Though his name is sometimes assumed to be a pseudonym due to its similarity to German composer Kurt Weill, it is in fact his birth name, as given by his parents Donna and Charles Vile.
Vile began his musical career in 2003 creating lo-fi home recordings with frequent collaborator Adam Granduciel. The duo subsequently formed the indie rock band The War on Drugs in 2005. Vile departed following the release of their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008.
Vile's music has been likened to Bruce Springsteen, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty. His first album for Matador, titled Childish Prodigy was released in October 2009. Prior to signing with Matador, Vile released two albums, God Is Saying This To You and Constant Hitmaker, on Mexican Summer and Woodsist, respectively. He plays both solo shows as well as shows with a backing band called The Violators.
Smoke Ring For My Halo, released in March of 2011, is Kurt Vile's fourth album and second official release for Matador Records. Uncut placed the album at number 14 on its list of "Top 50 albums of 2011" and garnered Vile the iTunes #Rewind2011 Singer/Songwriter Album of the Year. Vile followed up the widely acclaimed album with the six-song EP release, So Outta Reach, in November of the same year. The EP was composed of tracks originating from the same sessions that birthed Smoke Ring for My Halo. So Outta Reach includes the single 'The Creature', acknowledged as one of Vile's best, and a driving rock cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'Downbound Train'.
KV Crimes
Kurt Vile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you risk it exploding all over
Well you better get over this one
Put a load on
The time has come and i believe I've come to
For to tell you for somethings always in the way
Well alright, what now
Roughly I'll
Crestfallen
Dejected and police coast crush
Daydreaming through the dark days
Club Monte on holiday
Witha moon too a hole
Space partners
For me to tell
you what these lyrics mean, I can only interpret them based on my own understanding and perspective. "KV Crimes" by Kurt Vile is a song that seems to be dealing with personal struggles and emotional turmoil. The first verse, "I should have known my heart is overgrown, Do you risk it exploding all over, Well you better get over this one, Put a load on," could be interpreted as someone feeling overwhelmed by their feelings, and possibly being afraid of expressing them or letting them consume them entirely. The line "Put a load on" could be seen as a suggestion to try and shoulder the heavy burden of these emotions, rather than letting them control you.
The second verse, "The time has come and I believe I've come to, For to tell you for somethings always in the way, Well alright, what now, It's fine to think I'm ready to claim what's mine, Roughly I'll," could be interpreted as the singer coming to terms with something that has been blocking them or holding them back. They acknowledge that there are obstacles in their way, but they also seem determined to face them head-on and claim what is rightfully theirs, whatever that may be. The line "Roughly I'll" leaves the phrase open-ended, as if the singer is unsure of what exactly they will do next or how things will turn out.
Overall, "KV Crimes" seems to be a reflection on the ups and downs of life, and the emotional toll that can take on a person. The lyrics are somewhat abstract, but they create a mood of introspection and contemplation. The song is carried by the dreamy melody and Kurt Vile's distinct voice, creating a melancholy yet catchy tune that will leave you with a lot to think about.
Line by Line Meaning
I should have known my heart is overgrown
I should have been aware that my feelings for you would grow so strong
Do you risk it exploding all over
Are you prepared for my overflowing emotions and the possible consequences?
Well you better get over this one
You need to move past your doubts and fears about our relationship
Put a load on
Take on the burden of accepting my love and commitment
The time has come and i believe I've come to
I think it's finally time for me to tell you how I feel
For to tell you for somethings always in the way
I need to share my feelings despite there always being something holding me back
Well alright, what now
Ok, I've said it. What happens next?
It's fine to think I'm ready to claim what's mine
I'm ready to take ownership of my emotions and express them
Roughly I'll
I'll do my best, even if it's not perfectly smooth or easy
Crestfallen
Feeling sad, defeated, and disappointed
Dejected and police coast crush
Depressed and crushed by the weight of authority and social norms
Daydreaming through the dark days
Finding solace in imaginative thoughts during tough times
Club Monte on holiday
Going out to socialize and escape everyday life on a vacation
Witha moon too a hole
With the feeling that something is missing or not quite right
Space partners
Connecting with someone on a more profound, cosmic level
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: KURT SAMUEL VILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Samuel Powell
Kurt's lyrics in his songs are honestly some of the best I've heard, my music producer friend first played Kurt for me when we were studying at University together. I think everyone can relate to his messages. Thank you for waking me up Kurt. I also wanna throw my friend some love for showing me such amazing music, try searching Lonely Gimmick - All Along the Watchtower, it's such a great take on a classic song, he's really talented and I think he deserves more recognition for his work. He records it himself on his laptop.
rzeznikzpoludnia
His voice and music is so chillin' It's like a fresh air.
Gage Pearson
Played this a lot during some of the best days of my life. They were so good it’s almost hard to listen to now…
Never understand why guys like this don’t blow up the way pop-garbage stars do…
In It To Spin It
Crazy that a song like Never Run Away,which is great, has over 2 mill views and this masterpiece has under a mill. Easily one of my fav of the entire catalog. That "woo" and the guitar? Just sends me everytime.
Nick W
Kurt is my favourite artist by far
joao paulo vieira gomes
O Kurt Vile É Foda!
lady lo-fi
This video cracks me up! KV has an awesome sense of humor. Love it.
LAvsPORTLAND
I have a Kurt Vile tattoo. I met Kurt Vile. I have his entire discography on vinyl. My friends are very annoyed with me at this point. P.s. He's the nicest guy ever and my tattoo is the last verse of 'ghost town'.
Chad Grisham
I'm almost angry at what a cool idea for a tattoo that is, cuz now I want to do it but I can't Lol
Jvan
Thanks for the tattoo idea, am getting mine soon