While still teenagers, they formed after guitarist Cole Alexander and bassist Jared Swilley left the Renegades, and guitarist Ben Eberbaugh left the Reruns. Drummer Joe Bradley joined a few months later. They released their first 7" in late 2001/early 2002 on their own Die Slaughterhaus label.
Just days before a tour was to begin in December 2002, Ben Eberbaugh was killed in a car accident after his car was hit by a drunk driver. The band carried on believing that Eberbaugh would want them to continue.
The band's debut full length album was released on Bomp! Records in 2003. Eberbaugh was replaced by Jack Hines, a friend of the band members, but he too was eventually replaced by current guitarist, and former Renegades member, Ian St. Pe , in 2004.
The Black Lips have a reputation for crazy live shows that have included vomiting, urinating, nudity, band members kissing, fireworks, and a chicken. They have slowly built a fanbase that appreciates their energy and style that is a rough mishmash of blues, rock, doo-wop, country, and punk.
They gained national attention in 2006 with features in Spin and Rolling Stone magazines. The band got exposure in the New York Times for being the hardest working band during the 2007 South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, in which they played a dozen shows over a three-day period.
In September 2007 their most recent album entitled Good Bad Not Evil was released. The Black Lips made their American national television debut in October 2007 on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and played O Katrina.
The band also has songs from previous recording sessions, and they will eventually be released by In The Red Records.
The Black Lips are going to star in a film called Let It Be. They will play musicians in a fictitious '1980s era DIY band called The Renegades. The movie is set for production in 2008.
Cole, Jared and Joe also play in a band called The Spooks, along with members of Deerhunter and The Kiwis. The Spooks have recorded an album which should be released in 2007 or 2008 on the Die Slaughterhaus label. Ian also plays in a blasphemous garage punk band called The Original Three. There is a full length record out on Empty records and a single out on SYA records (Italy). The Original Three will have a new single coming out in December 2007 on Savage records (Sweden). Jared plays in a band called The Gaye Blades. Rob's House Records has released one 7" by The Gaye Blades, and another one should be released before the end of 2007. Cole has also released solo material under the name Old King Cole Younger. There is one split 10" release of his material on Rob's House Records that features Bradford Cox of Deerhunter, under the name of Atlas Sound, on the other side.
In 2009, the band released their fifth album, "200 Million Thousand", on Vice Records.
Band Members
* Cole Alexander (Old King Cole Younger) - Vocals, Guitar (2000 - present)
* Jared Swilley - Vocals, Bass Guitar (2000 - present)
* Joe Bradley - Vocals, Drums (2000 - present)
* Ian St. Pe - Guitar (2005 - 2014)
* Jack Hines - former Guitar (2002 - 2005, 2014 - present)
* Ben Eberbaugh - Guitarz(2000 - 2002) - deceased
Ghetto Cross
Black Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He said: "I'm tired and hungry, I can feel my (?)
I don't help my friend, oh, we're living in the USA"
His day (?) to go, okay
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain, yeah, devil slain
(?) he knows that (?) he's left dead
But this angry Jesus always makes fun on me
Well, that's how it lets me know he loves me
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
Yeah, devil slain, devil slain, devil slain, devil slain
The lyrics of Black Lips's song "Ghetto Cross" paint a vivid and somewhat haunting image of an angry Jesus dying on the road in the United States. The singer encounters this figure, who claims to be tired and hungry, and laments the state of their country. They mention not helping their friend, perhaps implying a sense of guilt or responsibility for the dire situation they are in. The Jesus figure seems resigned to his fate, stating that his time has come.
The second verse adds to the eerie mood, with a reference to "devil cars" that seem to have killed someone close to the singer. There is a sense of confusion around this event, with the word "morning" suggesting that it happened recently, but the person is referred to as already being dead. The angry Jesus is a constant presence, seemingly mocking the singer but also expressing love for them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ghetto Cross" are highly evocative, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and reflection on themes of death, guilt, and love.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw an angry Jesus dying on the road today
The singer witnessed an image of Jesus in distress and agony.
He said: "I'm tired and hungry, I can feel my (?). I don't help my friend, oh, we're living in the USA"
In the image, the Jesus figure spoke of his exhaustion and hunger, expressing frustration at the societal issues of the United States.
His day (?) to go, okay
The Jesus figure implied that his time on earth was limited and coming to an end.
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
The artist observed cars that represent negative influences or evil, possibly relating to how societal issues can create a vicious cycle in communities.
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain, yeah, devil slain
The repetition of this line possibly emphasizes the danger and negative impact of these influences.
Like all my friends (?) morning when he was dead
The singer may have lost someone close to them, and this may have influenced their perception of the Jesus figure and societal issues.
(?) he knows that (?) he's left dead
The singer expresses what may be an existential realization about death and loss.
But this angry Jesus always makes fun on me
Despite expressing frustration earlier, the Jesus figure appears to still have a sense of humor when interacting with the artist.
Well, that's how it lets me know he loves me
The artist interprets the Jesus figure's humor or lightheartedness as a way of expressing love and care.
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
Repeating this line further emphasizes the theme of negative influences and societal issues that continue to plague the artist and their community.
On the devil cars that (?) my devil slain
This repeated line again enforces the theme of danger and negativity in the community.
Yeah, devil slain, devil slain, devil slain, devil slain
The repetition of "devil slain" drives home the message that these influences are harmful and must be overcome.
Contributed by Gianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.