Walker first picked up a guitar at age 7 or 12 (depending which account you read) and he never put it down. He picked up other instruments along the way, like the piano, dobro, mandolin, bass, and a myriad of others. His musical influences range from delta blues to be-bop jazz to OLD country (accent on OLD).
Banish Air from Air
Ben Walker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Divide Light if you dare -
They'll meet
While Cubes in a Drop
Or Pellets of Shape
Fit -
Odors return whole
Force Flame
And with a Blonde push
Over your impotence
Flits Steam.
The opening line "Banish Air from Air" sets a mysterious and ethereal tone for the song, suggesting a powerful and transformative act that defies traditional understanding. It could be interpreted as a call to remove the mundane and ordinary from one's surroundings, to strive for purity and clarity in thought and action. The notion of dividing light in the next line adds to this sense of breaking boundaries and exploring new possibilities, challenging the listener to push beyond their limits.
The phrase "They'll meet" following these enigmatic statements hints at a convergence or coming together of disparate elements, suggesting that the act of banishing air and dividing light may lead to a union or harmony of opposing forces. This could symbolize a moment of reconciliation or understanding, where conflicting aspects of life or emotions find resolution and unity.
The imagery of "Cubes in a Drop" and "Pellets of Shape Fit" introduces a sense of order and structure, contrasting with the earlier themes of division and separation. These lines evoke a sense of precision and balance, implying that even within chaos and fragmentation, there is a potential for cohesion and harmony. It speaks to the idea of finding coherence and meaning in seemingly disparate elements, of discovering beauty and symmetry in unexpected places.
The final lines of the verse, with references to "Force Flame," "Blonde push," "impotence," and "Steam," suggest a dynamic and transformative energy at play. The forceful imagery of flame and steam highlights the power and intensity of emotions, while the mention of impotence and push alludes to struggles with control and agency. Overall, these lyrics paint a vivid and evocative picture of a journey towards self-discovery and transformation, where the interplay of opposing forces and elements leads to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Banish Air from Air -
Eliminate the presence of nothingness in a space
Divide Light if you dare -
Attempt to separate or break apart something as intangible as light
They'll meet
All elements will eventually come together or connect
While Cubes in a Drop
Even solid objects can be contained within a liquid droplet
Or Pellets of Shape
Or small, defined pieces can take on various forms
Fit -
Fit together or be compatible
Films cannot annul
Barriers or coverings cannot completely erase or negate
Odors return whole
Scents will always come back in full force
Force Flame
Control or direct fire
And with a Blonde push
And with a light, subtle touch
Over your impotence
Despite your lack of power or ability
Flits Steam.
Steam moves quickly and lightly, fleeting
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ben Walker, Sophie Jamieson, Emily Dickinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ColinMacPhail.
That's utterly lovely Ben 🙂
@BenWalkerMusic
Thank you!
@swannellguitars6488
I'm sad that I'm never going to hear this for the first time again. But I'm looking forward to diving into those textures again. And again. Thank you Ben & Sophie
@BenWalkerMusic
Thanks so much, Jamie! Glad you enjoyed it!
@mikeleigh3493
This is stunning - really atmospheric! and amazing video as well. Definitely looking forward to getting the whole album!
@BenWalkerMusic
Thanks so much Mike!