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.
The Devil Takes Care of His Own
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the strength of 10 000 will never weaken me
Witches like a razor blade you carve me halve and whole
Oh I'd better wait to kill the time
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
The devil takes care of his own
Do you dare to speak his name there's evil at the roof
Crueler plan it's on your mind, go on and give the dice a roll
Never did believe in saying fortunes are for souls
Easy come and easy they will go
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
Didn't you read about it?
The devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
The devil takes care of his own.
The lyrics to Band of Skulls' The Devil Takes Care of His Own have a dark, foreboding tone that warns of the consequences of complacency and inaction. The first few lines about "feeding the rock" and "an ugly scene" seem to be referring to drugs and the destructive behavior that often goes along with addiction. The next line, "the strength of 10,000 will never weaken me," suggests a determination to resist these destructive forces and hold fast to one's own strength and sense of self.
The mention of witches and razor blades adds to the ominous atmosphere of the song, while the line "easy come and easy they will go" warns of the fleeting nature of things gained too easily. The refrain "the devil takes care of his own" drives home the idea that those who actively pursue their own desires and goals are more likely to succeed than those who simply wait for things to happen.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be urging listeners to take action and pursue their passions and desires, rather than waiting for destiny or fate to take control. The image of the devil taking care of his own suggests that those who take control of their own lives will be rewarded, while the idle and complacent will be left behind.
Line by Line Meaning
If you fed the rock then you reveal an ugly scene
If you try to find fault with someone, you will uncover something unpleasant.
But the strength of 10 000 will never weaken me
I am strong enough to handle any challenge or obstacle that comes my way.
Witches like a razor blade you carve me halve and whole
You hurt me deeply and cut me to pieces with your words and actions.
Oh I'd better wait to kill the time
I should wait patiently for the right moment to do what I need to do.
Didn't you read it in the detail?
Haven't you paid attention to the specifics?
That if you're idle in your welfare
If you are lazy about taking care of yourself.
Now you wanna know an answer
You suddenly want to know the solution or explanation.
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
If you are taking action, you are progressing in the right direction.
The devil takes care of his own
People who do wrong are often protected by other wrongdoers.
Do you dare to speak his name there's evil at the roof
If you mention the devil, it invites negativity or bad luck.
Crueler plan it's on your mind, go on and give the dice a roll
You have a malicious intention and are willing to risk it all to see what happens.
Never did believe in saying fortunes are for souls
I don't believe in fate or that someone's destiny is predetermined.
Easy come and easy they will go
Things that are easily gained are easily lost.
Didn't you read about it?
Haven't you heard the stories or rumors about it?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Evets366
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
If you flip the rug then you'll reveal an ugly scene
But the strength of ten thousand will never weaken me
Wit just like a razor blade; you carve me half and half
Oh, I'd better wait to kill the time
[Chorus]
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
[Verse 2]
Do you dare to speak his name? There's evil at the root
Cruel or kind, it's on your mind; go on and give the dice a roll
Never did believe in saying fortunes are foretold
Easy come and easy they will go
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read about it?
Ooh!
The Devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
Carlos Daniel Sánchez
If you fed the rock then you reveal an ugly scene
But the strength of 10 000 will never weaken me
Witches like a razor blade you carve me halve and whole
Oh I'd better wait to kill the time
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
The devil takes care of his own
Do you dare to speak his name there's evil at the roof
Crueler plan it's on your mind, go on and give the dice a roll
Never did believe in saying fortunes are for souls
Easy come and easy they will go
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
Didn't you read about it?
The devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
Didn't you read it in the detail?
That if you're idle in your welfare
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you're dancing you're a dancer
The devil takes care of his own.
Chris Iskander
This band deserves WAY more recognition...They're keeping simple rock n roll alive in this country, which is much needed. They get such a huge sound out of just three people. Their first album was full of great songs, with no bad ones in the bunch in my opinion. The two songs I've heard from the new album sound extremely promising too. Also the drummer reminds me of John Bonham a lot. Ps - I'm pretty sure I'm in love with Emma. And you all should be too!
Ryan Cool Hope
I've had the same thought about the Bonham influence
Tiffany Buie
I agree but you know, there are a few bands I believe deserve more recognition than they have...but those few bands are my guilty pleasure that I know not everyone gets to enjoy.and they wont sell out! I like when bands are low key.its like they're meant just for me😍
Tudor Miller
WTF ? Yep! I'm loving this in 2020. Band Of Skulls are exactly what's missing from the music industry these days. Watching from London.
James CW
Matt, you kill it. I remember doing pass the mike around in your dad's studio at the back of your old house. Fond memories, you're an amazing drummer.
LightenUpMcGraw
Just can't get over how much I love this band. I love the Zep overtones in their sound. The thing is though the drummer is amazing too. Discovered on Letterman and now Im all in.
TheMusicalElitist
The drummer left a couple of years ago and the bassist last year. It’s just the singer, Russell, left now.
Evets366
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
If you flip the rug then you'll reveal an ugly scene
But the strength of ten thousand will never weaken me
Wit just like a razor blade; you carve me half and half
Oh, I'd better wait to kill the time
[Chorus]
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
[Verse 2]
Do you dare to speak his name? There's evil at the root
Cruel or kind, it's on your mind; go on and give the dice a roll
Never did believe in saying fortunes are foretold
Easy come and easy they will go
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read about it?
Ooh!
The Devil takes care of his own
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
Didn't you read it in the detail
That if you're idle then you will fail
Now you wanna know an answer
But if you dance then you're a dancer
The Devil takes care of his own
KingScarecrowJ
Yet another great Rock/Metal band to add to my favorites
chuonabout
wow banging riffs. i do like thier more mellow and sentimental material but damn they rock that shit big thumbs up from me been following these guys for a 8years so glad to see them finally getting credit where due. that track is getting rinsed when i get it