorus at the end of the song.
The outro by John is my favorite guitar solo ever in the history of the world!
@rhcpayne - agree with this comment.<br /> <br /> Infact my favourite part is the wicked guitar sound with the whistling.<br /> <br /> I like to think about it in terms of sandcastles on construction, ie of the permanence and endurability of relationships.... The one is the "wet sand" forms only briefly before being washed away by the tide, no matter how much effort you put into building it is still formed on wet sand. <br /> <br /> That said, it is John's thought, and was clearly meaningful to him (after all he had a page of lyrics, and really drove the melody and rearranged the chord progressions)... Obviously has a very different meaning to John, as Anthony just took those words, and worked backwards incorporating ideas of love and drugs, which clashed with John's perception. I think the wicked outtro was John putting his own stamp of meaning on the song
This song is about a clash between the free-spirit and his love, who is on a more direct path in their life. The free-spirit is "travelling from coast to coast", reveling in it, but pines over the lack of structure (something CONCRETE, SOLID, like a diamond?) which he associates with the standard "settling down" folks do (career, family, car, home). Whether this is a real person, or the person is a symbol, it works both ways.
He keeps approaching the idea, being motivated "by the lack of doubt" involved, but opts instead for another trip (like a RHCP tour from coast to coast). It's so tempting, but by the end of the song he gives up it. The swing from sweet, almost gentle tune to his decision that he doesn't have to settle down comes at the end of the song.
He sees that she's/her lifestyle/whatever is fantastic, and he can imagine a beautiful life that way. But, while struggling against it, he "forms" himself in "wetsand", not in the constraint and pressure of sedimentary (~sedentary~) rock. He needs to be able to move, even though it makes him leave the ones he loves.
it's about the sadness from the point of view of someone looking at people who've lost their sense of wonder
love it, awesome feel.. maybe someone could explain the wet sand bit?
in other news, i think its "My shadow side, so amplified, Keeps coming back dissatisfied"
i hit negative rating by accident i meant to hit plus, i just got this account
wow.... i love this song!! Specially the whistling in the break. im thinking that your ideas are right papiLPS, nicely done.
wet sand... hmm, it's like he's saying that most people can't build their lives and mature whilst constantly moving, like wet sand does, convulsing to any pressure, but he feels he has, and he needed that time of constantly changing and moving on to become what he has today? kinda works...
convulsing is sooo not the right word... meh
Search Anthony Kiedis on google news search and click on the link titled "Peppers are lost in space". Don't worry, even though the beginning sounds like they're trashing RHCP, they later praise the new album. Further down the page, they talk about songs and have many song meanings. Supposedly this song is about Anthony having a fight with a girl, where Anthony believes in divine creation and the girl believes in evolution.
if you read scar tissue, i think there is already that girl mentioned.
killer guitar-stuff btw<br />
This song is one of my favorites off of the new album. I love the flow of it.
I think AK is revealing something about himself and the environment that surrounds him when is in his true element. Think about it, if you put your hand in wet sand and take it out as to make a hand print, there is truely no form and nothing is defined. I think this is what he means by wet sand, the idea that perhaps this is the state that he as a person defines himself. Maybe he is asking his GF and soon to be wife to accept him as is and understand his nature.
the wet sand part that is seeming to escape everyone is doing so because it means... nothing... when john frusciante was jamming the music to this at band practice before the lyrics were written and he was mumblin some random words, and anthiny heard some of em... one of the things john mumbled was "Wet Sand"... which anthony felt was just an incredible phrase... so, ya... thats what that is... anyway, this is one of my favorite slow jams on the cd, probably second right after slow cheetah...