Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track I Know What I Am was chosen as iTunes' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. The song also appeared in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Another track that was not actually on the album, "Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones with the band John & Jehn.[4] In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather at The Roundhouse in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. In October 2010 they also toured to South Africa to play at the annual Rocking The Daisies festival.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care of His Own"—the first single to be taken from the new album—with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy), who also produced their debut album, and was released on February 21, 2012 in the US, and February 20, 2012 in the UK and Europe.
On 12 April 2012, Channel 4 broadcast a short documentary starring the band. They discuss the formation of Band Of Skulls through to going from working the bars of their hometown to playing music in front of expansive crowds of adoring fans across the globe. It is a rare and intimate insight into the world of Band Of Skulls, focusing of their success and achievements over the years.
On 13 October 2012, Band of Skulls played the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The show was briefly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the front of the stage, including Russell's pedal board, prompting the band to leave the stage while crews dried and moved the affected equipment. The band was able to return and complete their set after about a 10-minute delay.
On 2nd December 2013, the band released the video for "Asleep At The Wheel" - the first track to be shared from their yet unreleased album 'Himalayan'.
In January 2017, it was announced via social media that Hayward had left the band.
Bruises
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One and all
Wish that I could give you more
Gonna have to break the law
I've got more to give
Than I first thought to give
We'll have to make a pact
Something good
A little trouble in your neighborhood
Or understanding that you're understood
Oh I kinda wish you were
Give yourself to the world, baby girl
Spread your wings and uncurl
To the world
You've got more to give
Than you first thought to give
We'll have to make a pact
Or something like that
Or something like that
Something good
A little trouble in your neighborhood
Or understanding that you're understood
Oh I kinda wish you were
Something real
Another feeling that you never feel
Another reason that you wanna be alive
Just to watch the bruises heal
Something good
A little trouble in your neighborhood
Or understanding that you're understood
Oh I kinda wish you were
Something real
Another feeling that you never feel
Another reason that you wanna be alive
Just to watch the bruises heal
The lyrics of Band of Skulls's song "Bruises" speak of a desire to break free from the constraints of life and give more to others. The first verse starts by saying that the singer wishes they could give more and that they are willing to break the law to do it. The next verse speaks to the listener directly, telling them to give themselves to the world, spread their wings, and reveal who they truly are.
The chorus repeats the line "something good" and gives examples of what that might look like. It could be a little trouble in your neighborhood, which suggests that breaking rules or norms can sometimes be a positive thing. It could also be understanding that you're understood, which speaks to the desire for connection and empathy. The second half of the chorus speaks to a desire for something real, a feeling that you've never felt before, or a reason to be alive. The final line of the chorus, "just to watch the bruises heal," suggests that even though life can be hard and painful, there is beauty in the healing process.
Overall, the song appears to be about breaking out of a rut and taking risks in order to connect with others and truly live. The repeated refrain of "something good" suggests that while it may not always be easy, there is good to be found in life if you're willing to look for it.
Line by Line Meaning
Take this life and this form
I offer my whole self to you
One and all
Everything I have is yours
Wish that I could give you more
I want to provide you with more than I can
Gonna have to break the law
I'll do anything to give you what I think you deserve
I've got more to give
I possess talents I have yet to reveal
Than I first thought to give
I'm surprised by my own potential
We'll have to make a pact
We need an agreement to proceed
Or something like that
We can find a way to make it work
Something good
We can bring positivity to the situation
A little trouble in your neighborhood
Minor difficulties will arise, but we can overcome them
Or understanding that you're understood
We both comprehend each other's perspectives
Oh I kinda wish you were
I yearn to be closer to you
Give yourself to the world, baby girl
Be yourself and showcase your talents to everyone
Spread your wings and uncurl
Embrace new opportunities and show off your abilities
You've got more to give
You have immense potential
Than you first thought to give
Your ability is underestimated
We'll have to make a pact
We need an agreement to proceed
Or something like that
We can find a way to make it work
Something real
We need authenticity and honesty in our dealings
Another feeling that you never feel
An entirely new experience awaits you
Another reason that you wanna be alive
Motivation to continue living exists due to this new experience
Just to watch the bruises heal
Witnessing the healing process is as rewarding as the experience itself
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Soph Charlotte
can't believe i've only just discovered this band today! they're awesome :-) thank you radio 1 for playing this song
Zach Stone
Gonna be a HUGE song. Guaranteed. Absolutely love it.
StarBurst32487
I've seen them open for Muse and as soon as this song started I fell in love with their sound.I enjoy all of their songs but DAMN do I love them live!
Jane Anthony
I saw them at the Staples Center opening for Muse too💃. I’ve seen them about 10 times in small and large venues. I’m a true fan.
HARVEY JUSTDRUMS
i love these guys. such a unique sound , origionality is the key too success , and these guys have it. credit to the drummer hitting those skins soo hard , im a drummer and this is the only way to play:)
Rob Davidson
Been a fan since they released "I Know What I Am" thanks to Xfm. I hate how it's only now that they're getting everyone to notice them, but I'm glad they're getting the publicity :) Can't wait to go see em live in March! Band Of Skulls <3
LiquidHipCom
One of the best tracks put out by the band.
katendo93
Another amazing song from an amazing band. Love them.
cch5ng
really like this song. heard acoustic version for xmas benefit concert in a church and that gave chills up the spine. re: the video, I think the band should be able to play their instruments even if sound is overdubbed. takes musicians out of their comfort zone to turn them into actors.
Omar Hernandez
Fantastic Rock music, this is music. I love their voices, the guitars, the drums, and their execution. I wish they tour next year once the pandemic is over.