The band consists of Isbell (vocals, guitar); Sadler Vaden (guitar); Jimbo Hart (bass); Derry DeBorja (keys, accordion); Chad Gamble (drums).
Fiddle player and singer Amanda Shires features regularly as a session player and occasional touring member.
The band is named for the colloquial name of the psychiatric ward of Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, Alabama.
The band are credited as such on five of Isbell's eight studio full-lengths, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (2009); Here We Rest (2011); The Nashville Sound (2017); Reunions (2020); Weathervanes (2023). Though some or all of the members feature on Jason's three "solo" albums, 2007's Sirens of the Ditch, his 2013 breakthrough Southeastern, and 2015's Something More Than Free.
The band tour regularly in the United States and internationally, including and annual week of shows at Nashville's legendary Ryman Auditorium supported by Shires and a variety of up and coming country, folk, and soul artists.
If We Were Vampires
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It's not your hands searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
If we were vampires and death was a joke
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
One day you'll be gone
The song 'If We Were Vampires' by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, is a beautiful and poignant exploration of love and mortality. The opening lines suggest that the singer is not merely attracted to the physical appearance of their partner but their inner beauty as well. They admire the fragility of their partner's heart, the way they have protected it, and the mercy in their sense of right and wrong. The singer cherishes the smaller details, like the way their partner's hands search slow in the dark, and even the way their nails leave love's watermark. The singer values their partner's guidance as they navigate life's complex questions and decisions.
The song's memorable chorus reveals that the singer is aware that their time together on this earth is limited. They both could spend up to forty years together, but one day one of them will be gone. Even if they were vampires- the symbol of immortal beings- that day will come eventually. The singer considers the gift of time running out, and so they commit to working hard until the end of their shift, seizing every second they can find with their partner, and hoping it isn't them who is left behind.
Overall, the song is a touching meditation on the preciousness of life, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with the people we love. It also suggests that mortality is a crucial aspect of love- it's knowing that life isn't forever that makes us appreciate the time we have.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not the long, flowing dress that you're in
Your physical appearance doesn't define our love.
Or the light coming off of your skin
Your beauty is not the only thing I admire about you.
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Your emotional vulnerability is what makes our love real and precious.
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
Your compassion towards others shows me the depth of your character.
It's not your hands searching slow in the dark
Your physical touch isn't the only way you show me affection.
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
Your lingering presence is felt long after you leave.
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your words of comfort make all my troubles disappear.
Your questions like directions to the truth
Your curiosity challenges me and helps me grow as a person.
If we were vampires and death was a joke
Our love is so strong that even death wouldn't be able to separate us.
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
We would cherish every moment we have together, even if it means doing something as simple as smoking on the sidewalk.
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
We would appreciate our love, knowing that it's not always easy to find.
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Our love would be so secure that physical touch wouldn't always be necessary.
Maybe time running out is a gift
The knowledge that our time is limited makes us appreciate each moment even more.
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
I will work hard to ensure that our love and connection continues to thrive.
And give you every second I can find
I will prioritize our love and make the most of every opportunity we have together.
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
I don't want to imagine a world without you, but I know it's a possibility.
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Our time together is limited and we must cherish every moment.
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
At some point, one of us will pass away and the other will have to continue living without our partner.
Maybe we'll get forty years together
We hope to have a long and fulfilling life together.
But one day I'll be gone
Death is inevitable and we must come to terms with it.
Or one day you'll be gone
I can't imagine living in a world without you, but I know it's a possibility.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Michael Jason Isbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anothergirlinthecrowd5086
Lyric :
It's not the long, flowing dress that you're in
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It's not your hands searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
If we were vampires and death was a joke
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
One day you'll be gone
@gulfgypsy
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone or one day you'll be gone
Lyrics that ring true and break my heart.
My love and I had more than 30 years together and we both knew due to his health the last decade, that he would likely be the first to leave.
Still nothing can prepare a person for the reality of losing your best friend, lover, partner and husband.
With his hand in mine and my heart on his chest I heard his heart beat for the last time.
He's still with me and I know we'll be together again when the time is meant to be. But life is very different when you lose the one who held your heart.
@raya8926
It's not the long, flowing dress that you're in
Or the light coming off of your skin
The fragile heart you protected for so long
Or the mercy in your sense of right and wrong
It's not your hands searching slow in the dark
Or your nails leaving love's watermark
It's not the way you talk me off the roof
Your questions like directions to the truth
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
If we were vampires and death was a joke
We'd go out on the sidewalk and smoke
And laugh at all the lovers and their plans
I wouldn't feel the need to hold your hand
Maybe time running out is a gift
I'll work hard 'til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn't me who's left behind
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
Or one day you'll be gone
It's knowing that this can't go on forever
Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone
Maybe we'll get forty years together
But one day I'll be gone
One day you'll be gone
@bwdorman28
I just lost my fiance 12 days ago. I've never had anyone love me the way she loved me. I never had to question her love. The feeling I got from her love was unlike anything I'd ever felt. I thought I had found love once before her but once I fell for her, I realized there was no comparison. She was the most honest and caring person I've ever met. I've been completely crushed by this. A part of me died when she passed. Now I'm just going through the motions. On April 23, 2021, my whole world stopped. Now I feel I'm stuck in this terrible moment while the rest of the world moves on. RIP Brandi Roy
@admiralcrev5119
Her spirit will always be with you 💕 Love like that never goes away, it just takes a different form. The world needs more people that are capable of love this pure, and it is a better place with you in it. I believe that one day you'll see her again. Until that day, walk the path, remember what she taught you, and spread that love to as many as you can. You are not alone. Stay strong and take care my friend.
@jaylenhaney4994
I love you. You’re doing great. I’m so proud of you. She’s always there for you, I’m so glad you guys shared as many memories as you did.
@LibertyPrime0256
The only way to get through the pain is to live each day earning that kind of love she gave you.
The only to earn it is by loving others that very same way.
Loving others that way will inevitably bring future pain. But dont worry...you can do it. She showed you how.
@ComicsAltruism
I’m so sorry for your loss and empathize entirely with incomparable love. Thank you for sharing and I hope it gets better.
@mathewkimberlyjohnson4544
I felt like I was reading my own words. I lost my husband of 4 years on April 28,2021 our two year wedding anniversary was on the 27th. He is an over the road truck driver and was on his way to Colorado when he had to work on the truck and the cab fell on him and pinned him and he began his new journey. I say out loud often like Mathew is dead I’m NEVER going to get to talk to him ever again. It’s just so unbelievable to me because he is so strong, my Popeye is what I always call him
@robertmcnabb
I had 42 years with my soulmate and she crossed over in January. It is the hardest road I’ll ever travel till I'm
back with my love Tracey.
@kylehalvorsen7692
I hope you can find solace in the love you shared and the memories. Sometimes that's all we're allowed. I lost my brother at 42, and every day is a struggle. My heart bleeds for you.
@crazylittlepartytifs
I'm so sorry for your loss 💖
@mickwarfield2447
Every time I read this, Robert, I think about you and your Tracy... And I think about me and my Tara, and how one of us will eventually be like you. And I'm really sorry!