The band released Only a Suggestion on Teepee Records in 2002. In 2004 they signed to Dutch label Suburban Records (to date they have been more successful in Europe than North America) and released Dare I Say without Mike Callahan or Steve Earle, the latter replaced by new drummer Chris Leathers (Supafuzz). They have since recruited additional vocalist Aleah X (Banger, Devil May Care, Candy Says).
Kentucky
Hermano Lyrics
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Gun it down
Oh, will you run it down?
He never slows it down
He never pilots down
Down on a boat on Havasu
Take a toast again
Drink to the couples at the edge of the lake
Rhythm and booze
I'm not in the mood to sleep, honey
It takes all night, only in the wake of
In the wake of, only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of, Kentucky
Only in the wake of, Kentucky
Only in the wake of, Kentucky
Smoked again
Let's take all night
No time to lose, ah
Only in the wake of
Smoked again
Let's take all night
No time to lose, ah
50-1 never to lose
He never fought a man
With nothing to prove
I said lift him up, bring him down
Sing the song again
Only in the wake of
In the wake of, only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of Kentucky
Only in the wake of
Killer fukin' solo recorded
And played in Kentucky, dammit
Gun it down
Oh, will you run it down
He never slows it down
He never pilots down
Kentucky
The lyrics to Hermano's song Kentucky seem to be a reflection of a wild, reckless night spent in the company of friends, marked by indulgence, hedonism, and perhaps a hint of danger. The first verse, with lines like "You've got it in neutral, gun it down" and "he never pilots down," speaks to a sense of abandon, of living life at high speed, without restraint or caution. The scene shifts to a boat on Lake Havasu, where the singer and their companions are smoking and drinking and toasting the other couples out on the water. The refrain emphasizes the idea that this kind of experience can only be had in Kentucky, perhaps a reference to the state's reputation for bourbon and horse racing, or more generally to its status as a place where people can let loose and have a good time. The song ends with a mention of a guitar solo recorded and played in Kentucky, adding to the sense that this is a place where music and partying come together in a vibrant, energizing way.
The imagery and tone of the lyrics create a vivid portrait of a particular kind of night out, one that revolves around pleasure-seeking and a willingness to take risks. What's interesting about the song is that it doesn't seem to be advocating for this lifestyle, or presenting it as an ideal to be emulated. Instead, there's a sense of both excitement and caution, a recognition that this kind of experience can be thrilling but also fraught with potential danger. The repeated refrain of "only in the wake of Kentucky" seems to suggest that these moments are special precisely because they are fleeting, and that the intensity of the experience is always balanced by the possibility of it coming to an end.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got it in neutral
Your life is not moving forward, you're stuck in one place.
Gun it down
Take action and move forward with full force.
Oh, will you run it down?
Are you willing to push yourself and keep going until you reach your goal?
He never slows it down
The artist of the song is always moving forward and doesn't stop to rest or slow down.
He never pilots down
He never gives up or loses control of his life.
Down on a boat on Havasu
Enjoying life on a boat, with beautiful scenery and good company.
Smoking bolt of thunder
Enjoying a cigarette, which brings a sense of calm and power.
Take a toast again
Raise a glass to celebrate life.
Drink to the couples at the edge of the lake
Celebrating love and life with those around you, in a beautiful and peaceful setting.
Rhythm and booze
The combination of music and alcohol, which can bring joy and excitement in the right atmosphere.
I'm not in the mood to sleep, honey
The singer is filled with energy and doesn't want to waste it by sleeping.
It takes all night, only in the wake of
The feeling of being alive and fully present only comes during nights where you stay up and enjoy life.
In the wake of, only in the wake of Kentucky
The feeling of being alive and fully present only comes when in Kentucky.
Only in the wake of, Kentucky
The feeling of being alive and fully present only comes when in Kentucky.
Smoked again
Enjoying another cigarette.
Let's take all night
Let's stay up and enjoy life to the fullest.
No time to lose, ah
Time is precious, so make the most of it.
50-1 never to lose
The singer has a strong will and determination to succeed, and will never give up or lose.
He never fought a man
The singer has never had to prove himself in a fight against someone else.
With nothing to prove
The artist is confident in himself and doesn't need to prove anything to others.
I said lift him up, bring him down
Encouraging others to live life to the fullest, and not let obstacles bring them down.
Sing the song again
Celebrate life and joy by singing and having a good time with those around you.
Killer fukin' solo recorded
A powerful and impressive musical performance was recorded.
And played in Kentucky, dammit
This amazing performance was played in Kentucky.
Kentucky
A state that brings a sense of joy, excitement, and aliveness to the singer.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHRIS LEATHERS, DAVID ANGSTROM, JOHN GARCIA, MICHAEL J CALLAHAN, STEVEN V. BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind