The BoDeans worked with T-Bone Burnett on their debut album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, which appeared in 1986 to warm reviews. They recruited another big-name producer, Talking Head Jerry Harrison, to helm 1987's Outside Looking In, which found the band reduced to a trio after the departure of Hoffman. Outside Looking In broke into the Billboard Top 100, and the BoDeans grew their audience by touring alongside U2, appearing on Robbie Robertson's self-titled solo album, and receiving the honor of Best New Band by Rolling Stone magazine. By the time they released their third album, Home, in 1989, keyboardist Michael Ramos and drummer Danny Gayol had joined. This lineup stayed intact for the release of 1991's Black and White, but the BoDeans went without a drummer once again on their next recording, Go Slow Down.
Following the release of a double-disc live album, Joe Dirt Car, the band returned in 1996 with Blend. Around the time of Blend's release, "Closer to Free" -- a song that had originally appeared on 1993's Go Slow Down -- became a hit, due in large part to its exposure as the theme song for the TV show Party of Five. "Closer to Free" eventually cracked the Top 20, becoming the most successful single of the band's career. The BoDeans were arguably more popular than ever, but the band took a break during the late '90s, with both frontmen devoting time to their solo careers.
By 2004, the band had reconvened and signed with a new label, Zoe. Resolution was released that year, followed in 2005 by Homebrewed: Live from the Pabst. Griffin left the group in 2006 and was replaced by Eric Holden, who appeared on 2008's Still. By this point, the bandmates had found a new home on 429 Records, and they remained with that label for the release of Mr. Sad Clown in 2010 and Indigo Dreams in 2011. That same year saw the departure of Llanas, citing "differences of opinion." The band's 11th studio album, American Made, arrived the following year on the band's own Free & Alive label, and was the first with Neumann as sole leader. The BoDeans toured extensively in support of the release, and in 2014 began work on their next studio project. Released in 2015, I Cant Stop featured a new BoDeans lineup anchored by Neumann, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Sam Hawksley, bassist Eric Holden, and drummer Kenny Aronoff, the latter a well-respected journeyman musician who had played on several BoDeans recording sessions in the '90s. In June 2016, the BoDeans brought out a single, "My Hometown," with the release benefiting the Milwaukee County Historical Society. The single was a preview of the group's next album; titled Thirteen, the 11-song set was released in April 2017.
Black White And Blood Red
BoDeans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We watched as all the fired burned
A little hate in each of us
Whoever said, "In God we trust"
Black, white, and blood red
Black, white, and blood red
Where every man must stand alone
To win his bread to feed the flame
"I have a dream" has gone insane
Liberty, the right to die
When did we ever cross that line
That brought us here to this place
Delivered by the human race
The BoDeans' song "Black White And Blood Red" is a poignant commentary on the complex struggles of American society. The lyrics illustrate a sense of historical injustice and the erosion of trust and compassion between people of different races. The first stanza alludes to a sense of loss and betrayal, as people who once believed in the values of our nation are now disillusioned by the violence and hatred that seems to have overtaken society. The lyrics "whoever said, 'In God we trust'" suggest a certain degree of cynicism with regard to the idea of faith and trust in institutions.
The chorus, featuring the refrain "Black, white, and blood red", underscores the theme of conflict and division that pervades the song. The image of blood, the color that unites all humanity, is juxtaposed against the two opposing poles of black and white, which historically have represented racial division in America. The second verse contains a powerful metaphor, describing the struggle for survival in a broken society as "winning bread to feed the flame". The line "I have a dream has gone insane" refers to the shattered dreams of civil rights activists and the inability to create a more equitable society.
In the final stanza, the lyrics shift to a more philosophical theme, questioning the limits of human freedom and the price of progress. The line "liberty, the right to die" is a sobering reminder that freedom is not always without cost, and that progress can lead to unintended consequences. The lyrics "delivered by the human race" emphasize our collective responsibility for the state of society, and the need for all people to take action to create a more just and equitable world.
Line by Line Meaning
Since history the pages turn
Throughout time, events have occurred and been recorded.
We watched as all the fired burned
We've seen destruction and chaos in the world.
A little hate in each of us
Everyone has some negative emotions within them.
Whoever said, "In God we trust"
The saying "In God we trust" may not be true for everyone.
Black, white, and blood red
Referring to the colors of conflict, violence, and division.
Down beaten paths through broken homes
Refers to the struggle and hardship that many have faced.
Where every man must stand alone
Each person has to face their own challenges and difficulties.
To win his bread to feed the flame
Working to survive in difficult times.
"I have a dream" has gone insane
Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of hope and equality seems to be disregarded or distorted.
Liberty, the right to die
The concept of freedom can sometimes lead to destruction and loss of life.
When did we ever cross that line
Reflecting on how we reached the current state of violence and despair.
That brought us here to this place
Pondering on the factors that have led to our current situation.
Delivered by the human race
Human decisions and actions have contributed to the state of the world.
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Knuckles Magoo
I was 20 or 21 when I first heard this song. I'm 51 now I'd still say it's one of my neighbors favorite songs when I've drank a few master piece 🎵🎶🎵✌️
Panda Bear
52 and still one of mine
Nathan Clark
A great song! I am surprised they do not play it live apparently.
Ric Degre
one on my favorite all-time songs
Adventureride
Great song and the acoustic version is just as good. One of my favourite all time bands...
Dwight Renfield 86
Sam Llanas is like a combination of Richie Valens and Tom Waits
frontrowtennis
I think the decision to push this song off this album was the beginning of the end for the BoDeans commercially. They had growing critical acclaim and popularity but this song was so out of character for them. Too bad, more people should know the BoDeans as they are still putting out great music
Kelly Gervais
loved this song from the first day I heard it in 83 or 85... amazing song and vocals
Kelly Gervais
Kelly Gervais sorry 91.. lol hmmm smoked a little too much..
oldguy2598
great song , thank you for posting it