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.

Am I Demon
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hordes of faces, empty eyes
I see nothing new
Seasoned schemes of slimy curs
Offer up their flu

Am I beast or am I human?
Am I just like you?
Power seething, really reeling

Reaching out for you

Am I demon? I need to know

Faces of a million hells rage inside these veins
Pounding out deserved pain to anyone in need

Am I beast or am I human?
Am I just like you?
Power seething, really reeling
Reaching out for you

Am I demon? I need to know
Am I demon? You need to know

Every word and every limb
Torn asunder bits
Everything I need is me, everything I am

Am I beast or am I human?
Am I just like you?
Power seething, really reeling
Reaching out for more

Am I demon? I need to know
Am I demon? You need to know
Am I demon? You need to know

I am, I am, I am

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song "Am I Demon" present a struggle within the singer's identity, as they question their humanity and wonder if they are capable of being a demon. The first stanza describes a dark scene of "hordes of faces" with "empty eyes," suggesting a sense of hopelessness and despair. The "slimy curs" are likely referring to people who are deceitful or manipulative, who offer their sickness to others. The use of the word "flu" serves as a metaphor for the spread of negativity and wickedness.

The chorus repeats the question of whether the singer is a beast or a human, emphasizing their internal conflict. The second stanza presents the singer's pain and anger, with "faces of a million hells" and "deserved pain" being projected onto others. The bridge of the song emphasizes the singer's self-reliance and need for self-understanding, despite the potential danger they may pose. The final stanza reiterates the chorus, with the addition of the line "reaching out for more," possibly suggesting a desire for power or control.

Line by Line Meaning

Hordes of faces, empty eyes
I see many people, but they seem lifeless and unremarkable

I see nothing new
Nothing stands out or surprises me

Seasoned schemes of slimy curs
Experienced and manipulative people use underhanded tactics

Offer up their flu
Trying to infect others with their negativity and toxicity

Am I beast or am I human?
I'm questioning my own nature and place in the world

Am I just like you?
Wondering if I'm no different from everyone else

Power seething, really reeling
Strong emotions bubbling up and overwhelming me

Reaching out for you
Seeking connection or understanding from someone else

Faces of a million hells rage inside these veins
Feeling overwhelmed with negative emotions

Pounding out deserved pain to anyone in need
Taking out my frustrations on those around me

Every word and every limb
Everything about me