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.

Blue Lotus Feet
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Engrossed is the bee of my mind
On the blue lotus feet of my divine mother
My divine mother my divine mother

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song Blue Lotus Feet are incredibly powerful and evocative. The opening line, "Engrossed is the bee of my mind," suggests that the singer is deeply focused and consumed by something. This imagery is then expanded upon in the following phrase, "On the blue lotus feet of my divine mother." Here, the singer is describing the object of their concentration - the blue lotus feet of their divine mother. In many religious traditions, the lotus is a symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment. By focusing on the "blue lotus feet" of their "divine mother," the singer is perhaps seeking a greater understanding of the divine - or perhaps they are seeking to rebalance themselves spiritually.

The repetition of "my divine mother" suggests a certain fondness or reverence for this spiritual figure. It's possible that the singer feels a sense of comfort and reassurance in their divine mother's presence. Alternatively, it could be that the singer is seeking a sense of belonging or support from the divine mother figure. Either way, the song's lyrics convey a powerful sense of devotion and longing.

Overall, Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song Blue Lotus Feet is a complex and multifaceted exploration of spirituality and devotion. Through the use of evocative imagery and deeply emotive language, the song underscores the importance of spiritual connection and the quest for greater understanding.

Line by Line Meaning

Engrossed is the bee of my mind
My thoughts are completely focused on my spiritual path, like a bee drawn to the sweet nectar of a flower.

On the blue lotus feet of my divine mother
I am devoted to the divine, symbolized by the blue lotus flower and the feet of my spiritual mother.

My divine mother my divine mother
She is my source of love and guidance, my protector and nurturer.

Contributed by Levi G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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