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
You're Dumb
Black Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel like a God who let the sunlight in
And if I was dumb I'd know who I am
And if I was you I wouldn't give a damn because, cause, cause
You're dumb and everyone's the same
If I tried I couldn't find enough, go-go!
I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam
And I know what I want, well, I know who I am
Falling on the street but I don't give a damn because, cause, cause
You're dumb and everyone's the same
If I tried I couldn't find enough
If all the leaves on the trees were mine
All the space will be free to die, go-go!
The Black Lips' song "You're Dumb" is a catchy, upbeat tune that has more meaning than initially meets the ear. The lyrics seem to comment on the idea of self-awareness and identity. The first verse opens with the statement "I know what I want, I know who I am," which immediately sets the tone of the song. The singer feels confident in their identity and sense of purpose. They compare themselves to a "God who let the sunlight in," which could be interpreted as feeling powerful or in control of their life. The next line, "And if I was dumb I'd know who I am," might seem contradictory at first, but it could imply that even if the person was not as intelligent or articulate, they would still understand and embrace their identity.
The chorus then shifts to a blunt insult, "You're dumb and everyone's the same," which feels almost out of place given the optimistic sentiments of the verses. But it could be seen as a commentary on society's tendency to conform and not challenge ideas or norms. The lyric "If I tried I couldn't find enough" could symbolize the idea that even when trying to find true personal identity, one is limited by what society dictates.
The second verse includes the line "I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam," which might be a reference to the symbol of American patriotism. The idea of flying could represent freedom or power, which ties into the themes of the song. The final line "Falling on the street but I don't give a damn" reinforces the idea that the singer is undeterred by setbacks and remains confident in their sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
I know what I want, I know who I am
I have a clear understanding of my desires and my identity
I feel like a God who let the sunlight in
I feel powerful like a deity that can bring light and positivity wherever I go
And if I was dumb I'd know who I am
Even if I were less intelligent, I would still have a strong sense of self
And if I was you I wouldn't give a damn because, cause, cause
If I were in your shoes, I would be apathetic and not care about anything, hence the repeated 'cause'
You're dumb and everyone's the same
You lack intelligence and uniqueness, just like everyone else around you
If I tried I couldn't find enough, go-go!
Even if I made an effort, there wouldn't be enough intelligence or individuality to go around, hence the 'go-go!'
Well, if I was you I'd know who I am
If I were in your position, I would still have a sense of self-identity
I wish I could fly just like my Uncle Sam
I yearn for the freedom and mobility that comes with flight
Falling on the street but I don't give a damn because, cause, cause
Even if I stumble or fail, I still don't care and remain apathetic, hence the repeated 'cause'
If all the leaves on the trees were mine
If I had complete control over the natural world around me
All the space will be free to die, go-go!
It would be meaningless, and hence better for everything to perish, hence the 'go-go!'
Contributed by Caden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.