Here is some background information on Alabama Shakes from the Hold On Songfacts: The R&B-inspired Rock band Alabama Shakes originated when lead singer/guitarist Brittany Howard approached bassist Zac Cockrell during a high school psychology class in Athens, Alabama and the pair began meeting after school to write songs. Howard and Cockrell then approached Punk-Rock drummer Steve Johnson, who was working at a local music store, to join the band. The trio recorded some of their songs in a studio in Decatur, Alabama and subsequently recruited guitarist Heath Fogg on his return to Athens from college in Tuscaloosa. Originally christened "The Shakes," the band later renamed themselves The Alabama Shakes in order to differentiate themselves from other bands with their original name.
The Alabama foursome gained widespread media attention after releasing a self-titled four-song EP in September 2011 and Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom and ATO Records in the United States signed them two months later. Hold On was released as the first single from their debut album, Boys & Girls .
Killer Diller Blues
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
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He didn't stay but champ he was a hobo
He was an ugly lil baby on a scout
Terrible lil′ supposition mounts
Hes a awful 'lil piece, he's a killer diller from the south
He walked through the door where I was at
I looked to his his face looked like a cryin′ cat
Terrible lil baby hush yo′ mouth
He's an awful lil something and a killer diller from the south
He walked down the street lovin′ to showcase
Stacker walked out, said to take my place
Cause he's an ugly lil′ sucker on the scout
Terrible lil' baby hush yo' mouth
Well he′s an awful little sucker, he′s a killer diller from the south
He walked in the hotel and everbody left
He looked in the glass and just smiled to himsen the scout'
Cause he′s an ugly lil' baby on the scout
Terrible lil creature hush yo′ mouth
He's an awful little piece and he′s a killer diller from the south
The song "Killer Diller Blues," sung by Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, tells the story of an ugly and creepy man who is known as a killer diller from the south. The word "diller" is a slang term that means "an excellent person or thing," while "killer" refers to something that is exceptional or impressive. In this context, however, the term "killer diller" takes on a negative connotation, implying that the man is dangerous or possibly even a killer.
The lyrics describe a series of encounters with this man, who is portrayed as unattractive and unsettling. As he walks into different places, the people there seem to be frightened and intimidated by him. Despite his repulsive appearance, however, he is still referred to as a "killer diller," suggesting that there is something powerful and alluring about him.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that they are a commentary on the way society often judges people based on their looks, rather than their character or abilities. The killer diller in the song is an outsider who is feared and shunned because of his appearance, even though there may be more to him than meets the eye.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, the ugliest lil′ thing you ever see before
He is extremely unattractive.
He didn't stay but champ he was a hobo
He was a temporary guest who lived on the streets.
He was an ugly lil baby on a scout
He wasn't attractive when he was younger either.
Terrible lil′ supposition mounts
People assume he's not a good person due to his appearance.
Hes a awful 'lil piece, he's a killer diller from the south
Despite his appearance, he's deadly and dangerous.
He walked through the door where I was at
He entered the same room as me.
I looked to his his face looked like a cryin′ cat
His facial expression was sad and pathetic.
′Cause he's an ugly lil creepy on the scout
His unattractive appearance is unsettling.
Terrible lil baby hush yo′ mouth
Stop talking about his looks in a negative way.
He's an awful lil something and a killer diller from the south
He's still dangerous despite how he looks.
He walked down the street lovin′ to showcase
He enjoyed displaying his appearance despite it being unpleasant.
Stacker walked out, said to take my place
Someone else left and he filled the empty spot.
Cause he's an ugly lil′ sucker on the scout
Again, his looks are undesirable.
Terrible lil' baby hush yo' mouth
Stop making fun of him for his appearance.
Well he′s an awful little sucker, he′s a killer diller from the south
He's still dangerous despite the negative qualities attributed to him.
He walked in the hotel and everbody left
People were intimidated and uncomfortable with his presence.
He looked in the glass and just smiled to himsen the scout'
He was content with how he looked despite other people's opinions.
Cause he′s an ugly lil' baby on the scout
His appearance is still unattractive.
Terrible lil creature hush yo′ mouth
Stop insulting him for his looks; it's not appropriate.
He's an awful little piece and he′s a killer diller from the south
Once again, he's still dangerous despite his appearance.
Writer(s): Minnie Lawlers
Contributed by Keira K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.