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.
Goin' Back
Devendra Banhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where it all started from
Gonna see my old friends try and have a little fun
Goin' back to the way that it once used to be
Have a couple drinks and wander aimlessly
Just like old times
Yeah just like old times
And maybe see the changes in me
Remember where I've been and never go back again
Maybe see the changes in me
Make no mistake
There's plenty of those to make
Never never never goin' back
Never ever ever goin' back
Goin' back to the place where my lover and I met
I can give her all I got
She can ring my little neck just like old times
Just like old times
Goin' back to the time when I didn't need a thing
Just the tappin' of my foot and a little song to sing
That'll do just fine
Yeah that'll do just fine
And maybe ???
Tell me where I go, tell me where I come
Take me anytime you like hon'
Take me as I am or as who I might become
Never ever ever goin' back
Never ever ever goin' back
Goin' back, goin' back, goin' back
Goin' back, goin' back, goin' back
Goin' back, goin' back, goin' back...
The song "Goin' Back" by Devendra Banhart speaks to the idea of revisiting the past while recognizing the changes that have taken place in oneself. The lyrics describe a desire to return to where it all began, to the place where the singer's journey started. He wants to see his old friends and reminisce about the way things used to be. The singer also acknowledges that there have been changes in him over time, and he wants to see them reflected in the place he returns to. He is open to growth and the potential for transformation, but he also recognizes that there are some aspects of himself that remain the same.
The phrase "never going back" that repeats throughout the song seems to suggest that the singer is hesitant to return to the past, as he does not want to regress or get stuck in old ways. However, he is also curious about the changes that may have taken place and accepts that there is room for growth and evolution within himself. The final verse suggests a return to a specific time and place, perhaps a moment of great significance or the start of a significant relationship. The singer wants to recapture the feeling of being carefree and satisfied with just a song and a tap of his foot.
Overall, the song speaks to the human desire to revisit the past while also recognizing the inevitability of change and growth. By acknowledging his own shifts and evolution, the singer is able to approach his return to the past with a sense of openness and curiosity rather than fear or regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Goin' back to the place
Returning to a location previously visited
Where it all started from
The exact spot where a person's journey began
Gonna see my old friends try and have a little fun
The intention to reunite with past acquaintances and make memories together
Goin' back to the way that it once used to be
The desire to revisit a past experience that was enjoyable
Have a couple drinks and wander aimlessly
Indulging in a drink or two while enjoying aimless wandering
Just like old times
Emulating the past
And maybe see the changes in me
Reflecting on personal growth and development
Remember where I've been and never go back again
Recalling past experiences while using them to create a better future
Make no mistake
A warning to avoid future mistakes
There's plenty of those to make
A recognition that mistakes are inevitable
Never never never goin' back
A vow to never revisit a specific experience or circumstance
Goin' back to the place where my lover and I met
Revisiting the location where a romantic relationship first began
I can give her all I got
A commitment to investing fully in a romantic relationship
She can ring my little neck just like old times
A playful way of referring to a partner's ability to bring forth both positive and negative emotions
Goin' back to the time when I didn't need a thing
A nostalgic longing for a time when simpler pleasures brought joy
Just the tappin' of my foot and a little song to sing
Finding happiness in the simple act of tapping one's foot and humming a tune
That'll do just fine
Being content with the present moment
And maybe ???
Unknown, possibly a reference to wanting to experience something unexpected or new
Tell me where I go, tell me where I come
Questioning the path of one's life and where it has taken them
Take me anytime you like hon'
Inviting someone to accompany them on their journey
Take me as I am or as who I might become
Allowing others to accept them for who they are or who they may become
Never ever ever goin' back
A reiterated vow to never revisit past experiences
Goin' back, goin' back, goin' back
Repeating the desire to revisit a past experience
Contributed by Grace A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thais Nicols
on Mi Negrita
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