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.

I Don't Belong to Anyone
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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I don't belong to anyone. 
There's no one who'll take care of me. 
It's kind of easy to have some fun 
When you don't belong to anyone.  

Time has come to lay childish things. 
To the dirt, see what age brings.
 If I follow the song I hear 

Will another come near?  

For a moment I thought I had
 Someone wanting to call me dad. 
Then a storm came from cloudy sky 
Fire was doused from on high.  

I don't belong to anyone. 
There's no one who'll lay claim on me.
 It's kind of easy to have your fun
 When you don't belong to anyone.

  It's a truth that when sun is high 
So my feelings give love a try. 
Every night when the sun descends
 I start doubting again.  

There's a body made just for me 
Lying somewhere curled lonely.
 When I come to her life one day
 Will she be hidden away?

  I don't belong to anyone.
 There's no one who'll take care of me. 

It's kind of easy to have some fun 
When you don't belong to anyone.

Overall Meaning

The song "I Don't Belong to Anyone" by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy speaks to the experience of feeling like an outsider or a lone wolf, both in terms of personal relationships and in a wider societal sense. The opening lyric "I don't belong to anyone" sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the freedom and sense of possibility that can come with not feeling tied down or obligated to anyone or anything. This can be exhilarating, allowing for a more carefree approach to life and a willingness to take risks and experiment with different experiences. However, as the song progresses, the singer acknowledges the potential loneliness and uncertainty that can also come with this lifestyle, particularly as they grow older and face the prospect of not having anyone to rely on for support and companionship.

The chorus of the song repeats the idea that it's "easy to have some fun when you don't belong to anyone," emphasizing the sense of liberation that comes with not being tethered to anyone else's expectations or needs. However, there is an underlying sense of melancholy beneath this sentiment, as if the singer is trying to convince themselves that this is truly the best way to live despite some unease or doubt. The final verse introduces the idea of a potential romantic partner, someone who could perhaps offer a sense of belonging and connection, but there is a fear that this person will not be available or receptive when the singer is ready to commit.

Overall, "I Don't Belong to Anyone" is a bittersweet meditation on the benefits and drawbacks of living life on your own terms. While there is a sense of joy and possibility in being unattached, there is also an underlying unease and awareness of the potential pitfalls of not having a stronger sense of community or belonging.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't belong to anyone.
I am not tied down to anyone and have no responsibility toward any person.

There's no one who'll take care of me.
I don't have anyone to rely on for support or protection.

It's kind of easy to have some fun When you don't belong to anyone.
It is easier to enjoy life when you don't have anyone to answer to or restrict your actions.

Time has come to lay childish things. To the dirt, see what age brings.
It's time for me to grow up and face the realities of life.

If I follow the song I hear Will another come near?
If I pursue my own desires, will someone come into my life?

For a moment I thought I had Someone wanting to call me dad.
I briefly thought I had found someone who wanted to have a child with me.

Then a storm came from cloudy sky Fire was doused from on high.
But then something unexpected happened that put an end to that possibility.

It's a truth that when sun is high So my feelings give love a try.
When I feel happy and optimistic, I am more willing to seek out romantic relationships.

Every night when the sun descends I start doubting again.
But as soon as things start to calm down, my doubts and insecurities resurface.

There's a body made just for me Lying somewhere curled lonely.
There is someone out there who is perfect for me and is waiting to be found.

When I come to her life one day Will she be hidden away?
But I worry that when I finally do find that person, she will be inaccessible or otherwise out of my reach.

Contributed by Jordan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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