Formed in 2006, the band derived its name from the Wilco song, “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart,” and is led by band founder and lead vocalist/ guitarist BJ Barham. A new lineup was announced in April 2017 with new faces joining the ranks: Crooks drummer Joey Bybee, Damn Quails bass player Ben Hussey and guitarist Shane Boeker – all from Texas – along with Nashville pedal-steel player Adam Kurtz, who also fronts Music City's experimental Buck Owens tribute Buck N' Stuff. Bybee left in August 2018 and was replaced by Nashville-based drummer Matty Alger, who in turn left in February 2019. Kurtz left the band after the Mile Zero fest in January 2019, and Hussey left in July 2019.
Their first album, Antique Hearts, was released in 2006, followed by The Bible and the Bottle in 2008.
In 2012, American Aquarium released two albums: Live in Raleigh and Burn. Flicker. Die.
The band released their sixth original album, Wolves, in February 2015.[7] The band's fans helped raise $24,000 through a Kickstarter project to help fund the album's production, and the album was recorded in Asheville, North Carolina at Echo Mountain.
On November 25, 2016 "Live at Terminal West" was released by the band from a live show recording in November 2015 at Terminal West in Atlanta, Georgia.
Things Change was released on New West Records in 2018, followed by
Lamentations (on New West Records) in 2020.
A Better South
American Aquarium Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The proud southern son of Caroline
Proud of who I am and where I′m from
But I ain't so proud of how far we′ve come
On the backs of the poor, these towns were built
Where every ounce of pride comes a pound of guilt
There's a shadow here, looms long and black
The only dream that ain′t worth having
Is the one you won′t chase down
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
But I believe in a better South
Yes, I believe in a better South
Down here we're still fighting for all the wrong reasons
Old men still defend these monuments to treason
To the right side of history, we′re always late
Still arguing the difference between heritage and hate
The only dream that ain't worth having
Is the one you won′t chase down
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
But I believe in a better South
Yes, I believe in a better South
I'm sick and tired of listening to Daddy′s generation
The byproduct of war and segregation
Still thinking they can tell us of what to do
Who can live where and who can love who
The only dream that ain't worth having
Is the one you won't chase down
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
But I believe in a better South
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
Yes, I believe in a better South
Yes, I believe in a better South
In "A Better South," American Aquarium's lead singer BJ Barham explains his love-hate relationship with his southern roots. The opening lines, "I was born in the shade of a longleaf pine, The proud southern son of Caroline," paint the picture of his pride in where he came from. However, as the song progresses, Barham begins to tackle his frustrations with the South's past and present, particularly the way the region continues to struggle with racism and prejudice, despite claims of "heritage not hate". He calls out the older generation who he believes are still stuck in their ways, refusing to understand and accept the changing times.
One of the most significant themes of the song is the idea that true progress comes when people identify their failures and work hard to overcome them. Barham recognizes the negative aspects of his home, singing "on the backs of the poor these towns were built, where every ounce of pride comes a pound of guilt." The weight of these words is a subtle call to action. The violent history of systemic racism and bigotry must be acknowledged before any real change can occur. His dream of a better South lies within standing up to the hatred and division that has plagued the region for generations.
Overall, "A Better South" is a powerful reflection of the past and present struggles of the Southern United States. It offers a glimmer of hope that one day, change will come, but only if it is met with persistence and dedication to building a more inclusive and just society.
Line by Line Meaning
I was born in the shade of a longleaf pine
I was born and raised in the Southern United States.
The proud southern son of Caroline
I am proud of being Southern and where I come from.
Proud of who I am and where I'm from
I have a strong sense of identity as a Southerner.
But I ain't so proud of how far we've come
I am dissatisfied with the progress that the South has made.
On the backs of the poor, these towns were built
The South was built on the exploitation of poor people.
Where every ounce of pride comes a pound of guilt
Our pride in being Southern is complicated by the guilt we feel for the injustices of our history.
There's a shadow here, looms long and black
We are haunted by the legacy of slavery and segregation.
It's always one step forward and two steps back
We make progress, but it is slow and often undermined by regression.
The only dream that ain't worth having
The only dream that is not worth pursuing is one that we do not actively pursue.
Is the one you won't chase down
A dream that we do not work towards will not come to fruition.
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
Some people believe that we should not express our dissatisfaction with the status quo.
But I believe in a better South
Despite these obstacles, I believe that we can make progress towards a more equitable and just society in the South.
Down here we're still fighting for all the wrong reasons
The South is still grappling with deeply ingrained prejudices and inequalities.
Old men still defend these monuments to treason
Some people in the South continue to support symbols of the Confederacy and other traitorous movements.
To the right side of history, we're always late
The South often lags behind the rest of the country in embracing progressive social change.
Still arguing the difference between heritage and hate
There is ongoing debate about the legacy of the Confederacy, and whether it represents a proud heritage or a hateful history.
I'm sick and tired of listening to Daddy's generation
Many younger Southerners are frustrated with the entrenched attitudes of their parents' generation, which they believe perpetuate inequality and racism.
The byproduct of war and segregation
Many of the attitudes and prejudices held by older Southerners are rooted in the legacy of the Civil War and Jim Crow segregation.
Still thinking they can tell us what to do
Older Southerners often feel entitled to impose their beliefs and attitudes on younger generations.
Who can live where and who can love who
Some older Southerners continue to hold racist and homophobic beliefs, and feel entitled to deny certain groups of people their rights and freedoms.
They say sing your song, boy, shut your mouth
Some people believe that it is disrespectful or inappropriate to portray the South in a critical light.
Yes, I believe in a better South
Despite all of these challenges, I am hopeful that the South can become a more equitable and just society.
Writer(s): Bradley Justin Barham
Contributed by Max A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Leland Lawrence
I live in Buffalo,NY and love this song so much. I still feel this song can be applied to America in general. America is a great country but we still have so far to come.
Louie O.Blevins Music
Southern mutt here. The only places I’ve been to in NY state is Manchester, Niagara Falls and Buffalo. (Bills stadium is awesome) I enjoyed myself there and ate some good food. About 15 years ago my buddy needed me to ride up there with him cause he bought a Dukes of Hazzard General Lee car from a dude that lived in Buffalo. I got to drive it back to Savannah, Ga in it which was awesome. About 6 months later the same car dealer sells him a dang “Nightrider” car. I went back up there with him and got to drive that bad boy back too. Kit was talking to me while I was passing by the Omish in Pennsylvania ‘n shit. Was some good times.
Robert McNeil
I live across the river from you (Canada) and I somehow feel a strong connection to this song. Go Bills
Burt Byler
PREACH! Thank you and I stand with you speaking out against our issues. Look forward to fighting for a better south with y’all.
Kyle Wesolowski
thank you for standing up for what's right.
Mike Anderson
Was so bummed you had to cancel your show on Madison WI. Will be first in line when you make it back up this well. Keep up the outstanding work, BJ.
Stefan
Can’t wait to see you guys live again. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 👊🏻🤘
Hein van de Wijgert
Agree, time for a European tour, starting in Amsterdam 🙂
Stefan
@joe blow I hope so 🤞🏻
joe blow
I think they are coming to Amsterdam soon. Check their website for the tour dates.