Pay No Mind (Snoozer)
by Beck

Album: Mellow Gold (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about Beck's frustration with the record industry, which focuses on money and sales rather than creativity and talent.
  • According to Beck, this was originally a 10-verse song, that he cut down to three when he recorded it. He wrote the song in 1989 when he was still a teenager, and he spent years developing it live, often changing the lyrics. It was finally released on Mellow Gold, his first for Geffen Records.

    Is Beck a hypocrite for releasing a song decrying the music industry and then signing to a major label? Not at all: As part of his deal, he was allowed to release songs on indie labels as well, which he did.
  • Beck almost always plays this at live shows, but always improvises the lyrics, so the song is never the same twice. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bert - Pueblo, NM, for all above
  • This was released as the follow-up single to Beck's hit "Loser." Unsurprisingly, it didn't chart, but Beck wasn't exactly striving for a hit. Throughout his career, Beck stayed in a sweet spot where he made wildly eclectic music, some of which was just popular enough to garner him a substantial audience.

Comments: 1

  • Cornflakes from Bfe, TnThis is one of my favorites from 'Mellow Gold' because of how deeply he sings it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.