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.

Pushkin
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

God is the answer
God is the answer
God is the answer
God lies within

And you can't say
that I didn't learn from you
And you can't say

that I didn't learn from you
And you can't say
that I didn't learn from you
And you can't say
that I didn't learn from you

God is the answer
God is the answer
God is the answer
God lies within

And I will not
have a good time
But leave me just the same
the statue marks the place here
where Pushkin stook [?] his claim

God is the answer
God is the answer
God is the answer
God lies within

And I guess that
she couldn't tell me
Because she found it
very frightening
and though a lead slug
would have felled me

Pushkin
rides the lightning

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song, Pushkin, contain a simple yet profound message about the pursuit of knowledge and truth. The repeated refrain of "God is the answer, God lies within" suggests a belief in the power and presence of the divine within ourselves, and the idea that this is where true understanding can be found. The verses that follow touch on themes of learning, growth, and the stories and legacies that shape who we are.

The lines "And you can't say that I didn't learn from you" are particularly interesting, as they suggest a relationship between the singer and whoever they are addressing that involved a transfer of knowledge and wisdom. This could be interpreted as a nod to the idea that we learn from everyone we encounter, no matter how brief or insignificant the interaction may seem. The final verse, which references Pushkin - the famous Russian poet and writer - adds an extra layer of depth to the song's themes. The statue mentioned in the lyrics serves as a reminder of Pushkin's legacy, and of the power of words and ideas to shape the future long after their creator is gone.

Overall, the lyrics to Pushkin coalesce around a powerful message of self-discovery and growth, rooted in a belief in the divine and in the value of learning from others. The song is a beautiful tribute to the human journey and the stories that shape us.

Line by Line Meaning

God is the answer
The solution to life's problems is an omnipotent deity.

God lies within
One's faith and spirituality are personal and internal.

And you can't say that I didn't learn from you
I have gained knowledge and wisdom from you.

And I will not have a good time
I will not enjoy myself.

But leave me just the same
Nevertheless, I will remain here.

The statue marks the place here where Pushkin stook [?] his claim
This statue commemorates the location where Pushkin asserted a claim.

And I guess that she couldn't tell me
I assume that she was unable to inform me.

Because she found it very frightening
Perhaps she was afraid of the consequences of revealing the truth.

And though a lead slug would have felled me
I am strong and resilient enough to endure.

Pushkin rides the lightning
Pushkin will not be defeated and will emerge victorious.

Contributed by Alyssa J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.