The group was formed in 2008 and recorded their debut 'The Dog Years EP' in early 2009. The band took a highly DIY approach, with songwriter Dylan Baskind recording, mixing and producing the tracks.
In September 2012 their first studio album, 'A Year at Sea' released.
Wishingbone
Winter People Lyrics
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Do not look for me in the autumn leaves
Because I've long since passed this way before
And I'm long since down the trail
Do not look for me in your smoke-stacks, your salt-flats
Do not look for me in your dust-bowl cities
Because I've long since passed this way before
And I'm long since down the trail
I'm far out past the borderline
Amongst the animals and the rain
In the company of the dogs
And the shadow of the range
I've carved my name in to the boundary stones
Out where the wind blows cold
There's nothing left now
Of my flesh and bone
Nothing but blue and gold
The first two lines of Winter People's song Wishingbone suggest that the singer is no longer present in the summertime or fall. These seasons connote a sense of warmth, freshness, and life. Through this imagery, the lyrics suggest that the singer has passed away or moved on. The line "I've long since passed this way before / And I'm long since down the trail" further emphasizes the idea that the singer has moved on to a different place beyond our physical world.
The next two lines suggest that the singer cannot be found in certain places like "smoke-stacks, salt-flats, and dust-bowl cities." These places represent the remnants of human existence, culture, and progression. However, the singer has left these behind as well. The third stanza uses vivid imagery to describe the singer's present state, which is among the wilderness and the elements. The dogs and the shadow of the range suggest an isolated, desolate place where the singer wanders alone.
The final two stanzas of the song suggest that the singer has transcended the physical realm and become a part of nature. The line "I've carved my name into the boundary stones" suggests that the singer has left a lasting mark in the natural world in a way humans traditionally leave their mark in structures, landmarks or accomplishments. The ending lines "Nothing but blue and gold" are vivid and powerful in their simplicity, suggesting that the singer has become part of the natural elements and transcended the limitations of the human body, leaving behind only traces of the spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Do not look for me in the summer heat
I'm not present in the summer heat and searching for me is futile.
Do not look for me in the autumn leaves
Looking for me amidst the autumn leaves is futile because I'm not there.
Because I've long since passed this way before
I've been on this path and moved on a long time ago. Don't look for me where I've already been.
And I'm long since down the trail
I'm not nearby, but far away down the path already.
Do not look for me in your smoke-stacks, your salt-flats
Trying to find me in the industrial areas or abandoned salt flats is pointless because I'm not there.
Do not look for me in your dust-bowl cities
Don't look for me in the cities hit by the Dust Bowl, as I'm not there anymore.
I'm far out past the borderline
I've ventured far beyond the border that separates known lands and have gone much further.
Amongst the animals and the rain
I'm amidst wild animals and heavy rain.
In the company of the dogs
I'm with dogs who also exist far out in the wild.
And the shadow of the range
I'm under the shadow caused by the nearby mountains.
I've carved my name in to the boundary stones
I've etched my name in the stones that mark the boundaries of this land.
Out where the wind blows cold
I'm outside where the wind is freezing, and it's very cold.
There's nothing left now
Everything has been taken away.
Of my flesh and bone
Nothing was left behind from my physical self.
Nothing but blue and gold
The only things remaining are abstract ideas, such as emotions and memories.
Contributed by Samuel P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.