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
We Know
Black Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We know what it does
We do it all just because
We drink the very hot shots
We do it all just because
We run from the cause
We drink for the buzz
We know
We know what it does
We do it all just because
We drink the very hot shots
We do it all just because
We drink for the buzz
We run from the cause
And we know what it does
Woah!
We know
We know what it does
We do it all just because
We drink the very hot shots
We do it all just because
We drink for the buzz
We run from the cause
We know what it was
The lyrics to Black Lips’ song “We Know” seem to be pointing towards a sense of reckless abandon and indulgence, with the repeated idea of “doing it all just because”, despite knowing the possible consequences. The idea of drinking “very hot shots” reinforces the intensity of the behaviour, and the references to running from the cause and drinking for the buzz suggest a desire to escape and numb oneself from the pressures and problems of reality.
It’s possible that the song is referencing the culture of excessive drinking and partying that is often associated with music scenes and countercultures. Many people have experienced this lifestyle - the feeling of being invincible and living for the moment, even when it’s not necessarily healthy or sustainable. The singer seems to be acknowledging the risks involved, but celebrates the thrill of living a wild and carefree life.
Overall, the lyrics to “We Know” capture the heady rush of youth and a sense of defiance and rebellion against the expectations of society. However, they also hint at the dangers and consequences of such behaviour, making it a complex and nuanced exploration of this theme.
Line by Line Meaning
We know
We are aware of our actions and their consequences
We know what it does
We understand the effects of our actions
We do it all just because
We engage in these actions for no specific reason
We drink the very hot shots
We consume high-alcohol drinks
We run from the cause
We avoid any responsibility or accountability
We drink for the buzz
We consume alcohol to achieve a certain state of mind
And we know what it does
We are aware of the effects of consuming alcohol
Woah!
An exclamation of excitement or enthusiasm
We know what it was
We acknowledge past experiences and events that have shaped our behavior
Writer(s): Jared Swilley, Cole Alexander, Jack Hines
Contributed by Sadie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Casey Bergman
Low end sounds cut off.