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.

Mrs William
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

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Mrs William
Where is William ?
Where has William go ?
You know you shouldn't
Come into a place like this alone

Now if you'd like to sit here at my table, I'll abide
But it isn't usually my thing to do another's bride

I'll sell my heart, I'll sell my brain
I'll sell my love and all my fame
My mother maybe and my brother too
To raise the stake to pay for you
To get you from his side

And then I'll watch keep one eye open
Halfway fearing, halfway hoping
That blackguard boy with handsome muscle
Disturb your sleep with tiny tussle
And earn by stealing
Mrs William gone again

But with your eyes and with your aura
You'll never leave a place alone
I have you always the taste of us coming
(You'll make the beasties and the flora)

You're part of our eternal home
(Humble and bow down)

Overall Meaning

The song "Mrs William" by Bonnie 'Prince' Billy appears to be a conversation between two individuals. The singer seems to be someone who is interested in a woman named Mrs William, who is already married. The singer begins by asking where William is, and whether he has gone somewhere. As the conversation continues, the singer expresses his interest in Mrs William and invites her to sit at his table. However, he also acknowledges that it is not his usual practice to pursue someone who is already married.

The singer then goes on to make desperate offers to sell his heart, love, and even his family members in order to be with Mrs William. He imagines a scenario where he watches from a distance as some "blackguard boy" steals Mrs William away from her husband, hoping that it happens while also fearing it. The song ends with an acknowledgement that Mrs William is someone who will never be alone, with the singer describing her as being part of their "eternal home."

Overall, the song appears to be a melancholic reflection on unrequited love and the difficulties of being attracted to someone who is already committed to another. The singer seems to be aware of the impropriety of their situation and yet, can't help but express their desires. The song is hauntingly beautiful and conveys a sense of longing and desperation.

Line by Line Meaning

Mrs William
Addressing a married woman named Mrs. William

Where is William ?
Asking about the whereabouts of Mrs. William's husband, William

Where has William go ?
Asking where William has gone to

You know you shouldn't Come into a place like this alone
Suggesting that it's unwise for Mrs. William to be there alone

Now if you'd like to sit here at my table, I'll abide But it isn't usually my thing to do another's bride
Offering to let Mrs. William sit at the singer's table, but acknowledging that it's not typical for him to entertain another man's wife

I'll sell my heart, I'll sell my brain I'll sell my love and all my fame My mother maybe and my brother too To raise the stake to pay for you To get you from his side
Expressing willingness to sacrifice everything to be with Mrs. William and offering to pay whatever it takes to get her away from her husband

And then I'll watch keep one eye open Halfway fearing, halfway hoping That blackguard boy with handsome muscle Disturb your sleep with tiny tussle And earn by stealing Mrs William gone again
Admitting to feeling conflicted about hoping for Mrs. William to leave her husband and worrying about her safety if she does leave him, as well as acknowledging that Mrs. William has left before

But with your eyes and with your aura You'll never leave a place alone I have you always the taste of us coming (You'll make the beasties and the flora) You're part of our eternal home (Humble and bow down)
Suggesting that Mrs. William has a certain presence that makes it seem like she's never alone, and referencing the idea of life and death as a continuum where the singer will always be with Mrs. William, even if they're not together in reality

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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