After the release of Only by the Night in September 2008, the band achieved chart success in the United States. The singles "Sex on Fire", "Use Somebody", and "Notion" all peaked at number one on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album was their first platinum-selling album in the United States, and the best-selling album of 2008 in Australia, being certified platinum nine times. The band's fifth album, Come Around Sundown, was released on October 18, 2010. Their sixth album, Mechanical Bull, was released on September 24, 2013. The seventh studio album, Walls, was released on October 14, 2016. Their eighth studio album, When You See Yourself, was released on March 5, 2021. The group has 12 Grammy Award nominations, including 4 wins.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_of_Leon
Studio albums
Youth & Young Manhood (2003)
Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
Because of the Times (2007)
Only by the Night (2008)
Come Around Sundown (2010)
Mechanical Bull (2013)
Walls (2016)
When You See Yourself (2021)
Bucket
Kings of Leon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll be the one to always complain
Three in the morning, come a-bang-bang-bang
All out of fags and I just can't wait
Cancel the thing that I said I'd do
I don't feel comfortable talking to you
Unless you got the zipper fixed on my shoe
Then I'll be in the lobby drinking for two
Eighteen, balding, star
Golden, fallen heart
Look at the shakies, what's with the blush?
Fresh off the plane in my fuzzy rush
Everyone's gathered to idolize me
I hate the way you talk, your Japanese scream
It's been too long since I've left the shed
You kick the bucket, I'll swing my legs
Always remember the pact that we made
Too young to die, but old is the grave
Eighteen, balding, star
Golden, fallen heart
I'ma gonna show the way
I'ma gonna show the way
I'ma gonna show the way
I'ma gonna show the way
Eighteen, balding, star
The lyrics to the 2004 Kings of Leon song Bucket are somewhat cryptic, but they can be interpreted as being about the band's sudden rise to fame and the accompanying pressure and discomfort. The first verse suggests that the singer is trying to guide someone (perhaps the listener) through a difficult time, but that person is resistant and complains. The use of "fags" suggests the song is set in the UK, and the banging at 3am could indicate restlessness or a party atmosphere.
The second verse introduces the idea of the singer being a public figure, "fresh off the plane" and idolized by others. However, the singer is not entirely comfortable with the attention they are receiving, particularly from someone who speaks Japanese (perhaps a nod to the band's international appeal). The line "too young to die, but old is the grave" adds a touch of morbidity to the song and could be interpreted as a comment on the band's youth and inexperience in the music industry.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the challenges of suddenly achieving fame and success, the pressure to keep up appearances, and the difficulties of interpersonal relationships in that context. The repetition of "I'ma gonna show the way" could be interpreted as the singer's attempt to take control of a situation they may not entirely understand.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be the one to show you the way
I will guide you and lead you in the right direction
You'll be the one to always complain
You will be dissatisfied and always express negative feelings
Three in the morning, come a-bang-bang-bang
At 3 AM, there is loud knocking on the door
All out of fags and I just can't wait
I am out of cigarettes and cannot wait to have another
Cancel the thing that I said I'd do
I am going back on my word and not following through with plans we made
I don't feel comfortable talking to you
I do not feel at ease speaking with you
Unless you got the zipper fixed on my shoe
However, if you fix the zipper on my shoe, I will feel more at ease with you
Then I'll be in the lobby drinking for two
In that case, I will be in the lobby drinking with someone, probably you
Look at the shakies, what's with the blush?
Observing the nervous movements and blushing of someone
Fresh off the plane in my fuzzy rush
Recently arrived on a plane and in a dazed, overwhelmed state
Everyone's gathered to idolize me
People have come together to worship and adore me
I hate the way you talk, your Japanese scream
I dislike how you speak and your tone of voice
It's been too long since I've left the shed
It has been a long time since I've had a change of scenery or new experiences
You kick the bucket, I'll swing my legs
If you die before me, I will continue living and do as I please
Always remember the pact that we made
Don't forget the agreement we made
Too young to die, but old is the grave
Although we are not old enough to die, we must remember that death is inevitable
I'ma gonna show the way.
I am going to guide you and lead the way
Eighteen, balding, star
A young person with a receding hairline and fame
Golden, fallen heart
Although once strong and successful, the heart has become broken or weak
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Caleb Followill, Ivan Nathan Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amjh4lah809
THIS is the song that got me into them. Such a 70s vibe. Still like them, but the first 2 albums are still their best.
@ryanskelly9721
Still hits different, even in 2021.
@heatherwhite5191
Hey Ryan how is life for you?
@uglyfb9133
Foreals
@Dessienewshoes
True. Great songs are great forever
@anthonyreilly2071
💯🙌 and at their live shows they still radiate the energy from back then. Have not lost a beat. Can't wait to see em again this summer
@AaronLaZox
Even more in 2021!
@starky4079
You guys are my anti-depressant. Life’s been rough, your music keeps my head up. I can’t thank you guys enough ❤️
@Johnstone72
Keep your chin up Spud. Never lose faith in yourself.
@thelittlestgiant
I was in middle school when this song came out, and I loved the hell out of it. I remember getting excited when it would come on super early in the morning, while it was still dark outside, before I left to bike to school. When I heard their newer stuff getting more radio time and popularity, I was happy they were being recognized as a band, but I was also sad because it sounded so different from THIS album. This album makes me feel so fucking good when I listed to it, whether that's me being a nostalgic loser or not, and the newer few just fall flat for me..