Devendra Obi Banhart (born May 30, 1981) is a Venezuelan American singer-so… Read Full Bio ↴Devendra Obi Banhart (born May 30, 1981) is a Venezuelan American singer-songwriter and visual artist. Banhart was born in Houston, Texas and was raised by his mother in Venezuela, until he moved to California as a teenager. His first few records were released on the Young God Records label from New York City. His most recent CD was released by Nonesuch. He is one of the most popular artists to come out of the "New Weird America" movement, which includes performers such as Faun Fables, Viking Moses, Jack Rose, Jana Hunter, Arborea, The MV & EE Medicine Show, Currituck Co., Six Organs of Admittance, and The Royal We, among others. He also often joins the band known as Vetiver.

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.

Lend Me Your Teeth
Devendra Banhart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm lost in the dark
Lend me your teeth
Lend me your teeth
Lend me your teeth
Lend me your teeth

C'mon
I'm lost in the dark

Lend me your teeth (the rest)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Devendra Banhart's song "Lend Me Your Teeth" are simple yet mysterious. The phrase "I'm lost in the dark" is repeated several times, indicating a sense of confusion or disorientation. The most intriguing line is the repeated request to lend teeth. Teeth are not typically something one would borrow or lend, so this metaphor invites interpretation. One possible interpretation is that the singer is asking for a weapon or tool, as teeth are used for biting and tearing. Additionally, teeth are often associated with aggression and power, so perhaps the singer is asking for a source of strength.

Alternatively, teeth could represent a form of guidance or navigation. The phrase "show me your teeth" can be used to encourage someone to smile or reveal their true intentions. In this context, the request to "lend teeth" could signify a need for direction or inspiration. The darkness referenced in the lyrics could represent a lack of clarity or purpose, and the teeth could symbolize a way out of that darkness. Ultimately, the meaning of the lyrics is open to interpretation and may vary depending on the listener's perspective and experiences.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm lost in the dark
I feel lost and uncertain about my current situation.

Lend me your teeth
Give me your strength and power to help me overcome my struggles.

Lend me your teeth
Provide me with the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

Lend me your teeth
Enable me to stand tall and face my challenges head on.

Lend me your teeth
Support me as I navigate through the darkness and work towards a brighter future.

C'mon
Encouragement to provide assistance and aid.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEVENDRA BANHART

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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