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.
Katherine Belle
American Aquarium Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She comes busting through like she bought the place
She was just a wolf in thrift-store clothing
Till that sheepish smile ran over her face
She stood up and said "which one of you boys,
Which one of you boys is buying my drink"
She started cussing like a backrow Baptist,
I started wondering what my mama would think about
Katherine Belle, I hope you're doing well
Please don't break my heart
Please don't break my heart
Well we started drinking those whiskey and gingers
We drank so much we almost drowned
The jukebox was singing like a choir on Sunday
I did the Boss, she did a mean James Brown
All of her friends, they tried to warn me
They said that horse is too wild to tame
So I took a shot and I worked out the courage
To say "baby girl let's start with your name"
Katherine Belle, I hope you're doing well
Please don't break my heart
Please don't break my heart
She woke up on the wrong side of her bed
I woke up on the wrong side of town
She went to work and I went to Georgia
I wonder if she'll be there the next time around
Katherine Belle, I hope you're doing well
Please don't break my heart
Please don't break my heart
Katherine Belle, I hope you're doing well
Please don't break my heart
Please don't break my heart
The song “Katherine Belle” by American Aquarium is a story of a wild and carefree girl who walks into a bar like she owns the place. The singer is instantly intrigued by her confidence and boldness, despite her “thrift-store clothing.” The two quickly hit it off, drinking whiskey and singing karaoke, but the singer is unsure if he can handle the intensity of their connection. However, he can’t help but hope that she’ll be there again the next time he comes around.
The lyrics paint a picture of two people who are living in the moment, despite the uncertainty of what the future holds. Katherine Belle represents the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of taking risks, and the hope that something good will come out of it. The singer’s plea for her not to break his heart shows that he’s willing to take the risk, but he’s also scared of the potential consequences.
The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a hit with audiences. The band’s lead singer, BJ Barham, has said that it’s one of his favorite songs to perform live because of its energy and the way it connects with people. “Katherine Belle” is a song about living in the moment, taking risks, and hoping for the best – a message that resonates with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
She comes busting through like a hurricane at midnight
She enters a room with energy and force, disrupting the peace and quiet like a natural disaster.
She comes busting through like she bought the place
Her confidence and swagger suggest that she owns the place, even if she doesn't.
She was just a wolf in thrift-store clothing
Despite her plain appearance, she has an aggressive and dominant personality.
Till that sheepish smile ran over her face
However, her smile is friendly and shy, revealing a softer side to her personality.
She stood up and said 'which one of you boys, Which one of you boys is buying my drink'
She demands attention and expects to be taken care of, making it clear that she is in control of the situation.
She started cussing like a backrow Baptist, I started wondering what my mama would think about
Her profanity and rough language make the singer uncomfortable, wondering what his mother would think of his behavior.
Well we started drinking those whiskey and gingers, We drank so much we almost drowned
They drink heavily together, to the point of almost losing control.
The jukebox was singing like a choir on Sunday, I did the Boss, she did a mean James Brown
They dance to upbeat music and show off their moves, enhancing the party atmosphere.
All of her friends, they tried to warn me, They said that horse is too wild to tame
Her friends caution the artist that she is too unpredictable and difficult to handle, like a wild animal.
So I took a shot and I worked out the courage, To say 'baby girl let's start with your name'
Despite the warning, the artist is attracted to her and takes a risk by asking her name.
She woke up on the wrong side of her bed, I woke up on the wrong side of town
The next day, they wake up in separate places, feeling out of sorts and far from each other.
She went to work and I went to Georgia, I wonder if she'll be there the next time around
They are separated by distance and circumstances, making it uncertain if they will cross paths again in the future.
Katherine Belle, I hope you're doing well Please don't break my heart
The singer acknowledges his feelings for her and hopes that she is happy, while also fearing that she may hurt him emotionally.
Please don't break my heart
This is a repeated plea to Katherine Belle to be kind and gentle with his feelings.
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.