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.

Summertime
Devendra Banhart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Summertime and the livin is easy
Fish are jumpin and the cotton is fine
Oh your daddys rich and your ma is good lookin
So hush little baby, dont you cry

One of these mornings
Youre goin to rise up singing
Then youll spread your wings

And youll take the sky
But till that morning

Theres a nothin can harm you
With daddy and mammy standin by

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Devendra Banhart's song Summertime are a reinterpretation of the original song composed by George Gershwin. The first verse of the song paints a peaceful and bountiful atmosphere with its easygoing and relaxed feeling that is attributed to the summertime. The fish jumping and the cotton being fine in the second line are symbolic of abundance and prosperity, which is further emphasised by the mention of the singer's daddy being rich and their mother being good looking. This line also highlights the idea of privilege, which could be interpreted as a commentary on social class and race. This is reinforced in the next line with the phrase "hush little baby, don't you cry" which is a lullaby sung to babies. However, the phrase "hush" can also be seen as an instruction for a minority to not speak out about their oppression.

The second verse departs from the idyllic imagery of the first, and instead, focuses on possibilities. The line "One of these mornings, you're gonna rise up singing" suggests that the future is bright and full of hope, where the singer is looking forward to a new beginning. The next line, "then you'll spread your wings and you'll take the sky" is a metaphor for freedom, enlightenment and self-discovery. The phrase "till that morning", which appears in both verses, suggests that there is still a long way to go before this idealised future, but the singer seems confident that "there's nothing can harm you with daddy and mammy standing by". This can be seen as either an expression of comfort and support, or as a warning that one might need to rely on powerful figures for protection.

In conclusion, Banhart's Summertime is an interpretation of the original song that incorporates his own ideas and experiences. The lyrics can be read in different ways and can highlight the fundamental themes around social class, privilege, hope, and endurance.

Line by Line Meaning

Summertime and the livin is easy
Summer is a carefree time when life is easy and enjoyable

Fish are jumpin and the cotton is fine
Nature is thriving during the summertime, with fish in the water and cotton growing in the fields

Oh your daddys rich and your ma is good lookin
You come from a family that is well-off financially and genetically blessed with attractive features

So hush little baby, dont you cry
There's no need to worry or be upset, because everything is going to be okay

One of these mornings
At some point in the future

Youre goin to rise up singing
You'll experience joy and happiness to the point of singing

Then youll spread your wings
You'll feel free and empowered to pursue your dreams

And youll take the sky
You'll take on the limitless possibilities that life has to offer

But till that morning
Until that time comes

Theres a nothin can harm you
You are protected and safe from any harm or danger

With daddy and mammy standin by
Your family is there to support and care for you through everything