Wicked Gil
Band of Horses Lyrics


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Hate Gil, really now
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
Now go for a while
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

Overall Meaning

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
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