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.

The Spirit Is Near
Devendra Banhart Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Christmas is here
All the leaves are jumping
When will they learn
The spirit is near

All the trees are dancing
Ready to burn
The spirit is near

All the roots are singing

What will they learn
They're ready to turn
My father would say

Certainly lovely weather
I do recall

Overall Meaning

that I

Upon the first listen, it may not be clear what the lyrics to "The Spirit is Near" are referring to. However, Devendra Banhart's use of imagery provides a glimpse into his interpretation of the Christmas holiday. The song opens up by mentioning Christmas, with the line "Christmas is here." However, a closer look at the next line, "All the leaves are jumping," reveals that Banhart is describing the feeling of anticipation and excitement that comes with the holiday season. The following lines, "When will they learn, the spirit is near," suggest that people should realize the true meaning of the holiday and embrace the spirit of love and generosity that comes with it.

The next few lines continue the imagery of dancing trees and singing roots. This serves as a metaphor for the joyous and celebratory nature of the holiday. The line "They're ready to turn" may refer to people being ready to turn their attention towards family, friends, and spreading kindness rather than focusing solely on material goods or personal gain. The final line of the song, "My father would say, certainly lovely weather, I do recall that I," is a nostalgic reference to Banhart's father and the memories they shared during the holiday season. Overall, "The Spirit is Near" is a song that encourages reflection on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of spreading love and joy to those around us.

Line by Line Meaning

Christmas is here
The festive season has arrived

All the leaves are jumping
Foliage is joyfully swaying

When will they learn
People must understand

The spirit is near
The essence of the holiday season is close

All the trees are dancing
The entire forest is rejoicing

Ready to burn
Prepared for transformation

The spirit is near
The essence of the holiday season is close

All the roots are singing
Even the base of the trees are celebrating

What will they learn
What must individuals understand

They're ready to turn
They are eager to change

My father would say
My dad would express