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.
St. Augustine
Band of Horses Lyrics
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Fire in the ground
Between my better teeth
We're dancing on the poison in their graves
At the end of the night
We'd all seen better days
I know you tried
I know you're cursed
I know your best was still your worst
When Hollywood was calling out your name
Saint Augustine
If I stayed behind
Would you let your hair grow?
I will forget
The favors that you owe
I'm dreaming of car wrecks and thunderstorms are bright
Let's bury ourselves
And go haunt someone tonight
I know you tried
I know you're cursed
I know your best was still your worst
When Hollywood was calling out your name
Saint Augustine
The lyrics to Band of Horses's song St. Augustine paint a vivid picture of a town that's full of dark secrets and hidden pasts. The first line, "Silver scents of Saint Augustine," invokes the idea of something beautiful and mysterious that's lurking just beneath the surface. The fire in the ground and the poison in the graves further reinforce this notion of something dangerous and potentially deadly.
The line "I know your best was still your worst" implies a sense of regret and disappointment, perhaps in oneself or in someone else. The theme of regret is carried throughout the song as the singer muses about what could have been and imagines a different life for himself. The imagery of car wrecks and thunderstorms adds to the sense of chaos and unease that permeates the song.
The chorus repeats the name of the town, Saint Augustine, almost as a mantra. The repetition reinforces the idea that there is something important and significant about this place, something that the singer cannot ignore or forget. The overall effect is a haunting and introspective song that speaks to the human condition and the quest for meaning and purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver scents of Saint Augustine
The pleasant aroma of the city of Saint Augustine is in the air.
Fire in the ground
There is a burning sensation coming from underneath the Earth.
Between my better teeth
Amidst his regular routine, the persona feels this unsettling sensation.
We're dancing on the poison in their graves
We are currently rejoicing on the death of our enemies.
At the end of the night
When the night comes to a close.
We'd all seen better days
We have all experienced more favorable circumstances in the past.
I know you tried
I am aware of your efforts.
I know you're cursed
I know that you are plagued.
I know your best was still your worst
Even in times of hardship, your top performance is mediocre.
When Hollywood was calling out your name
During your time of fame when celebrities were summoning you.
Saint Augustine
Referring to the city of Saint Augustine.
If I stayed behind
If I decided to stay in a single place longer.
Would you let your hair grow?
Would you be open to changing your appearance and allowing your hair to grow?
I will forget
I decided to let go and not to dwell on it any further.
The favors that you owe
The things that you owe me as a return for my previously done favors.
I'm dreaming of car wrecks and thunderstorms are bright
Questioning the what-ifs, the persona visualises calamitous events.
Let's bury ourselves
Let's abandon our usual obligations and immerse ourselves in our desires.
And go haunt someone tonight
Let's cause trouble and arouse fear in somebody tonight.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Christopher Early, Mathew Brooke, Timothy Ian Meinig
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind