Nick Pipitone of Monster Riff described how the band are "influenced just as much by Dr. John and Mississippi bluesman Junior Kimbrough as they are by Black Sabbath and progressive metal" and that their music can "venture from bluesy riffs and folk tales to spacey neo-psychedelic to punishing doom rock." Similarly, Rob Hughes of Classic Rock Magazine noted how "[All Them Witches are] as likely to create boiling riptides of bluesy psychedelia as they are pools of mystic folk and doomy ambience."
The band consists of Charles Michael Parks, Jr (vocals, bass, guitar), Ben Mcleod (guitar, formerly vocals) and Robby Staebler (drums). Formed in 2012, All Them Witches were quick to release their debut, Our Mother Electricity. It consisted of a heavy blend of stoner rock-y guitars and bass, rhodes and powerful, rhythmic drums. This would set the cornerstone for their sound, soon developing into the more mysterious grooves and atmosphere on 2013's followup Lightning At The Door. This release gained real traction for the band and gave them their likely most well-known track to date, When God Comes Back.
Taking a break from the creative front, the band released a live album in 2015, featuring a bluesy cover of Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign. Not long after, they announced their third studio release, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker. Much like the rest of their catalogue, this album truly showcased every member's best abilities. From calm opener Call Me Star to emotional ending track Blood And Sand/Milk And Endless Waters, the album won fans' hearts, and gained the band more well deserved attention.
That brings us to their 2016 live release, recorded from a show in Brussels, which contains the band playing older songs as well as another cover, being of Abner Jay's My Middle Name Is The Blues.
Keyboardist/violinist Allan van Cleave left the band around this time, shortly replaced by keyboardist Jonathan Draper.
Not long after, in February 2017, they came out with another amazing record. Sleeping Through The War made quick success, being a unique, spacey album notably produced by Dave Cobb. It added dynamics and, surprisingly, more atmosphere to what was already a steadily evolving sound from such an active, young band.
2018's self-titled ATW was announced to be the band's first release without a keyboard player, after Draper's departure. This album's characteristics include groovy stoner riffs with blues influence, slowing down and speeding up throughout the LP, ending with the haunting Rob's Dream.
Nearly two years later, and after a lot of touring, the band has come out with their latest record, Nothing As The Ideal, recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Harboring a sound akin to that of their single 1X1, this album is by far the group's heaviest--though it does contain softer ballads like Everest and the incredibly emotional Rats in Ruin.
Funeral For A Great Drunken Bird
All Them Witches Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That he should fall
From the tops of the trees
Only after a few drinks
He was smart once
And beautiful too
But now he's gone
Goodbye, you great fool
We love you
We'll cherish you always
Goodbye, you great bird
Goodbye
The song "Funeral For A Great Drunken Bird" by All Them Witches appears to be a commentary on the destructive power of alcoholism. The lyrics suggest that the titular "great bird" was once a smart and beautiful creature, who fell from grace after indulging in too much drink. The bird's downfall is depicted as a tragedy, with the mournful tone of the song evoking a sense of loss and regret.
The chorus, in which the singer bids farewell to the bird, is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the bird was loved despite its flaws. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the way that society often demonizes individuals who struggle with addiction or mental health issues, rather than showing compassion and support.
Overall, the lyrics of "Funeral For A Great Drunken Bird" are both poetic and thought-provoking, touching on themes that are universal and timeless. The song is a powerful reminder of the destructive effects of substance abuse and the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting those who struggle with addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
What a shame it was
It's unfortunate what happened
That he should fall
He stumbled and fell
From the tops of the trees
He fell from a high place
Only after a few drinks
He was intoxicated and that caused him to fall
He was smart once
He used to be intelligent
And beautiful too
He was also good-looking
But now he's gone
He is no longer with us
Goodbye, you great fool
We say farewell to you, you wonderful fool
We love you
We have affection for you
We'll cherish you always
We will keep you in our memories forever
Goodbye, you great bird
We say farewell to you, you amazing bird
Goodbye
A farewell message
Contributed by Nathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Monika Turalija
on Easy
EASY
well how you shake it so easily
and how you drift so slow
where were you when i was down
where were you when i couldn't stay
where were you when my hand shook
give me a chance and I'll open the door
just don't drift off too easily
work just a little bit more
take my hand it's shaking lord
write my mother so she knows
how you shake it so easily
and how you drift so slow
get drink our pour it down your throat
feel you heartbeat nice and slow
lay down and close your eyes
here is your chance to take control
just don't drift off too easily
work just a little bit more
take my hand it's shaling lord
write my mother so she knows