The Freaks' sound was a combination of folk and rock, and drew heavily from the blues and primitive Americana music. Their lyrics focused on race, religion, and life in the South, although Harvey was also adept at writing about more personal topics (the lack of success of independent bands, his sex life) using rich metaphors from these former topics, so that many of their songs could be interpreted in two entirely different ways. Bryan's obsession with southern gothic issues influenced his song writing. These sentiments can be heard in such songs as "White Folk's Blood", "Family Tree" and "Big Houses" from the album "Tantilla".
Harvey and Hott moved to Los Angeles for the release of the band's first album, Monkey on a Chain Gang, which received considerable critical acclaim. However, unsatisfied with life in L.A., they moved back east, where they recorded their subsequent albums and faded from the public spotlight. Fans of the band universally consider Cakewalk and Tantilla to be the Freaks's best work.
On March 13, 1988, House of Freaks performed at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco, California with The 77s and The Alarm. Audience members included Neil Young.
After the band's breakup, Harvey and Hott joined a Paisley Underground supergroup called Gutterball, headed by Steve Wynn, formerly of Dream Syndicate and also featuring Stephen McCarthy of The Long Ryders and Bob Rupe of The Silos. The group released two albums, Gutterball (1993) and Weasel (1995). Harvey co-wrote many songs on each.
Hott later joined the band Cracker. Harvey has guested on a number of other artists' albums, including September 67's Lucky Shoe, two albums by Shannon Worrell (formerly of September 67), and Magnet's Shark Bait. Both Harvey and Hott assisted Mark Linkous on the debut Sparklehorse record. Bryan Harvey played in a funk band, NRG Krysys, in Richmond, Virginia with Coby Batty of The Fugs. Johnny Hott has a jazz combo with Stephen McCarthy.
On January 1st, 2006, Bryan Harvey, his wife Kathryn, and their daughters Stella and Ruby were found murdered in the basement of their Richmond home.
Magpie Wing
House of Freaks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Found the magpie wing
Found the magpie wing
She be calling me king
Let the church bells ring
Let the church bells ring
Let the church bells ring
Crack the pecan shell
Crack the pecan shell
Crack the pecan shell
You're going to hell
The lyrics of House of Freaks' song "Magpie Wing" exude a certain level of enigmatic and cryptic nature that requires a good level of imaginative and insightful interpretation. The song opens with the lines "Found the magpie wing, She be calling me king," which could suggest the discovery of a possibly mystic or rare object that holds some sort of significance. This "magpie wing" could represent an object that has been coveted or longed for and its discovery seems to elevate the persona of the singer, making him feel like royalty.
The song then transitions into the lines "Let the church bells ring, They be calling me king," which could signify the persona's desire to be recognized or worshipped, almost like a god or deity. The mention of church bells could suggest that whatever the persona's desire is tied to a form of religious authority. Lastly, the words "Crack the pecan shell, You're going to hell" seem to suggest some sort of warning or threat. The cracking of a pecan shell could represent an act of destruction and the warning about going to hell could be a caution about the potential repercussions of certain actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Found the magpie wing
Discovered something unexpected and unique
Found the magpie wing
Experienced this surprising discovery again
Found the magpie wing
Once again found this fascinating thing
She be calling me king
Feeling powerful and important because of this discovery
Let the church bells ring
Celebrating this discovery and feeling victorious
Let the church bells ring
Repeating the celebratory feeling and joy
Let the church bells ring
Continuing the sense of victory and success
They be calling me king
Feeling like royalty and highly respected because of this discovery
Crack the pecan shell
Being tempted to do something considered sinful or immoral
Crack the pecan shell
Indulging in this temptation despite the consequences
Crack the pecan shell
Acting on this sinful temptation despite warnings
You're going to hell
Anticipating negative consequences for giving in to temptation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRYAN TABER HARVEY, JOHN DUDLEY HOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind