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.
Solemn Oath
Band of Horses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna think about that
A little bit more like I did before
Miserable and mad
This one kicks like a mule, plays me for a fool
Breaks all the rules
It's doing it wrong, but it's moving along
Right in the door, I'm tired, I'm sore
Nary A Hi, no welcome home
Yet the minute I'm up, it's pissing me off
I was yelling so loud last night
I thought the cops would surely come
Six or six-two-five, Keep me alive, keep me alive
Now do a little turn, careful with your words
Everything is fine
But I'm lucky as fuck, still ain't enough, sick to my gut
Having to say
You sit here 'till the coast is clear
I'll send for you one day
I shouldn't repeat it
This sounds ridiculous
And I swore a solemn oath
Never to admit it's the harsh tones of criticism
Seep in to my bones
Now look what I did, I'm happy with it
Aren't you happy for me?
I love you so much, I'm gonna throw up
Watch my stuff, hold this for me please
Try not to sound bitter
Or to fondly remember the dark times of the past
Like I don't deserve it or I'm not even worth it
I can do this or that
This or that
The first verse of Solemn Oath by Band of Horses talks of a protagonist who is questioning whether they should go back to the way things were before as they are currently miserable and angry. The lyrics almost suggest that the idea of going back might be a worthwhile one to pursue. However, the second stanza reveals a complete contrast to the first one, where the singer's life has become chaotic, "kicks like a mule," and they are a "fool" as they break all the rules. The singer seems to be in a difficult spot where things are moving forward, but it's not in the right way. They are frustrated and angry about it, as suggested in the line "I was yelling so loud last night, I thought the cops would surely come."
In the third verse of the song, the singer seems to be in a state of uncertainty. They are uncertain about their future and feel lucky to have come far, but deep down, they're still struggling. They admit that the harsh tones of criticism have "seeped into their bones," and it affects them. The song ends with the singer trying to convince themselves that they can do it; they're worth it, and they're not bitter over past events.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I should go back
Considering whether returning to a past time would be beneficial
I'm gonna think about that
Contemplating the decision in question, taking time to mull it over
A little bit more like I did before
Applying previous experience to the current decision-making process
Miserable and mad
Feeling unhappy and angry about a situation
This one kicks like a mule, plays me for a fool
Describing a difficult experience that feels like a painful physical attack and makes one feel foolish
Breaks all the rules
Goes against the norm, challenging expectations
It's doing it wrong, but it's moving along
The situation or decision may not be ideal, but it is progressing forward
Can be very cruel
The decision or situation may be harsh, unforgiving
Right in the door, I'm tired, I'm sore
Entering a situation feeling exhausted and beaten down
Nary A Hi, no welcome home
Not being greeted or appreciated upon arrival
Yet the minute I'm up, it's pissing me off
Feeling annoyed or frustrated as soon as one enters the situation
I was yelling so loud last night
Expressing anger or frustration through vocal outbursts
I thought the cops would surely come
Believing the reaction was extreme enough to warrant police involvement
Six or six-two-five, Keep me alive, keep me alive
Referencing a specific medication dosage or time of day, possibly related to physical and mental health needs
Now do a little turn, careful with your words
Navigating the situation with caution, being mindful of how one speaks and acts
Everything is fine
Presenting a false pretense that everything is okay
But I'm lucky as fuck, still ain't enough, sick to my gut
Acknowledging that despite having good fortune, there is still a feeling of dissatisfaction
Having to say
Being required to express or communicate something despite reluctance or difficulty
You sit here 'till the coast is clear
Being asked to wait for a more opportune time before proceeding
I'll send for you one day
Making a vague and uncertain promise to include someone in the future
I shouldn't repeat it
Feeling an obligation to keep a promise or secret despite personal discomfort
This sounds ridiculous
Acknowledging that what is about to be said seems illogical or absurd
And I swore a solemn oath
Promising to uphold a commitment or vow in a serious and formal manner
Never to admit it's the harsh tones of criticism
Pledging not to let negative feedback affect personal mindset or perspective
Seep in to my bones
Feeling negative feedback permeate through every part of one's being
Now look what I did, I'm happy with it
Feeling content with a decision that may not have been popular or widely accepted
Aren't you happy for me?
Asking for validation or support from someone else
I love you so much, I'm gonna throw up
Expressing overwhelming affection in a way that may seem excessive or melodramatic
Watch my stuff, hold this for me please
Instructing someone to take care of belongings or complete a task
Try not to sound bitter
Encouraging oneself to avoid sounding resentful or spiteful in communication
Or to fondly remember the dark times of the past
Avoiding glamorizing or romanticizing an unpleasant or difficult period of time
Like I don't deserve it or I'm not even worth it
Feeling unworthy of positive experiences or good fortune
I can do this or that
Reaffirming personal capabilities and potential for success in various endeavors
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BENJAMIN BRIDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@talkinglizard8536
This song makes me feel emotions i’ve never felt before
@tylertalsma7794
Still and will always be one of my favorite songs of all time
@jonathanescobedo192
I remember back in 2007 when I was like 7 years old, my brother used to play the funeral non stop
@Pckledaddy
I love this new vibe so much! This is so great.
@FartSexOfficial
The problem is that band of horses is soooo unpopular, But they make GREAT music. And I love it.
@theconspiraguy698
WHY ARE THEY SO UNDERRATED? Fuck today's popular music, this is the real music.
@okayogru
I listen it at least 3 times in a day.
@matiasmierez
I Like band of horses !!!!! Ben have a excellent voice !!!!! May could be my next favourite band !!!!! Salute guys from Bariloche Argentina !!!!!!
@brauliomon
loved this song
@pedrocarvamorim
Band Of Horses awesome!