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.
Laredo
Band of Horses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gonna take a dip in the lake
Oh, I'm at a crossroads with myself
I don't got no one else
And possibilities at the door
I won't be needing them anymore
Oh, is this the first time in your life?
But oh, my love, don't you even know?
And oh, my love, are you really gone?
Oh
And can you see the world through a window?
Are you having troubles in droves?
Oh, I think the worst thing I could do
Is get back home to you
I put a bullet in my Kia Lorenzo
A kitchen knife fucked in my face
Throw me in the deep of Jenner Lake
Believe me when I say
That oh, my love, you don't even call
And oh, my love, is that you on the phone?
Oh
Oh, my love, you don't even know
And oh, my love, are you really gone?
Oh
The opening lines of Laredo by Band of Horses describe a journey to a place called Laredo and a desire to take a dip in the lake. However, the song is not so much about the physical journey as it is about the emotional and psychological journey of the singer, who finds themselves at a crossroads and without anyone else to turn to. The lines "possibilities at the door, I won't be needing them anymore" suggest a sense of resignation and a decision to move forward, leaving behind any other choices that might have presented themselves. The line "Is this the first time in your life? It's hard just to get by" hints at both the feeling of being adrift and also a sense of resilience, as the singer acknowledges that getting by can be difficult but they have done it before.
The lyrics continue to explore feelings of separation and isolation. The lines "And can you see the world through a window? Are you having troubles in droves?" suggest a sense of alienation, as if the singer is watching the world go by without being able to fully participate. The chorus, which repeats several times throughout the song, speaks to a sense of loss and longing. The lines "Oh, my love, don't you even know? And oh, my love, are you really gone?" suggest that the singer has been left behind by someone they love, and they are struggling to come to terms with it. The final lines of the song, which speak of a potential suicide, are jarring and unexpected, suggesting that the journey the singer is on is not an easy one.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna take a trip to Laredo
I am going to visit Laredo.
Gonna take a dip in the lake
I am going to swim in a lake.
Oh, I'm at a crossroads with myself
I am at a point where I have to make a difficult decision.
I don't got no one else
I don't have anyone else to rely on.
And possibilities at the door
There are many opportunities available to me.
I won't be needing them anymore
I have made a decision and do not require any other options.
Oh, is this the first time in your life?
Are you experiencing this for the first time in your life?
It's hard just to get by
It is difficult to survive.
But oh, my love, don't you even know?
You don't even realize.
And oh, my love, are you really gone?
Have you really left?
And can you see the world through a window?
Are you not experiencing the world fully?
Are you having troubles in droves?
Are you struggling significantly?
Oh, I think the worst thing I could do
I think the most detrimental action would be
Is get back home to you
Is to return to you.
I put a bullet in my Kia Lorenzo
I damaged my car Kia Lorenzo.
A kitchen knife fucked in my face
I have been cut deeply in my face with a kitchen knife.
Throw me in the deep of Jenner Lake
Drown me in the deep waters of Jenner Lake.
Believe me when I say
Trust me when I tell you.
That oh, my love, you don't even call
You don't even bother to call.
And oh, my love, is that you on the phone?
Is it you who called me?
Oh, my love, you don't even know
You are not even aware.
And oh, my love, are you really gone?
Have you truly left me?
Oh
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN BRIDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Savannahh love Britton
There’s nothing better than blasting this driving with the windows down, just feeling this music hardcore and the wind in ur hair. Total bliss.
Jay Holaway
🔥🙌
Dreaded Ronferd
What u fuckin said!🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴
Shingy Dingy
No to crush your enemies see them driven before you and to hear the lamentation of the women is what’s best in life
DCFCREJ
@Ethan Stroup ever see the bike video of the Funeral ? Amazing !
DCFCREJ
Yes there is, seeing Band of Horses live !!!! 3x and counting ....
Steve Smith
Such a kick ass underrated band
U.P. Woodtick
Agree. I saw them a year or so ago on Austin City Limits and bought four of their albums
edjo487
Beautiful song. This is such a classic sound, similar to the Beatles. I really feel this song was written for me. Truly a piece of art that deserves more attention!
Prince Michael
Writing, production, musicianship...a killer track, should've been a monster single...brilliantly reminiscent of
bothThe Eagles and The Beach Boys...I caught them live at The Big Sky Music Festival...whew....they TORE-IT-UP.