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.

You Are Lost
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It was bound to happen 
from when you first knew you
and pulled apart with will
 from those around you  

if you love wind
 or morning or night
 if you are kind 

and get lit up by light

  well you are bound to be 
put down at any cost
 and if you listen to me 
you are lost  

you are lost as I am singing
 you are lost inside a sound
 if you can get away from these words ringing 
maybe you can be found

  if your heart tells you, »you love«, and you listen 
and you know a purpose holds you in your place 
I only ask you close your eyes
 that you won't see me

 and then that light will then 
shine fully on your face

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's song "You Are Lost" describe the inevitable feeling of being disconnected from the world, even if one has found joy in the simple things like the wind or sunlight. The first verse suggests that the singer knows that the listener was always meant to "pull apart with will" from those around them, for reasons unknown. The second verse reinforces the idea that the one who appreciates these small things will always be at odds with the world, and that there is a cost to being different. The chorus repeats "you are lost," highlighting the singer's belief that this person will never truly be able to find their place in the world because they are too unique.

The bridge is a plea to the listener to trust their heart and purpose, even if it means closing their eyes to others, so that the light within them can shine brightly. The final line suggests that there is a possibility for the listener to be found, but only if they are able to escape from the thoughts and words that weigh them down.

Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on how it feels to be an outsider in a world that often values conformity over individuality. The choice to focus on the small joys of life, like wind and sunlight, is a powerful reminder that these moments of beauty can sustain us even when we feel lost and disconnected.

Line by Line Meaning

It was bound to happen
It was inevitable

from when you first knew you
From the moment you became self-aware

and pulled apart with will
And deliberately distanced yourself from others

from those around you
From those in your vicinity

if you love wind
If you have a passion for nature

or morning or night
Or have a preference for specific times

if you are kind
If you have a gentle disposition

and get lit up by light
And are moved by illumination

well you are bound to be
You will inevitably be

put down at any cost
Criticized by others, no matter the expense

and if you listen to me
And if you heed my advice