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Banging Camp
The Hold Steady Lyrics


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Holly wore a string around her finger
She said it helps her to remember all the nights that we got over
Besides, it ties her outfit all together
Holly wore a string around her finger

There are strings attached to every single lover
But they still can't even tether us together
Listen to the back of the theater, I think they really love one another
There are strings attached to every single lover

When they say great white sharks
They mean the kind in big black cars
When they say killer whales
They mean they whaled on him 'til they killed him up in Penetration Park

And Holly wore a cross to ward them off
She said if they think you're a Christian then they won't bring in the dogs
And if they think you're a Catholic then they'll want to meet your boss
Holly wore a cross to ward them off

Yeah, there's camps down by the banks of the river
And it's sketchy in the night but they mostly lay low in the light
Hey sweet recovery, come on, won't you wade into the water with me?
You know, there's camps down by the banks of the river

When they say black and tans
You know they mean the kind from the cans
We don't got time to mix it all together
I'm a very busy man, man

She said I dig those awkward silences
'Cause I grew up in denial and went to school in Massachusetts
And he said hi, I like to party on the problem blocks
And I can't stand it when the banging stops

I saw her at the party pit
Yeah, she was shaky but still trying to shake it
Half naked and three-quarters wasted
She was completely alone

And I saw him at the riverbank
He was breaking bread and giving thanks
With crosses made of pipes and planks
Leaned up against the nitrous tanks

And he said take a hit
Hold your breath and I'll dunk your head
Yeah, then when you wake up again
Yeah, you'll be high as hell and born again

Yeah, there's strings attached to every single lover
Well, there's strings attached to every single lover

Overall Meaning

The song "Banging Camp" by The Hold Steady is an exploration of relationships, addictions, and the various ways people cope and connect with one another. Holly, one of the singers of the song, is portrayed as someone who wears a string around her finger to help her remember the nights she's gotten over. The string serves as a physical reminder of her past and what it takes to move on. The line "Besides, it ties her outfit all together" suggests that the string serves not only as a reminder but as a way to hold everything together.


The song also touches on the idea of strings attached to every lover. Despite best intentions, relationships are complicated, and sometimes it's hard to stay tethered to one another. The line "Listen to the back of the theater, I think they really love one another" suggests the possibility of an audience watching the relationships unfold, but even if it seems like they're meant to be, attachments are never guaranteed. The song also explores the use of religion and symbols to ward off danger and addictions. Holly wears a cross to ward off negative influences, and the singer mentions the use of nitrous tanks to get high.


Overall, "Banging Camp" touches on complex human experiences and emotions, including heartbreak, addiction, and the search for connection and meaning.


Line by Line Meaning

Holly wore a string around her finger
Holly wears a string around her finger to remember all the nights they got over, and also to complete her outfit.


There are strings attached to every single lover
Even though lovers have strings attached to them, they can't keep them together. The band thinks that the couple at the back of the theater seems like they love each other.


When they say great white sharks, they mean the kind in big black cars
People could mean anything when they say something, like when they say great white sharks, they could be referring to a type of car instead of an animal.


When they say killer whales, they mean they whaled on him 'til they killed him up in Penetration Park
Killer whales could mean that they have beaten a person to death at Penetration Park.


And Holly wore a cross to ward them off
Holly wears a cross to avoid being attacked by dangerous people. She believes that if they think she's religious, they won't mess with her.


Yeah, there's camps down by the banks of the river
There are some dangerous but low-key camps near the riverbank where people could stay for the night.


When they say black and tans, you know they mean the kind from the cans
Black and tans could mean a drink made with two different types of alcohol that could mix in a can.


She said I dig those awkward silences
Holly enjoys silence and spaces in conversations because of her upbringing in Massachusetts where she always put up a front of denial.


And he said hi, I like to party on the problem blocks
The person Holly is talking to likes to party in dangerous areas.


And I saw him at the riverbank
The artist sees the person Holly was talking to at the riverbank.


And he said take a hit
The person invites Holly to take a hit of something that could make her feel high.


Yeah, there's strings attached to every single lover
This line is repeated to emphasize that every lover has strings attached to them that could prevent them from staying together.




Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Craig Finn, Tad Jason Kubler

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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