A popular misconception is that this is the name of the band featuring him and not just his stage name. However, at live shows, he will usually introduce his band members by their similar pseudonyms - some fellow Fence Collective artistes such as "The Pictish Trail" (aka Johnny Lynch), On The Fly and Uncle Beesly, to name but the usual line-up.
Albums include: Kenny and Beth's Musakal Boat Rides (2003); Rocket D.I.Y. (2005); KC Rules OK (2005); Bombshell (2007) and Flick The V's (2009).
You can find a full discography of his close to 40 self released CD-Rs here
www.kingcreosote.com
Leaf Piece
King Creosote Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My fingers clawing earth, peat and sand
My back's still hurting bad
But my eyes are still attached
To a vivid dream of lousing times
And the promise of my leaf piece
In the furrows of my bag
And in my laughter lines
I hear the songs my father sang
I have but half the voice he had
I keep it harnessed reign it in
Until the sun it melts on the horizon
That's when I clap eyes on my lass
And I find I'm singing like a lark
My voice is calloused and my back is choked
And out of earthen clods my heart will soar
For now my tongue is held
And my wheesht is haud
But for now my tongue is held
And my wheesht is haud
In "Leaf Piece," King Creosote sings about his attachment to his homeland and the hardships he endures while trying to hold on to it. He paints a vivid picture of himself clinging onto the earth, peat, and sand of his homeland, his fingers clawing into them as he dreams of better times. Despite the pain in his back, he remains determined to hold on to his "leaf piece" - this could be interpreted as either a literal piece of vegetation or a figurative representation of his connection to his heritage. He remembers the songs his father sang and tries to harness his voice to sing like him, but finds himself unable to do so. However, when he sees his love interest, his voice transforms into that of a lark, and his heart soars. He is aware of the limitations of his speech, but he refrains from speaking and allows his "wheesht" or quietness to speak for him.
The lyrics of "Leaf Piece" speak of how one's connection to their homeland can be a source of both pain and joy. The singer finds himself physically and emotionally attached to the earth of his home, yet endures hardship and pain while trying to hold on to it. His broken voice, calloused hands, and choked back are indicative of the tribulations he has faced trying to maintain his bond. But despite it all, he remains resolute in his love for his home and for the memories of his father, hoping that one day he will be able to fully connect with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm clinging on to my homeland
I am holding onto my place of origin and not letting it go.
My fingers clawing earth, peat and sand
I am holding on tightly to the land with my fingers.
My back's still hurting bad
I am in a lot of pain probably from working hard.
But my eyes are still attached
I am still hopeful and motivated.
To a vivid dream of lousing times
I am optimistic about a hopeful future with better times.
And the promise of my leaf piece
I have faith in a brighter future and trust in the good things that will come.
In the furrows of my bag
I carry my hopes and dreams with me wherever I go.
And in my laughter lines
I still hold onto the things that make me happy and always try to see the lighter side of things.
I hear the songs my father sang
I am connected to my heritage and the traditions that have been passed down to me.
I have but half the voice he had
I am not as skilled as my predecessors, but I still try my best.
I keep it harnessed reign it in
I control my voice and keep it in check.
Until the sun it melts on the horizon
I am patient and wait for the right moment to come.
That's when I clap eyes on my lass
I am happy when I see my significant other.
And I find I'm singing like a lark
I am overjoyed and sing with great enthusiasm.
My voice is calloused and my back is choked
I have been through many challenges and hardships, but I still persevere.
And out of earthen clods my heart will soar
Despite the hardships, I still have hope and optimism.
For now my tongue is held
I am not speaking at the moment but will when it is the right time.
And my wheesht is haud
I am quiet and subdued.
But for now my tongue is held
I am waiting for the right moment to speak up.
And my wheesht is haud
I am calm and collected in the meantime.
Contributed by Sebastian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Johny Cash
on Pauper's Dough
Whilst I would agree the song is about poverty and injustice it seems strange to me that you make no reference to the metaphorical vehicle of the song-namely Scotland’s mining industry with its pernicious conditions and poor pay. (Clarty surrounds, clawed out tonnage, on our knees). Nonetheless it provided employment, but t was cruelly abandoned by the politics of the day as elsewhere, with no replacement employment.
Johny Cash
on Pauper's Dough
The lyrics of "Pauper's Dough" by King Creosote are a commentary on societal injustice and the struggle for equality. The first line speaks of injustice being on its knees underground, highlighting the prevalence of unfairness in society. The next line, "The clawed-out tonnage is to our detriment," highlights the negative consequences of this injustice. The use of the word "clawed-out" suggests that those who are suffering are being dragged down by the weight of inequality, like a weight clawing at their ankles. The following lines describe the financial struggle of those living in poverty. Despite their limited means, they are "striving to be counted," trying to make a difference and fight for their rights. The chorus repeats the phrase "rise above the gutter you are inside" four times, emphasizing the importance of overcoming one's struggles and fighting for a better life.b
Magnus Helgason
on Klutz
I have to admit that Scottish is not the easiest English accent, and I'm sure I'm still far off the mark, and several things in the lyrics don't make any sense to me, but to me it sounds more like.
Well i swore I would not get content/caught out again, well I swore I would off (?) when i walk
I meant to tell you that my ex girl friend
But you were not the cause of my descontent
Meant to tell you that colors tasted great
that my feelings look like gold
I dream of demons inside out.
had them dance the culvert strap (?), in my yellow clogs, what a twat
How foolishly I looked at you my friend, what a klutz I was
How foolishly I looked at you back then, what a klutz I was