Sa-5 Lyrics

This recording was released as a b-side for "Deadweight" in 1997. It was probably written, even recorded, long before that. Beck's loosely strung guitar strumming is reminiscent of his early folk tunes, while the lyrics sound like his young work. Beck is the only musician on the track -- two vocals, acoustic guitar, and drum machine (the SA-5). An "Sa-5" is a tiny Casio mini-keyboard, with lots of sounds programmed in (see picture above). Not technically a "drum machine" as credited on the liner notes, but it would be safe to assume this is what Beck used to embellish the song. Beck used to use an "Sa-5" often, especially when younger -- even strapping one on like a guitar during concerts. It would definitely have been an instrument Beck could have afforded easily in the early days.