Banhart is considered to have an eclectic style, with many of his songs seemingly following a stream-of-consciousness vein, being hard to decipher and non-literal. His music tends to consist of fairly simple guitar melodies with minimal other instrumentation, and his lyrical themes are often surreal and naturalistic. His involvement in the Los Angeles artist community is reflected in Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon, released in September 2007. He gained some underground notoriety in New York for performing several of his early shows with underwear on his head for the duration of the performance.
Banhart's most recent tour of the United States saw him perform with his full band, which is currently known as Power Mineral. Power Mineral included Andy Cabic (Vetiver), Greg Rogove (Priestbird), Noah Georgeson, Luckey Remington, Pete Newsom, Otto Hauser (Vetiver, Currituck Co., Espers, Nick Castro), Kevin Barker (Currituck Co.), and others. The band claims to rechristen itself when a name comes to them, and has previously been known as Fried Hummingbird, Vagina Burglars, Hairy Fairy Band, Las Putas Locas, Stoner Boner, Spiritual Boner, Bummer Hummer, Brain Taint, Love Fart, Bathhouse Of The Winds, and First Woman Millionaire among other names.
Banhart was discovered by Michael Gira of Swans, who released his Oh Me Oh My... The Way the Day Goes by the Sun Is Setting Dogs Are Dreaming… album on his own Young God Records label in 2002. In 2005, Banhart (along with Andy Cabic and Revolver USA) created the Gnomonsong record label. In 2006 he helped to curate an edition of the British All Tomorrow's Parties festival.
Banhart also was one of the younger musicians responsible for "rediscovering" the music of folksinger Vashti Bunyan. Bunyan is a guest vocalist on his album Rejoicing in the Hands.
2004.02.28_live_01_a sight to behold
Devendra Banhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you got small words to mold
And you can make 'em your own
Still love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
I'm told
And I love its golden glow
It's the little head inside your little hold
And out spring some sparkling thoughts
Still love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
It's like finding home
In an old folk song
That you've never ever heard
Still you know every word
And for sure you can sing along
But love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
Love it would be much better
I know, I know
The lyrics to Devendra Banhart's 2004.02.28_live_01_a sight to behold seem to be an expression of the power of simple language and the transformative potential of love. Banhart observes that even with small, seemingly insignificant words, it is possible to create something beautiful and meaningful. He compares this to the potential of love, which he suggests would be even more powerful and transformative.
The metaphor of "golden corn" suggests something pure and natural, and Banhart seems to be saying that he appreciates the simplicity and beauty of this natural world. The line "little head inside your little hold" may refer to the creativity and inspiration that can come with even a small amount of control or ownership over one's words.
Ultimately, the repetition of the line "love it would be much better" suggests that Banhart sees love as the ultimate goal or potential. It is something that could enhance or improve everything, including our simple words and the natural world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a sight to behold
Something that is awe-inspiring and impressive to see
When you got small words to mold
When you have limited language available to you
And you can make 'em your own
And you're able to express your unique individuality with those words
Still love it would be much better
Despite the beauty of this, love is still considered to be superior
Love it would be much better
Love is considered to be superior
It's like golden corn
Referring to the value and preciousness of something simple
And I love its golden glow
Expressing admiration and appreciation for that simplicity
It's the little head inside your little hold
A metaphor for the small inspirations that lead to great ideas
And out spring some sparkling thoughts
From those small inspirations, come brilliant and imaginative ideas
It's like finding home
Discovering something that feels like comfort and familiarity
In an old folk song
A specific kind of comfort that comes from a known cultural artifact
That you've never ever heard
Even if it's completely new and surprising to you
Still you know every word
An inexplicable ability to connect with things that seem completely new
And for sure you can sing along
That connection can sometimes be so immediate that you're able to participate in the creation of the experience
I know, I know
Expressing this feeling and how it's relatable to others
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thais Nicols
on Mi Negrita
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