Band of Horses was formed by Ben Bridwell (guitar, vocals) and Mat Brooke (guitar) in 2004 after the break-up of their previous band, Carissa's Wierd. Rob and Creighton were formerly of the mathrock band The New Mexicans before joining Band of Horses. The group initially got attention from Sub Pop records after opening for Iron & Wine in Seattle area shows. In 2005, the band released their debut EP, Band of Horses Tour EP, which was sold exclusively at shows and on Sub Pop's website. Their debut full-length, Everything All the Time was recorded in 2005 with producer Phil Ek and released on March 21, 2006 to generally good reviews.
On July 13, 2006, Band of Horses appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman sans Brooke. As of July 25, 2006, Mat Brooke left Band of Horses to focus more on his other band, Grand Archives, who had also signed to Sub Pop.
The band's second album, Cease to Begin, was released on October 9 2007. The band has recently moved its base of operations from Seattle to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Their album, Infinite Arms, was released in May of 2010.
Their album, Mirage Rock, was released in September 2012.
Their latest album, Why Are You OK? was released in June 2016.
Dumpster World
Band of Horses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Real better, over in America
The weather, so serene and calm
Unseasonably warm
Light a candle for the sufferin' ones
Light a candle for the weak and the small
God damn it, there's a lot of 'em
Holy terror
Asleep when the alarms went off
You're in the mirror
Studyin' your golden locks
I love you
Lets marry when the time is right
Or whenever, you like
Say a prayer for all the people that died
Say another for me once in awhile
I hit rock bottom, I'm gettin' old
I was really hopin' that the modern world
Happy livin' in a dumpster world
Break out everybody in the jail,
Lets get it on
Let out the wolves
I'm happy livin' in a dumpster world
Bring on the booze
Start it off
We won't be arrested,
For nothin' now
Don't pick up that trash
Put, more of it on the ground
Bust out the drugs
I'm happy livin' in a dumpster world
Everyone in jail
Yeah, lets get it on
Let out all the wolves
I'm happy livin' in a dumpster world
That's mine now
Come and get it on
Bust out the drugs
Light a candle for the sufferin' ones
Light a candle for the weak and the small
Say a prayer for all the people who've gone
There's no hope for any modern world
The lyrics of "Dumpster World" by Band of Horses appear to be a reflection on the state of the world and society. The beginning of the song seems to be an indictment on the evils and flaws of the Western world. The line "Real better, over in America" could be interpreted as a sarcastic remark, implying that the grass is not always greener on the other side. The following lines, "The weather, so serene and calm, unseasonably warm" could be interpreted as a reference to climate change, which poses a significant threat to the planet.
The song's chorus seems to suggest that the world is in need of prayer and hope. The lines "Light a candle for the sufferin' ones, Light a candle for the weak and the small" are a plea for empathy and compassion. The following lines, "God damn it, there's a lot of 'em, Kinda think that in the modern world" are a lament on the state of the world, which seems to be filled with suffering and disenfranchised people.
The latter half of the song shifts towards a more upbeat and even celebratory tone. The repeated refrain "I'm happy livin' in a dumpster world" is a kind of ironic acceptance of the state of the world. The lines "Let out the wolves, bust out the drugs" suggest that in this world, people are free to do as they please without fear of punishment. Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the state of the world, with a mixture of criticism, desperation, and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Worn and tattered, evils of the Western world
The Western world suffers from worn out and dilapidated conditions and is plagued by corrupt practices and issues.
Real better, over in America
These issues are not as severe in America but still exist.
The weather, so serene and calm
The weather is pleasant and peaceful.
Unseasonably warm
The current weather is warmer than expected for the season.
Light a candle for the sufferin' ones
Show support and pray for those who are suffering.
Light a candle for the weak and the small
Show support and pray for those who are vulnerable and powerless.
God damn it, there's a lot of 'em
Express frustration at the overwhelming number of people who are suffering or vulnerable.
Kinda think that in the modern world
Reflect on the state of the world today.
Holy terror
Feel a sense of shock, horror or panic.
Asleep when the alarms went off
Failed to notice widespread issues or warnings.
You're in the mirror
Looking at oneself in the mirror.
Studyin' your golden locks
Examining one's own hair that is perceived to be of value.
I love you
Express affection.
Lets marry when the time is right
Plan for marriage at a suitable moment in time.
Or whenever, you like
Be open to marrying at any time that suits the other person.
Say a prayer for all the people that died
Offer prayers for all those who have died.
Say another for me once in awhile
Request that the listener also pray for the person who is singing.
I hit rock bottom, I'm gettin' old
Express despair or frustration about reaching a low point and the process of aging.
I was really hopin' that the modern world
Express disappointment that the current state of the world is not as hoped for.
Happy livin' in a dumpster world
Being content with living in rough or undesirable conditions.
Break out everybody in the jail,
Release all prisoners from jail.
Lets get it on
Encourage action or celebration of the situation.
Let out the wolves
Release or let free dangerous or untamed animals.
Bring on the booze
Encourage the drinking of alcohol.
Start it off
Initiate the action or celebration.
We won't be arrested,
Declare that there will not be any legal consequences.
For nothin' now
Assure that there will be no legal consequences without reason.
Don't pick up that trash
Discourage littering and leaving trash on the ground.
Put, more of it on the ground
Encourage further littering and irresponsible behavior.
Bust out the drugs
Begin using or distributing drugs.
Everyone in jail
Suggest that everyone should end up in jail.
Yeah, lets get it on
Continue to encourage action or celebration of the situation.
That's mine now
Claim ownership of something.
Come and get it on
Invite others to participate or join in the action or celebration.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
mist3rsup3rath3ist
The change at 1:52 makes this sing so unique. It's almost like a trademark of Band of Horses.
DarkStar
I just heard this song on a college radio station and knew in seconds I needed to remember some of the lyrics so I could do a search and here I am. Can’t wait to hear more from this band.
Montana Deese
Ain’t it weird how music can take you back to moments you associate with certain songs.
shammadamma
The verses might sound a little bit like America, but those killer choruses are total Neil Young ragged grunge. What a great song!
HVYMETL
I'm still playing Every Thing All The Time CD every night. Gotta get this one
marneyzj
Loved hearing this on the West of Memphis soundtrack. Really great album for a good cause
macinnisss
This album is gold
Matt Tourangeau
Its 5:30 in the morning. I just heard this song for the first time on the CBC. I've never heard of this band before in my life and now I've listened to this song four times in a row. I may listen to it another four times.
TheAstriius
You should listen to " The Funeral " or " Cigarettes Wedding bands ", these are my fav :) !
Mario van Montfoort
This is so beautiful.