In Australia, the song was ranked #31 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2004.
The song is written about bassist Jared Followill, who was the youngest, dealing with the band's fame at the age of 17. The song was written by Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill and Matthew Followill. In the music video, the word "legs" (as part of "I'll swing my legs") is censored due to the line meaning to hang oneself.
The 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 opening lyrics of "The Bucket" by Kings of Leon suggest a combination of dependence, frustration, and a little bit of self-aggrandizement. The singer says that they will be the one to show the other person the way, but that they will always complain. Then we hear about an early morning interruption, with someone pounding on the door, all out of cigarettes. The last line of this verse is ambiguous- it could either be a request for someone to fix the zipper on the singer's shoe, or a snarky comment about how they will only feel comfortable talking to the other person once the zipper is fixed.
The second verse jumps to a new setting, with the singer arriving somewhere and being greeted by a crowd of people who, as we learn later, are there to "idolize" them. (This verse and the next seem to take place in Japan- hence the comment about "your Japanese scream.") The singer is unimpressed, finding the other person's way of speaking annoying. They then reflect briefly on how long it's been since they've "left the shed," before making a kind of morbid joke about the fact that they are getting older. The phrase "kick the bucket" is a common way of saying someone has died, while "old is the grave" suggests that aging is inevitable and, therefore, a little bit boring.
Overall, "The Bucket" seems to be edging toward a kind of nihilism- the singer is a young person who is already feeling restless and dissatisfied with a lot of what they encounter in the world. However, they're also clearly interested in creating a persona for themselves- there's a lot of bravado and posturing in these lyrics. It is open to interpretation if the singer is someone who is unable to find meaning in their life, is mocking the trappings of fame, or is malcontent with their current situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be the one to show you the way
I will guide you towards something you may otherwise not have known or noticed.
You'll be the one to always complain
You tend to be negative and express dissatisfaction frequently.
Three in the morning, come a-bang-bang-bang
It is 3:00 a.m. and there is a loud noise, like someone knocking on the door.
All out of fags and I just can't wait
I've run out of cigarettes and I'm in desperate need of more.
Cancel the thing that I said I'd do
The plans I had previously agreed to are now no longer happening.
I don't feel comfortable talking to you
Being around you makes me uneasy or awkward.
Unless you got the zipper fixed on my shoe
I'm not interested in having a conversation with you unless you have resolved the issue I've mentioned.
Then I'll be in the lobby drinking for two
Once my problems are solved, I'll be in the lobby, having drinks for two people.
Eighteen, balding, star
I was successful at a young age, but now I'm starting to lose my hair and age is catching up to me.
Golden, fallen heart
I may have had a successful past, but my heart is now broken or damaged.
Look at the shakies, what's with the blush?
You seem nervous or shaky and there's a noticeable redness in your face.
Fresh off the plane in my fuzzy rush
I've just arrived in a hurry and am feeling disoriented or hazy.
Everyone's gathered to idolize me
Many people have come together to admire and celebrate me.
I hate the way you talk, your Japanese scream
I don't like the sound of your voice or the way you pronounce things.
It's been too long since I've left the shed
I've been stuck or isolated in the same place for too long and need a change of scenery.
You kick the bucket, I'll swing my legs
If you die, I'll keep on living, unaffected.
Always remember the pact that we made
Don't forget the promise we vowed to keep.
Too young to die, but old is the grave
We still have a lot of life to live, but death is always close by.
I'ma gonna show the way
I'm going to guide or lead the way.
I'ma gonna show the way
I'm going to guide or lead the way.
I'ma gonna show the way
I'm going to guide or lead the way.
I'ma gonna show the way
I'm going to guide or lead the way.
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..