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.
Mama Wolf
Devendra Banhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know what to call you now
When I'm in the woods
I know what to call you now
Hey Mama Wolf
Hey Mama Wolf
Well maybe the mountains know what
Maybe the mountains know what
To call you now
Hey Mama Wolf
Hey Mama Wolf
When I'm in a womb
I know what to call you now
And when a belly blooms
I know what to call you now
Hey Mama Wolf
Hey Mama Wolf
Well I can say Marie
I know what to call you now
Swimming in the sea
I know what to call you now
And when you swim with me
I know what to call you now
And when you're under me
I know what to call you now
The song "Mama Wolf" by Devendra Banhart is a lyrically insightful and introspective piece that explores the themes of maternal love, nature, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. The singer of the song seems to be contemplating a deeper understanding of the natural world around him, specifically the woods, the mountains, and the sea. He addresses a maternal figure, whom he calls "Mama Wolf", throughout the song, suggesting that she embodies the nurturing yet fierce qualities of a mother wolf protecting her young.
The first stanza describes the singer's affinity for the woods and how he has found a name for his maternal figure in this setting. The repetition of the line "I know what to call you now" suggests a sense of clarity or revelation, which the natural world has provided. In the second stanza, the singer describes being in a womb and praising his maternal figure for her ability to nurture new life. He then introduces the name "Marie", which appears to be another way of referring to Mama Wolf.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm in the woods
In moments of solitude and disconnection, I have come to realize something important.
I know what to call you now
I have finally found the right name to identify you with.
Hey Mama Wolf
The name I have chosen for you is Mama Wolf and I greet you with it.
Well maybe the mountains know what
Perhaps nature itself has the answer to who you really are.
To call you now
The name that resonates with your nature and spirit.
When I'm in a womb
In moments of rebirth and transformation, I have found clarity.
And when a belly blooms
During times of new beginnings and creation, my understanding of you has deepened.
I can say Marie
I have discovered your personal name and can now address you accordingly.
Swimming in the sea
As I dive into the unknown and embrace life's uncertainty, I believe I have gained insight into your true identity.
And when you swim with me
Together we explore uncharted territories and share our experiences, further deepening my understanding of who you are.
And when you're under me
As we become one and share intimacy, I recognize you for who you truly are.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DEVENDRA BANHART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thais Nicols
on Mi Negrita
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