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.
Sunstroke
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit Lyrics
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I know who showed you the stones
You pray that I banish my appetite and lie there alone
I hope that you've practiced your instrument
I fear it will take you away
You ain't the type to be traveling, so why not just stay
And twilight for those of us left
Who sleep while the soldiers get sunstroke
And make little fools of ourselves
Are we supposed to get good at this?
What does it mean to give up?
Why did I call you? I shouldn't be giving a fuck
Answer these questions for everyone
So maybe they'll stop asking me
What really happened and where is your masterpiece?
Here it is morning for some folks
And twilight for those of us left
Who give up the dangers of sunstroke
And make little fools of ourselves
They tell me you walk on the water now
But I know who showed you the stones
I need some things to look forward to
Maybe these colors will fade
I never meant to get bored with you
But I never meant to stay
The song "Sunstroke" by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit is a introspective and somewhat melancholic piece that delves deep into themes of faith, doubt, and the inevitability of change. The lyrics revolve around a conversation with a former lover who has seemingly moved on to a higher plane of existence, symbolized by the metaphorical ability to "walk on water". The singer seems to be struggling with feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, as he questions his own purpose in life and wonders if he too should strive for spiritual enlightenment.
The opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging his knowledge of who "showed" his ex-lover the path to enlightenment, implying a sense of regret or jealousy that he was not the one to guide her down that path. The following lines reference his struggles with self-control and a fear that his artistic talents may lead him away from the life he wants, culminating in a plea for his former lover to stay with him. The chorus returns to the theme of time passing and how different people experience it in different ways, with some making fools of themselves in the heat of the day while others watch from the cool of twilight.
The second verse further explores the singer's doubts and anxieties, questioning the meaning of "giving up" and why he called his ex-lover despite trying to distance himself from her. The final lines of the chorus bring the themes of the song full circle, with a repetition of the opening verse and a final acknowledgement that the singer is struggling with feelings of boredom and stagnation in his current situation.
Overall, "Sunstroke" is a powerful song that speaks to the human experience of grappling with doubt and uncertainty in the face of profound personal and spiritual changes. It is a testament to Jason Isbell's ability to craft deeply insightful and emotionally resonant lyrics that capture the complexities of the human condition.
Line by Line Meaning
They tell me you walk on the water now
People say you've become almost like a god
I know who showed you the stones
I know who really made this possible for you
You pray that I banish my appetite and lie there alone
You want me to resist temptation and refrain from being with someone else
I hope that you've practiced your instrument
I hope you've worked on your talent
I fear it will take you away
I'm scared that it will not only take all your time but take you away from me
You ain't the type to be traveling, so why not just stay
You don't seem like someone who enjoys going places, so why not stay where you are?
Here it is morning for some folks
For some people, it's a brand new day
And twilight for those of us left
For us, the time between day and night is all that's left
Who sleep while the soldiers get sunstroke
While the soldiers are fighting and getting ill from the heat, we're resting
And make little fools of ourselves
We are wasting our time and not taking life seriously
Are we supposed to get good at this?
Are we supposed to learn from this and get better for next time?
What does it mean to give up?
What's the true meaning behind surrendering and not trying anymore?
Why did I call you? I shouldn't be giving a fuck
Why did I call you even though I shouldn't care about this anymore?
Answer these questions for everyone
Clarify the answers to these questions for everyone
So maybe they'll stop asking me
So people won't keep asking me anymore
What really happened and where is your masterpiece?
What really went down and where is your brilliant piece of work?
I need some things to look forward to
I need to have things to anticipate
Maybe these colors will fade
Maybe these emotions and feelings will eventually die down
I never meant to get bored with you
I never intended to feel uninterested in you
But I never meant to stay
But I also never intended to commit to you permanently
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael Jason Isbell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind