Death Cab began as a solo project of Ben Gibbard, now the band's vocalist and guitarist. Gibbard took the band name from the satirical song Death Cab for Cutie, performed by The Bonzo Dog Band in The Beatles' 1967 experimental film Magical Mystery Tour. As Death Cab for Cutie, Gibbard released a cassette titled You Can Play These Songs with Chords; the release was surprisingly successful, and Gibbard decided to expand the band into a complete project. He recruited Chris Walla (who had also worked on the cassette) as an electric guitarist, Nick Harmer as bass guitarist, and Nathan Good to play drums.
The four released the LP Something About Airplanes on August 18th 1998. The album was favorably reviewed in the independent music scene, and in 2000 the band released We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes. Nathan Good left the band at some point during this album's production. His playing on “The Employment Pages” and “Company Calls Epilogue” were kept, but Gibbard played drums on all other songs.
Michael Schorr would first appear on The Forbidden Love E.P., released on October 24, 2000. In 2001, another LP was released, entitled The Photo Album. Limited editions of this album contained three bonus tracks, which were later released separately as The Stability EP.
In 2003, there was another change of drummer, with Jason McGerr of Eureka Farm replacing Schorr. McGerr would play drums on the next release, Transatlanticism.
Transatlanticism was released in October of 2003. It received critical praise and also became the band's top-selling album, with 225,000 copies sold during its first year out.
In spring of 2004, the band recorded a live E.P. titled The John Byrd E.P., named for their sound engineer. The E.P. was released on Barsuk Records in March 2004.
In November of 2004, Death Cab for Cutie signed a “long-term worldwide deal” with Atlantic Records, leaving their long-time label Barsuk Records. Gibbard stated on the official website www.deathcabforcutie.com that nothing would change except that “Next to the picture of Barsuk holding a 7", there will be the letter "A" on both the spine and back of our upcoming albums.” This was a marked change from Gibbard's earlier views on major-label relations, which he said “are set up to fuck you and take all your money.”. After signing to Atlantic, the band was still nervous about corporate economics, and encouraged fans to download its songs from the Internet.
The first and second singles off the band's Atlantic Record release Plans were “Soul Meets Body” and “Crooked Teeth”, respectively. The full album was released in August of 2005. Plans was somewhat well-acclaimed by critics and fans, and received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album of 2005. It achieved Gold Status in 2006 after charting on Billboard for 47 consecutive weeks.
The band released a touring DVD titled Drive Well, Sleep Carefully in 2005. Known for their contributions to animal rights, the band is supporting the activist group PETA in giving away copies of the DVD to promote animal rights.
In early 2006, the band announced the upcoming release of Directions, eleven short films inspired by songs from the Plans album, each directed by a different person. The videos were posted one at a time at the band's website and the DVD went on sale April 11, 2006.
On May 12, 2008 their album, Narrow Stairs, was released and was well received by both critics and fans. It was their first album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. The album contains the singles "I Will Possess Your Heart", "Cath..." and "Grapevine Fires".
The band's latest released The Open Door EP, which was released on March 31, 2009. Their main styles consist of slow progressive rock with dark lyrics.
The band's seventh album, Codes and Keys, was released on May 31, 2011. The album's first single was "You Are A Tourist".
On October 11, 2013, the band reportedly began working on their eighth studio album. This was then confirmed by the group's official Instagram profile in which an image was uploaded with the caption "DCFC LP8 begins". The new album will be produced by Rich Costey and is expected to be released in early 2015. In an interview with Stereogum, Gibbard said of the new album, "I do think from start to finish it's a much better record than Codes And Keys. If that record turned anybody off, I feel pretty strongly that this one could win them back. There are threads in this one that connect back to our earliest stuff that people love." On October 29, 2013, the band released a remastered tenth-anniversary version of their 2003 album Transatlanticism. The new album included a vinyl LP and MP3 download, with demos for all the songs from the album.
As part of the 2014 Record Store Day, the band released its first live album, a vinyl-only double LP recorded during various 2012 tour dates with Magik*Magik Orchestra. Included within the packaging was a code for a digital download of the recording.
On August 13, 2014, after 17 years as a member of Death Cab for Cutie, guitarist and songwriter Chris Walla decided to part ways with the band, with his last performance occurring on September 13, 2014 at the Rifflandia Music Festival in Victoria, British Columbia. Walla states that he plans to "...continue making music, producing records, and erring on the side of benevolence and beauty whenever possible." When asked in an interview about Walla's involvement in the eighth album, McGerr confirmed that Walla "played on everything and has been involved all the way through, even in the mixing. Even though he's played his last show with us, he's still been involved in everything involving this record."
I Will Follow You
Death Cab for Cutie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Someday you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark
No blinding light
Or tunnels, to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Catholic school, as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
I held my tongue as she told me, son
Fear is the heart of love, so I never went back
If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
The soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause we'll hold each other soon
The blackest of rooms
If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
I'll follow you into the dark
Death Cab for Cutie's "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" is a melancholic yet heartwarming love song that discusses the unique kind of love that promises to stand the test of time, whether it be life or death. The singer sings about the inevitability of death and how he will follow his lover into the darkness when their time comes. He promises to stick close by and be there for her throughout their final moments. The song describes an undying love, driven by a need for companionship even in the darkest of moments.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer acknowledging the concept of death and offering comfort to their loved one by promising to follow them into the darkness. The second verse draws a stark contrast against the commonly held image of Heaven and Hell, describing them as being satisfied before leading into the chorus. The bridge offers a glimpse into the singer's past, recalling a time in Catholic school where the idea that fear is the heart of love was instilled. The third verse brings the love story full circle, describing the journey the singer and their partner have taken and the wear-and-tear of their physical bodies. The song concludes with the chorus, emphasizing the promise to follow their partner wherever their soul may go.
Overall, "I Will Follow You Into The Dark" presents a deeply moving portrayal of the enduring nature of love that stays with us through the highs and lows of life, and ultimately through death as well.
Line by Line Meaning
Love of mine
The person the singer addresses the song to.
Someday you will die
Acknowledgment of the inevitability of death.
But I'll be close behind
The singer will stay by their loved one's side until the end.
I'll follow you into the dark
The singer will be with their loved one even after death.
No blinding light
No grandiose entrance into an afterlife.
Or tunnels, to gates of white
No visual representation of entering the afterlife.
Just our hands clasped so tight
Physical connection between the loved ones is all that matters.
Waiting for the hint of a spark
Holding onto hope that there may be something more after death.
If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Regardless of what afterlife may exist, the loved ones will be together.
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
Symbolic representation of leaving the world behind.
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
The fear of entering the afterlife alone.
Then I'll follow you into the dark
The singer will be there for their loved one no matter what.
Catholic school, as vicious as Roman rule
A personal story of schooling to illustrate the harshness of mortality.
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
A particular incident from the singer's schooling experience.
I held my tongue as she told me, son
Accepting the inevitability of death and not fighting it.
Fear is the heart of love, so I never went back
The fear of death can lead to deeper feelings of love for those we will leave behind.
You and me have seen everything to see
The loved ones have gone through life together.
From Bangkok to Calgary
The specific places they've traveled to or lived in together.
The soles of your shoes are all worn down
Physical evidence of the shared experiences the loved ones have been through.
The time for sleep is now
Death symbolized as a peaceful rest.
It's nothing to cry about
Death is natural and nothing to be afraid or ashamed of.
Cause we'll hold each other soon
The loved ones will be reunited in death.
The blackest of rooms
A metaphorical representation of the unknown nature of death.
I'll follow you into the dark
Reiteration of the singer's devotion to their loved one.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TrickyDaFolf
7 years ago, i lost my boyfriend, and even though it was long distance, i still loved him alot.. and i thought because he had abusive parents.. i thought he offed himself honestly and.. i miss him deeply, i heard this song and... it fit perfectly.. anytime i miss him i just.. listen to this song and it helps me cope, because i always told him id be by his side.. wherever you are, i miss you, i wish you weren't gone, you had such an impact on my life and.. i wont forget you.
tiny add on here: He was... he had such a bright hope in him, he wanted to be a game designer someday and well, he was also known by his friends as a good pixel artist and an even greater person, and although me and his friends dont talk anymore, i.. i hope they atleast remember him, because they don't really remember me anymore, but i made a sort of vow to keep his name alive, make him always remembered.
I appreciate the kind words everyone.. i was just expecting it to be lost in the sea of comments.. so.. thank you..
Update: i have now graduated... i made it Dusk.. i hope you're proud of me..
Been 7 years, around this time today he.. he left... 9-18-15.
@sleeplessnight216
Lyrics:
Love of mine
Someday you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark
No blinding light
Or tunnels, to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
In Catholic school, as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
And I held my tongue as she told me
"Son, fear is the heart of love, " so I never went back
And if Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
But it's nothing to cry about
'Cause we'll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms
And if Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied
Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark
@Justin-hv7eu
Get some help with that. It’s no way to live.
What’s the point of life if you’re constantly consumed with the thought that you’re gonna die one day?
We all die. It’s unavoidable. It’s also nothing to be afraid of.
Most people that grow old are far more accepting of that fact. Some even long for the release.
I’d like to believe that when I’m old as dirt and am on my way out I won’t be afraid. I’ll be ready to go. I’ll have lived my life, raised my children and accomplished what I wanted. What more could a person desire?
I’ve always thought death will be a lot like it was before I was born. The absence of everything. No consciousness, no feelings, no thoughts, nothing. You wouldn’t even be aware of it. It’s really nothing to be scared of. You won’t have the ability to be afraid of it. So why let it control your life?
I assume you’re young. Deal with your fear now so you can enjoy what time you have left.
I’d bet if you do you’ll be ready and willing to go when your time comes.
@matt-oo6fu
@@Justin-hv7eu that's a lot of wasted words (all of which i've either heard before or thought of myself at least a thousand times) all to add up to the ultimate stupid asshole advice: "lol just get over it!!!!!!!"
I'm 26. This started when I was 7. stop for a single second, pull yourself out of your little savior-complexed ass and think about that. Nearly 20 years of constant awareness of your mortality. for nearly 20 years, you go to bed every single night and think "Another day is gone that I will never get back. I'm another day closer now."
And just try to imagine nothingness. Can you? Can you really? Can you imagine not existing? Everything just being gone, forever, and none of it mattered?
Can you honestly say it doesn't scare you at all?
I've been to therapy. I've been to church. I've meditated. I've worked around dead and dying things. I've done just about everything that I've ever heard anyone say helped them "come to terms" with morality, and it's all been bullshit.
But sure, Genius Stranger On The Internet. I'll just Get Over It because you said so.
@sammgualberto
I can't believe it's been 15 years. I still remember being a young teenager, headphones in ears...crying listening to everything death cab. Now I'm double the age, still crying.
@beezybeez7231
This is so good but you must hear “Winding Road” or “Live Not Survive” by SLT 🤘🎹
@Tormund_Giantsbrain
SAME!!
@vicm23
same...
@user-ch5qd3uz3l
i remember being in my early 20s thinking i was too cool for death cab for cutie and what a fool i was
finally discovered death cab and MCR in the past couple years and feel like an idiot for not listening sooner
@goobles64
Man I love death cab and their songs, wonderful music but this really isn't good for us. The music is dark
@TrickyDaFolf
7 years ago, i lost my boyfriend, and even though it was long distance, i still loved him alot.. and i thought because he had abusive parents.. i thought he offed himself honestly and.. i miss him deeply, i heard this song and... it fit perfectly.. anytime i miss him i just.. listen to this song and it helps me cope, because i always told him id be by his side.. wherever you are, i miss you, i wish you weren't gone, you had such an impact on my life and.. i wont forget you.
tiny add on here: He was... he had such a bright hope in him, he wanted to be a game designer someday and well, he was also known by his friends as a good pixel artist and an even greater person, and although me and his friends dont talk anymore, i.. i hope they atleast remember him, because they don't really remember me anymore, but i made a sort of vow to keep his name alive, make him always remembered.
I appreciate the kind words everyone.. i was just expecting it to be lost in the sea of comments.. so.. thank you..
Update: i have now graduated... i made it Dusk.. i hope you're proud of me..
Been 7 years, around this time today he.. he left... 9-18-15.
@maryreneereuter7226
My boyfriend committed suicide a week after my 19th birthday the same year that this song came out. I used to hear it and burst into tears every time. Now I have the sheet music and play it. 15 years later I can actually get through it from start to finish, but only some of the time. It takes me right back to that feeling. I didn’t want him to be alone when his soul embarked. There are some types of pain that can never be fixed. This song takes me right back to that feeling.
@meghabiswas8359
Oh my god I'm so sorry for you😭 I'm sure he's fine 😇🥺
@gerRule
Damn I’m so sorry