Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey Read Full BioBand of Skulls is an alternative rock band that formed in 2008 in Southampton, England. The band consists of Russel Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums), who formed a band after they all met in college.
Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track I Know What I Am was chosen as iTunes' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. The song also appeared in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Another track that was not actually on the album, "Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones with the band John & Jehn.[4] In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather at The Roundhouse in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. In October 2010 they also toured to South Africa to play at the annual Rocking The Daisies festival.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care of His Own"—the first single to be taken from the new album—with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy), who also produced their debut album, and was released on February 21, 2012 in the US, and February 20, 2012 in the UK and Europe.
On 12 April 2012, Channel 4 broadcast a short documentary starring the band. They discuss the formation of Band Of Skulls through to going from working the bars of their hometown to playing music in front of expansive crowds of adoring fans across the globe. It is a rare and intimate insight into the world of Band Of Skulls, focusing of their success and achievements over the years.
On 13 October 2012, Band of Skulls played the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The show was briefly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the front of the stage, including Russell's pedal board, prompting the band to leave the stage while crews dried and moved the affected equipment. The band was able to return and complete their set after about a 10-minute delay.
On 2nd December 2013, the band released the video for "Asleep At The Wheel" - the first track to be shared from their yet unreleased album 'Himalayan'.
In January 2017, it was announced via social media that Hayward had left the band.
I Know What I Am
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
I've got a feeling like a tired old flow
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Gasoline, saccharinne
I've got no reason for the state I'm in
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Hotel, Taco Bell
I got the hit but you know damned well
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Cut teeth, bet a belief
I've got a feeling that I'm underneath
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
But it's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay!
Flick flack, no slack
I've got the wit that my enemies lack
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Trick some, just begun
I'm givin' you more when you only want one
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Hot sweat, got debt
Keep your licker in the locker 'cos you don't know yet
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
Ship shape, ticker tape
Looks to me like a narrow escape
But I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
But it's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay
I got the time but the time don't pay
It's alright, it's okay!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am!
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be
I know what I am, they know what they are
So let me be!
The lyrics of Band of Skulls's song "I Know What I Am" convey a sense of confidence and certainty about oneself. At first, the song seems to describe a list of disconnected items, but as the lyrics continue, we see that they all serve to reinforce the message that the singer knows who they are and that they don't need anyone else's validation. The repetition of the line "I know what I am, they know what they are" drives this point home.
The first verse sets the scene with the image of a "tripper" who is "out cold." The singer then goes on to express that they feel like they're in a state of exhaustion and lethargy, but they are still sure of their identity. The second verse uses more concrete images of gasoline and saccharine to convey a sense of confusion or disorientation, but again, the singer remains steadfast in their self-knowledge. The third and fourth verses continue to play with contrasting images to assert the singer's sense of self.
Overall, the song has a driving rhythm and a sense of energy, reflecting the confidence that the lyrics exude. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the message that the singer knows who they are and doesn't need anyone else's approval.
Line by Line Meaning
Hi ho, tripper's out cold
Despite others being out cold, I have an inner feeling that cannot be suppressed
I've got a feeling like a tired old flow
My feeling is exhausted but persistent
I know what I am, they know what they are
I am aware of who I am, and they too are aware of who they are
So let me be
Please leave me alone to be myself
Gasoline, saccharine
I feel conflicted and unpredictable
I've got no reason for the state I'm in
I cannot explain why I feel the way I do
Hotel, Taco Bell
I have what you want, but you already know that
I got the hit but you know damned well
I have the desired quality, but you are aware of it
Cut teeth, bet a belief
I have grown and changed, but my core beliefs remain the same
I've got a feeling that I'm underneath
My true self is hiding beneath the surface
But it's alright, it's okay
Everything is fine the way it is
I got the time but the time don't pay
I have the time but it is not worth anything
Flick flack, no slack
I am sharp and alert with no room for mistakes
I've got the wit that my enemies lack
My intelligence is what sets me apart from my enemies
Trick some, just begun
I am capable of deception and have barely started
I'm givin' you more when you only want one
I am offering more than what is expected or desired
Hot sweat, got debt
I am under pressure and owe a debt to someone or something
Keep your licker in the locker 'cos you don't know yet
You should not speak before knowing all the facts
Ship shape, ticker tape
Things are in order and running smoothly
Looks to me like a narrow escape
It appears that I barely made it out of a difficult situation
I know what I am!
I am confident in my identity
So let me be!
Please respect my need for space and individuality
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind