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.
Anchor
Devendra Banhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, they sure smell sweet to me
And don't the moon way up high shine bright?
Well, it sure shines bright to me
And don't the water on your lips feel good?
Well, it sure feels good to me
And don't the lips on your lips fell good?
Well, they sure feel good to me...
In the song Anchor, Devendra Banhart sings about the beauty of nature and the pleasures of physical affection. The lyrics suggest that the person he is addressing is surrounded by lovely things, such as the sweet-smelling flowers at their feet, the bright shining moon, and the refreshing water on their lips. Banhart derives joy from witnessing these things and experiencing the sweetness of the lips of the person he is with.
Moreover, the song may also be interpreted as a reflection of the power of love to anchor one's soul. The ocean, a recurring image in Banhart's work, is referenced in the song, where the singer speaks of a "wave that was dragging me down." However, the presence of his love acts as an anchor, helping him stay grounded amidst the turmoil of life. The opening line may also relate to the Biblical phrase "Consider the lilies of the field," reminding us to appreciate the beauty around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't the flowers at your feet smell sweet?
Wouldn't you say that the fragrant flowers growing beneath you exude a delightful aroma?
Well, they sure smell sweet to me
Indeed, to my nose, their scent is quite lovely.
And don't the moon way up high shine bright?
Isn't it true that the radiant moon, elevated in the sky, glows with vibrant luminosity?
Well, it sure shines bright to me
To my eyes, it certainly appears bright and stunningly beautiful.
And don't the water on your lips feel good?
Wouldn't you agree that the sensation of refreshing water on your lips is quite pleasant?
Well, it sure feels good to me
I find the cool, refreshing water to be a delightful sensation on my lips.
And don't the lips on your lips feel good?
Isn't the feeling of someone's lips gently touching yours quite enjoyable?
Well, they sure feel good to me...
Personally, I find the sensation of someone's lips on mine to be very pleasurable and satisfying.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEVENDRA BANHART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thais Nicols
on Mi Negrita
<3