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.
Sister
Devendra Banhart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep the fire inside
And your dogs won't die
And now it's all clear
It's all clear
You can see the child
Before it's born
Yeah it's all clear
You saw your little son's smile
Before it's shone
Sister
We'll climb
We'll climb 'til the dogs
Climb over us
We'll climb
We'll climb
We'll climb 'til the dogs
Climb over us
Sister
Why'd you come and turn all the lights
All out, out
I can't see no more
Now I reach out
Now I feel for
Now I reach out
Now I feel for
Now I reach out
Now I feel for
Now I reach out
Now I feel for
The song "Sister" by Devendra Banhart is a beautiful tribute to sisterhood and the power that lies within. The lyrics encourage one's sister to keep the fire inside, as this will protect her and her dogs will not die. The metaphor of the fire represents one's inner strength, and by keeping it alive, one will not fall victim to the dangers of the world. The singer also speaks of clarity, saying that once this fire is kept alive, one can see things clearly, even before they happen, such as seeing a child's smile before it has even shone.
The lyrics also speak to the bond between siblings, with the repeated phrase "Sister, we'll climb." This shows the singer's commitment to climbing through life's obstacles alongside their sister until the "dogs climb over us." The final line of the first verse, "We'll climb," is repeated multiple times throughout the song, reinforcing this message of perseverance and sisterly support.
In the second verse, the singer questions their sister's presence, wondering why she has "turned all the lights out." This metaphorical darkness that the sister has brought upon them has left the singer feeling lost and unable to see. However, the repetition of "Now I reach out, now I feel for" shows that the singer is determined to find their way back to their sister, even in the darkness.
Overall, "Sister" is a heartfelt and deeply emotional song that celebrates the strong bond between siblings, encouraging them to support and uplift each other through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Sister sister
The singer addresses his sister affectionately
Keep the fire inside
The singer encourages his sister to hold on to her passion and drive
And your dogs won't die
By keeping the fire inside, his sister's spirit and determination will not diminish
And now it's all clear
The singer has gained clarity and understanding
You can see the child
He can visualize the future and the innocent, pure state of a newborn baby
Before it's born
He can anticipate the beauty and potential of life, even before it begins
Yeah it's all clear
He affirms his newfound clarity
You saw your little son's smile
The singer's sister has already experienced the joy and love of being a mother
Before it's shone
She was able to imagine her son's smile even before he was born
We'll climb
The siblings will work hard and strive for success
We'll climb 'til the dogs
They will climb higher and higher, despite obstacles and challenges
Climb over us
The siblings will not give up or be defeated by their struggles
Why'd you come and turn all the lights
The singer questions his sister's actions that have caused darkness and confusion
All out, out
The lights are completely extinguished, leaving them in complete darkness
I can't see no more
The singer is feeling lost and helpless without light
Now I reach out
He tries to find his sister's hand in the darkness
Now I feel for
He wants to connect and feel the warmth of her presence
Now I reach out
He still tries to find his way despite the darkness
Now I feel for
He wants to be reassured and feel connected to his sister
Now I reach out
He continues to reach out despite feeling lost and uncertain
Now I feel for
He yearns for comfort and reassurance
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEVENDRA BANHART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TheVideosraros
El que hace buena musica se gana la eternidad.
puksmokey
Very beautiful art!
aasefrin
A great musicien and a Brazilian music lover, too. <3
Paul Lizardo
I love his music, his voice, and I love and RESPECT his beard...with great beard come's great responsibility :]
ruth haile
I absolutely love Devandra Banhart! Completly shocked at the lack of views! Some Peoples children!!
Luis Benitez
Love him!! i'm proud 'cuz he's Venezuelan! I'd like him to come to Venezuela for a tour!
s.l. sabotage
Beautiful Song. Beautiful Man. Beautiful Beard
Chaplin von Wittow
habe mich in seine Musik und Stimme verliebt.......
Charlys Maykon
♥
Oriana Aprico-Wister
I feel like a child