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'.
Snowflakes Are Dancing
Kurt Vile Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He told me something, he told me everything
Through my dark day, he led the way
Again I stray away, again I stay
There is but one true love, within my heart
There is but one man, that I am
When I'm away out there, I wanna go home
Snowflakes are dancing, this man is pumping
Headphones are loud, chilling on a pillowy cloud
Comfort of codeine, and Springsteen pristine
You should sing just whatever
comes around
In the opening lines of the song, "Snowflakes Are Dancing," Kurt Vile speaks of receiving help from a "tin man," who was most likely a reference to the character from "The Wizard of Oz." The tin man represents a guide who has provided him with everything he needs to make it through tough times. Through dark days and hardships, the tin man has been a beacon of light, ultimately leading him to where he needs to be. However, at times Vile admits to straying from the path he has been provided, only to find his way back again.
The second verse of the song delves into the idea of true love, something everyone searches for, and within Vile's heart, there is but one true love. However, there is one man he is, which may signify that the love he speaks of is not for an actual person, but rather a passion or a purpose. When he is away from this purpose or passion, he longs to return home, yet when he is home, his mind remains elsewhere.
The last verse of the song portrays a scene of peace and relaxation, as snowflakes dance around him. He's in a tranquil state, with loud headphones and codeine providing comfort, while Bruce Springsteen's music plays in the background. Vile encourages the listener to sing whatever comes around, inviting them to create something beautiful for themselves and others to enjoy.
Line by Line Meaning
Bought a ticket from a tin man, he was my main man
I acquired a ticket from a reliable source, who I trusted completely
He told me something, he told me everything
He shared with me the knowledge and wisdom necessary to face all of life's challenges
Through my dark day, he led the way
Despite my hardships, he guided me with unwavering support
Again I stray away, again I stay
I may wander aimlessly at times, but I always come back to my core beliefs
There is but one true love, within my heart
My heart holds an undying love for one special person
There is but one man, that I am
I am who I am, and there is only one version of myself
When I'm away out there, I wanna go home
No matter how far I travel, I always long for the familiar comfort of home
When I am home, my head stays out there
Even when I am physically at home, my mind is often elsewhere
Snowflakes are dancing, this man is pumping
The snowflakes outside are gracefully falling, while I am dancing and feeling energized
Headphones are loud, chilling on a pillowy cloud
I am listening to music on my headphones, feeling relaxed and carefree
Comfort of codeine, and Springsteen pristine
I find comfort in taking codeine, while also enjoying the pristine sounds of Bruce Springsteen's music
You should sing just whatever
It's important to express oneself freely, without caring about what others may think or say
Lyrics © BEGGARS MUSIC, LTD.
Written by: KURT SAMUEL VILE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gren Marton
on Wheelhouse
Sometimes I talk too much but I gotta get it out
But I don’t wanna talk, I only wanna listen
My baby talks soft, my ears are always ringing now
Humming a sad song when I’m alone
But you gotta be alone to figure things out sometimes
Be alone, when even in a crowd of friends and not so
Sometimes of whom you just can’t distinguish but
Thank god for the former, yeah
Some bow down a hundred times a day or more
To find a way, to get back down to the temple one day
Find the temple, to bask in the glory of
Roll around on a floor of furry carpet then
Sleep soundly for the first time in forever and
Breathing deep inside
There’s a desert down below the earth’s core
A hidden staircase in the house that you reside in
A little something from the cupboard over there
A little medicine, it’s a medication situation
Some bow down a hundred times a day or more
To find a way, to get back down to the temple one day
Find the temple, to bask in the glory of
Roll around on a floor of furry carpet then
Sleep soundly for the first time in forever and
Breathing deep inside