The band released their third full length album, Mountains Beaches Cities, via BMG on September 10th, 2013. The project was self-produced by Moon Taxi’s own guitarist Spencer Thomson with the help of keyboardist Wes Bailey and was mixed by Vance Powell (Jack White, The Dead Weather) and mastered by Greg Calbi (Talking Heads, Paul Simon, Fleet Foxes). Extensive touring with their raucous live show helped to land them debut performances on the Late Show With David Letterman and CONAN, plus major music festivals appearances at: Bonnaroo, Shaky Knees, Hangout, FireFly, Lollapalooza, Forecastle and more. Moon Taxi has previously toured with Matisyahu, and White Denim. The band’s songs have been featured in a number of TV shows and films including: ABC’s Nashville, MLB Network’s World Series 2013 show Path to the Championship, an HBO fight promo, plus the independent film Zero to 100.
Southern Trance
Moon Taxi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lit up by moonshine
Something put me in a southern trance
Throw caution
To the wind
And leave everything up to chance
Im gonna go out on a limb
Make no bones about it
Jasmine bloom
Such a proper debuatant
And Carolina
All along
Giving in to what we want
Im gonna go out on a limb
So make no bones about it
Woah.
Something put me in a southern trance
Leave everything up to chance
Whoa
Tipsy
Mint julep
Something rowdy in the air
And wild rivers
Out of control
Rolling down through market square
Im gonna go out on a limb
So make no bones about it
Whoa
Something put me in a southern trance
Leave everything up to chance
Whoa
Something put me in southern trace
Whoa
Such a spell ive fallen in
Deeper than ive ever been
And im not scared of giving in
Woah something put me in a southern trance
Leave everything up to chance
Woah something put me in a southern trance
In “Southern Trance,” Moon Taxi sings about being enamored by the South, and allowing themselves to be swept away by its charms. The first verse starts with the singer being naked and lit up by moonshine, which sets the tone of vulnerability and spontaneity throughout the song. The lyrics “something put me in a southern trance” demonstrate how the South has a way of captivating and enchanting people through its culture, scenery, and hospitality.
The second verse mentions Georgia and Carolina, two of the most iconic states in the South. Georgia is described as having a proper demeanor with the jasmine bloom. While Carolina represents the more rebellious side, as they are “giving in to what we want.” Together, these two states showcase the duality of the South, which can be both proper and rebellious, traditional and progressive, and everything in between.
The third verse takes on a wilder tone, mentioning the tipsy mint julep and the wild rivers out of control, which symbolize the untamed nature of the South. The lyrics “rolling down through market square” could also refer to the bustling and lively scene of Southern cities or the traditions of farmers’ markets and outdoor festivals. The entire song is a testament to the love and admiration that many have for the South, its culture and lifestyle, and the willingness to let go and indulge in it fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Naked,
Vulnerable and exposed.
Lit up by moonshine
Intoxicated by the southern night and its beauty.
Something put me in a southern trance
Feeling hypnotized by the charm of the southern lifestyle.
Throw caution
Take risks.
To the wind
Without hesitation or caution.
And leave everything up to chance
Relinquish control and let fate take the wheel.
Im gonna go out on a limb
Take a chance and try something new.
Make no bones about it
Be straightforward and honest about what you want.
Georgia,
Referring to the state of Georgia in the southern United States.
Jasmine bloom
A delicate and fragrant flower, often associated with southern charm.
Such a proper debutant
Referring to a young woman who embodies the traditional values of southern society.
And Carolina
Referring to the state of North Carolina or South Carolina in the southern United States.
All along
Throughout the journey or experience.
Giving in to what we want
Feeling free to fully embrace our desires and let go of inhibitions.
Woah.
Exclamation of surprise or amazement.
Tipsy
Slightly intoxicated.
Mint julep
A classic southern cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, and mint.
Something rowdy in the air
Feeling an energy or excitement that is uncontainable.
And wild rivers
Referring to the untamed and natural beauty of the southern landscape.
Out of control
Exceeding expectations or going beyond what is normal or expected.
Rolling down through market square
Describing the movement and flow of the river or water in a public area of the town.
Whoa
Exclamation of surprise or amazement.
Something put me in southern trance
Feeling hypnotized by the charm of the southern lifestyle.
Leave everything up to chance
Relinquish control and let fate take the wheel.
Whoa
Exclamation of surprise or amazement.
Something put me in a southern trance
Feeling hypnotized by the charm of the southern lifestyle.
Such a spell ive fallen in
Feeling completely enamored or under the influence of the southern charm.
Deeper than ive ever been
Experiencing a level of attraction or admiration far beyond what has been felt before.
And im not scared of giving in
Feeling liberated and free to fully embrace the southern lifestyle and culture.
Woah something put me in a southern trance
Feeling hypnotized by the charm of the southern lifestyle.
Leave everything up to chance
Relinquish control and let fate take the wheel.
Woah something put me in a southern trance
Feeling hypnotized by the charm of the southern lifestyle.
Writer(s): Thomas Putnam, Tyler Ritter, Trevor Terndrup, Wes Bailey, Spencer Thomson
Contributed by Leah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.