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.
Rocking Chair
House of Freaks Lyrics
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They don't really know, and I don't know myself
Strong as death, sweet as love
People laugh at me from above
I don't care, I'll just watch 'em from my rocking chair
Lazy day, all say, 'cause I don't go nowhere
Never gonna change, they know that I don't care
I don't care, I'll just watch 'em from my rocking chair
(All right)
Strong as death, sweet as love
People laugh at me from above
I don't care, I'll just watch 'em from my rocking chair
Rocking chair
Rocking
The lyrics to House of Freaks's song "Rocking Chair" seem to convey a sense of defiance and contentment in the face of judgment and societal expectations. The singer expresses a reluctance for the listener to leave and a refusal to leave themselves, possibly indicating a resistance to change or an attachment to a comfortable and familiar situation. They acknowledge that they don't fully understand their own feelings or motivations, just as others don't truly know them.
The repeated lines "Strong as death, sweet as love" suggest a paradoxical combination of strength and vulnerability, as well as the potential for both pain and joy. The singer acknowledges that people may laugh at them from above, possibly representing societal judgment or ridicule, but they assert their indifference to it. Instead of being affected by others' opinions, they find solace and amusement in observing them from their rocking chair. This image can symbolize a sense of detachment or distance from the expectations and pressures of the world, choosing instead to calmly observe and not be swayed by external influences.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rocking Chair" seem to celebrate individuality and resilience in the face of societal judgment. The singer embraces their unique perspective and finds comfort in their own space, refusing to conform to others' expectations or be affected by their opinions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bryan Taber Harvey, John Dudley Hott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind