Their first EP was released that same year, but was taken down when 2015 EPs Bashful Creatures and South was dropped.
The band's first LP, landmark was released in early 2017, and was followed by warm glow (EP). During this time, DeCarlo Jackson (trumpet, bass & percussion), who had been in a band with Nathan and Whistler in high school, started touring with the band.
In 2018, the band released their second LP, Bambi.
South
Hippo Campus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gold rose crown, you broke down and left me with a
Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars
Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars
Three weeks down I drown myself in whiskey
Came back round, and drowned out, you left me with a
Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars
Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars
Streetlights talk the same way my mother told me
I walk the same way my father told me
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Wise men talk the same way my mother told me
I walk the same way my father told me
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
You go down south, south
Streetlights talk the same way my mother told me
I walk the same way my father told me
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Wise men talk the same way my mother told me
I walk the same way my father told me
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
The lyrics of Hippo Campus's song South paint a vivid picture of a person being left behind with only a chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars. The opening lines "Three leagues down the soft side of where you left my Gold rose crown, you broke down and left me" suggest that the person being left behind was once a ruler or someone of higher status, but they were abandoned in a vulnerable state. The subsequent lines "Three weeks down I drown myself in whiskey Came back round, and drowned out, you left me with a Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars" suggest that the person attempted to alleviate their pain through alcohol but was ultimately unsuccessful, as they were still left with the same feelings and limited resources.
The chorus of the song, "Streetlights talk the same way my mother told me I walk the same way my father told me Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier" suggests that the person left behind is now determined to pick themselves back up and carry on with the strong, determined demeanor they were taught as a child. They strive to walk like a soldier, with their back straight and chest out, indicating a sense of confidence and resilience.
Overall, the lyrics of South suggest a story of pain and vulnerability but also strength and resilience. The person being left behind is forced to confront the pain and hurt they feel but also strives to carry on with a sense of determination and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Three leagues down the soft side of where you left my
You left me alone, vulnerable, and tender-hearted
Gold rose crown, you broke down and left me with a
I was once valued and regal, but now I'm defeated and abandoned
Chest hum, a black gun, and forty dollars
I'm feeling anxiety, carrying a burden, and I have barely enough to survive
Three weeks down I drown myself in whiskey
I turn to self-destructive habits to cope with my pain
Came back round, and drowned out, you left me with a
I tried to come back from my hurt, but it just overwhelmed me again
Streetlights talk the same way my mother told me
The world is consistent in its patterns and teachings, just like my mother's advice
I walk the same way my father told me
I emulate my father's behavior, even if it's difficult
Back straight and chest out, just like a soldier
I act tough and confident, like a soldier, even though I'm hurting
Wise men talk the same way my mother told me
I look to wisdom, and my mother's advice, for guidance
You go down south, south
You move away, far away
Contributed by Lucy S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TrenchSniper21
These dudes are from my hometown and I know the electric guitarist kinda well. They're all great guys and they deserve all the credit they get. Genius music and I can't wait to watch them get more popular.
@invalide
TrenchSniper21 sure but if you're looking for genius music you should look for CHON or And So I Watch You From Afar, this music is alright but pretty simple
@TrenchSniper21
MrBlueSky that's the beauty of it! It's harder than you think to make simple music that sounds good.
@JammerDead
I mean as a musican who plays grunge, I do know how to make simple music that sounds commercial :P
This band is pretty good. Subjectively I like them and they're pretty simple. Nice sound.
Objectively, CHON and other bands are more talented because the creativity and effort in their art. It's nothing personal.
@JammerDead
I don't even listen to CHON that much LOL
@agustinfernandez5115
since you like chon, would you give sur oculto a chance? thanks. (not in the band or anything, just sharing the knowledge of a band as talented as them)
@gumimegpoid9480
Can't wait for this band to get famous so I can be the hipster who said they knew them before they were famous haha
@tirauzzle6418
Gumi Megpoid i can actually wait bc imma bit selfish when it comes to my fav bands lol
@urksamabinladen
Same the singer used to play at my work before they went on connan
@CarlosRamirez-gv9sk
nice bait