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
Spidey's Curse
Black Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause he was defenseless, so defenseless when he was a kid
It's your body, no one's body, but your's anyways
So Peter Parker don't let him mark ya, it's so much darker
Don't let him touch ya, he don't have to stay!
Don't fill a spider up with dread
Spidey's got powers, he takes all of the cowards
But when he was younger, an elder among him messed him in the head
So Peter Parker don't let him mark ya, it's so much darker
Don't let him touch ya, he don't have to stay!
The teacher looked at everyone with a PSA
She saw that our hearts were gone
She saw that in everyone!
Peter Parker's life is so much darker
Better tell him, man
'Cause it's your body, no one's body, but your's anyway
So Peter Parker don't him mark ya, it's so much darker
Don't let him touch ya, he don't have to stay!
Don't fill a spider up with dread
Don't fill a spider up with dread
Don't fill a spider up with dread
(Dude, they are conjuring up those demons
Basically, they're taking spells out of that book
Or they are taking demons out of that book and working it
Into a song that basically conjures up these demons, man
Oh dude, it's way insane. Dude, trip out on this!)
The lyrics of Black Lips's song Spidey's Curse narrate how the life of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, is darker than the comic books portray. The first verse talks about how his childhood trauma made him vulnerable, and the singer urges Parker to protect himself from further harm. The chorus repeats this message, emphasizing that it is Peter's body, and he should not let others hurt him.
The second verse talks about how Spider-Man uses his powers to take down villains, but the trauma he faced in his childhood left a mark on him. The singer repeats the message from the chorus, urging him to protect himself.
The final verse seems to be a commentary on how the media and society have desensitized themselves to the pain and trauma of others. The teacher in the PSA sees that everyone's hearts are gone, implying that they are indifferent to the suffering of others. The song ends with a warning not to give in to fear and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
Peter Parker's life is so much darker than the book I read
The true story of Peter Parker's life is much more tragic than the fictionalized version portrayed in the comic books.
'Cause he was defenseless, so defenseless when he was a kid
Peter Parker was vulnerable and unprotected as a child, which made him an easy target for abuse.
It's your body, no one's body, but your's anyways
No one has the right to touch or harm your body without your consent or permission.
So Peter Parker don't let him mark ya, it's so much darker
Peter Parker should not allow his abuser to leave lasting marks or scars on him, as the trauma he has endured is already deep and damaging.
Don't let him touch ya, he don't have to stay!
Peter Parker can and should try to escape his abuser's grasp, as there is no reason for him to have to endure any more harm or pain.
Don't fill a spider up with dread
Peter Parker, as Spider-Man, should not allow the trauma of his past to cripple him with fear and anxiety in his present life.
Spidey's got powers, he takes all of the cowards
Spider-Man uses his powers to fight against those who abuse their positions of power and prey on the vulnerable.
And he kills them dead
Spider-Man does not literally kill his enemies, but he defeats them and puts a stop to their harmful actions.
But when he was younger, an elder among him messed him in the head
When Peter Parker was a child, an older authority figure mentally and emotionally abused him, leaving lasting scars and trauma.
The teacher looked at everyone with a PSA
A teacher addressed the group of students with a public service announcement or message to raise awareness about abuse and the importance of seeking help.
She saw that our hearts were gone
The teacher observed that the students had become emotionally detached or damaged, likely due to experiencing or witnessing abuse.
Peter Parker's life is so much darker
Peter Parker's past trauma and ongoing struggles with anxiety and fear cast a dark shadow over his life.
Better tell him, man
Someone should inform Peter Parker of the dark truth behind his own story, so that he is not left in the dark or deceived by illusions.
Don't fill a spider up with dread
Repeated from earlier, emphasizing the need for Peter to confront and overcome his fears and anxieties, rather than allowing them to control him.
(Dude, they are conjuring up those demons
A conversation or commentary unrelated to the song lyrics, likely from a recording or live performance.
Basically, they're taking spells out of that book
Continuation of the commentary, suggesting that the performers are incorporating dark or mystical elements into their music or lyrics.
Or they are taking demons out of that book and working it
Further speculation about the band's use of supernatural or occult themes in their music.
Into a song that basically conjures up these demons, man
Final commentary on the band's music, suggesting that their songs tap into dark occult forces or themes.
Oh dude, it's way insane. Dude, trip out on this!
The commentary concludes with a statement of awe or amazement at the band's music, encouraging the listener to more fully experience it.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Cole Alexander, Ian St. Pe Brown, Jared Swilley, Joseph Bradley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Obanesharvest
This song and that psa got me through some hard times as a kid
@terrancecollette6784
Can't believe this isn't more well know ....
@andresdelgado4632
If only they knew, how old, this song is.
@crazycracker11dude
Fr
@jimmythelip
the phone call recording at the end of this song... why am i having trouble finding the entire call? anyone else remember this? this guy called like a record store and talks about getting the boot off of his car "with the help of almighty God". Then goes on to talk about demons and music... WHERE THE HELL IS IT?? I can't find it anymore :(
@jasonmasterson686
It’s part of the next song called Mad Dog