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.
Wicked Gil
Band of Horses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hate you because
Go tippy toe
Shut off to the world
Shut off to all, you ghost
Early told a lie
Afraid to be blind
Shut off the world
Shut off to all
I'm yours
I'm yours
Helping evil people to say things they show
Said once before
I know evil people who say things
They don't know, oh
Begged Gil, really, why?
Stay through the night
I'm here for a while
Shut off to the world
Shut off to all
I'm yours
I'm yours
Helping evil people to say things they show
Said once before
I know evil people who say things
They don't know
Oh, why do I even care?
It's nothing now, oh
The lyrics of Band of Horses' "Wicked Gil" are somewhat cryptic and can be interpreted in different ways. It seems to be an ode to someone named Gil, who is not well-liked by the singer or the singer in the song. The use of the word "hate" may be a bit strong, but it seems there is definitely some animosity towards Gil, and possibly towards other people who are "evil" and say things they don't understand. The singer seems to be accepting of Gil's flaws and willing to be there for him, despite not liking his behavior. This may be an expression of empathy or a desire to help someone who struggles with negativity and detachment.
The repeated phrase "shut off to the world, shut off to all" may refer to Gil's tendency to isolate himself or cut himself off from others. The line "early told a lie, afraid to be blind" could be an admission of guilt or a reference to a lie that has been deeply internalized and is causing the singer to feel lost or directionless. The phrase "I'm yours" could indicate a willingness to be there for Gil, even if it means sacrificing personal desires or interests. Overall, the lyrics of "Wicked Gil" convey a sense of melancholy and unease, but also a desire to reach out and connect with others, even those who are not easy to like.
Line by Line Meaning
Hate Gil, really now
I have a strong dislike towards Gil
Hate you because
I dislike you for a certain reason
Go tippy toe
Walk on the balls of your feet
Shut off to the world
Ignore everything around you
Shut off to all, you ghost
Ignore everyone around you, and be like a ghost
Early told a lie
Told a lie a long time ago
Afraid to be blind
Scared of not being able to see
Now go for a while
Leave for a period of time
I'm yours
I belong to you
Helping evil people to say things they show
Assisting wicked individuals to articulate what they demonstrate
Said once before
Expressed previously
I know evil people who say things
I am aware of malevolent people who speak inaccurately
They don't know, oh
They are unaware
Begged Gil, really, why?
Asked Gil for something desperately
Stay through the night
Remain with me throughout the night
Oh, why do I even care?
Why I am even concerned?
It's nothing now, oh
It doesn't matter now
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN BRIDWELL, CHRISTOPHER EARLY, TIMOTHY MEINIG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind