Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American si… Read Full Bio ↴Will Oldham (born 24 December 1970, Louisville, Kentucky) is an American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician. His music is often (perhaps inappropriately) placed under the genre of "alt-country". Oldham has recorded under many names, including Palace, Palace Music, Palace Brothers, and Bonnie Billy. He often plays and records with other musicians, including David Pajo and his brothers Ned and Paul Oldham, but is generally the chief creator of the music. He has also been involved in musical projects and bands such as Amalgamated Sons of Rest, The Anomoanon, The Boxhead Ensemble, Tortoise, and The Sundowners as well as releasing his first solo album in 1993. Oldham has said that the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker has many references. These include 'Bonnie' Prince Charlie, an 18th century Jacobite; Billy the Kid, the 19th century American outlaw also known as William Bonney; and the American singer Nat King Cole. He has also appeared in several films, such as the 1987 film Matewan and most recently in Old Joy (released in late 2006). He is also the photographer of the cover image of the slint album Spiderland.

Agnes Queen of Sorrow
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
Okay, Okay

If you wait another day

I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day

Every time I think you say
It′s time for us to go our way
I say wait another day

If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day

Got a letter that did say
That the kid had passed away
And everything it didn't say

If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day

Time has got me in its sway
Though I′d like to ride away
I will wait another day

If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day
If you wait another day
I will wait a day

If you wait another day
I will wait a day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song Agnes Queen of Sorrow convey a sense of resignation and waiting. The song appears to be a conversation between two individuals, with one person indicating that it is time for them to go their separate ways. However, the singer responds by saying that if the other person could wait another day, they will wait with them. This continues throughout the song, with the singer always waiting for the other person to be ready to leave.

The lyrics also reveal a sense of loss, as the singer mentions a letter they received which stated that a child had passed away. However, the singer does not provide any further information about the letter, leaving the listener to speculate about the details and context. The repetition of the phrase "wait another day" reinforces the idea of waiting, but also suggests a reluctance to move on, even in the face of loss.

Overall, the song Agnes Queen of Sorrow seems to be a poignant reflection on the difficulties of letting go and the emotional toll of loss. The lyrics are delivered with a gentle melody, which reinforces the sense of melancholy and introspection.

Line by Line Meaning

If you wait another day
I am willing to keep waiting for you

I will wait a day
I will wait patiently for you for another day

Okay, Okay
I understand your hesitation, but I am still willing to wait

Every time I think you say
Each time I think you are going to leave me

It′s time for us to go our way
You want to end our relationship

I say wait another day
I am asking you to reconsider and stay with me for just a bit longer

Got a letter that did say
I received a letter that informed me

That the kid had passed away
That our child had died

And everything it didn't say
The letter lacked important details about our loss

Time has got me in its sway
Time is controlling my life and emotions

Though I′d like to ride away
Even though I want to escape from my pain