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.

Lickety Split
Devendra Banhart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Would you write a song for me my dear?
Would you write a letter to me my dear?
Would you hum a tune for me my dear?
Would you show some skin for me my dear?
Would you take me in my dear?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Devendra Banhart's "Lickety Split" express an intimate relationship between the singer and his lover. He asks various questions of his partner, some lighthearted, and some more sensual. Lines like "Would you show some skin for me my dear?" and "Would you take me in my dear?" suggest a physical connection between the two. However, the more innocent invitations to "write a song" or "hum a tune" highlight the deeper emotional connection that exists as well.

The repetition of "my dear" throughout the song emphasizes the intimacy between the two lovers. It also creates a sense of vulnerability, as if the singer is pleading with his partner to share their talents and affections with him. The simplicity of the lyrics allows the listener to focus on the emotional intimacy between the two lovers, rather than any specific action or detail.

Line by Line Meaning

Would you write a song for me my dear?
Would you use your creativity and talent to express your feelings for me through a musical composition, my beloved?

Would you write a letter to me my dear?
Would you take the time to write me a heartfelt message, detailing your thoughts and emotions, my darling?

Would you hum a tune for me my dear?
Would you sing or hum a melody for me, expressing your love and affection, my beloved one?

Would you show some skin for me my dear?
Would you reveal your physical beauty to me, my dear, as a symbol of trust and intimacy?

Would you take me in my dear?
Would you welcome me into your life and your heart, my beloved, and commit to building a future together?

Contributed by Sarah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS