Murder by Death released its first studio album (Like the Exorcist, but More Breakdancing) in 2002, and has since released seven more studio albums. The band's current lineup consists of two founding members, Adam Turla and Sarah Balliet. Balliet plays cello for the band, an instrument that has been present consistently throughout the band's evolution. Murder by Death's 2012 album Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon reached #76 on the Billboard 200, making it the band's most successful release.
Murder by Death was formed in 2000 in Bloomington, Indiana, by guitarist Adam Turla, cellist Sarah Balliet, percussionist Alexander Schrodt, keyboardist Vincent Edwards, and bassist Matt Armstrong. One of the group's first shows was at the Channing-Murray Foundation's cafe The Red Herring in Urbana, Illinois, with former American Football drummer Steve Lamos' solo project DMS. After the show, the head of the TEAM AV record label with which Lamos was working offered to help Turla and his bandmates secure additional shows. Around the same time the band met Thursday vocalist, Geoff Rickly, when the two bands played on the same bill at a gig in their hometown of Bloomington. Rickly introduced the band, known at the time as Little Joe Gould, to his friend Alex Saavedra (owner of Eyeball Records), who also took an interest in the band. In 2001 the band self-released the eponymous Little Joe Gould EP and early the next year contributed the song "I'm Afraid of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" to the TEAM AV compilation Foreign Nationals. A short time later the group changed their name to Murder By Death, which they felt better represented their sound.
Murder by Death plays a range of music including instrumentals, rock and alt.country. The band uses cello (with an electric cello for live shows) to create a gothic sound with occasional Western references.
The band often arranges themes such as whiskey and the Devil into concept albums. For example, the band's second album, Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?, describes a story in which the Devil wages war against a small village in Mexico.
Kentucky Bourbon
Murder By Death Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That we don't get to make
Like who's your pa, where your from
And when the leaves are down it's time to rake
But you can choose your drinking partner
And mine ain't from Tennessee
Yes, it's straight Kentucky bourbon for me
The lyrics of Murder by Death's song Kentucky Bourbon reflect on the idea that life presents us with certain limitations and lack of control over certain aspects such as family origins and seasonal responsibilities, but it also emphasizes on the power of choice when it comes to choosing one's drinking partner. The song mentions that this partner in question is not from the neighboring state of Tennessee, but rather someone who appreciates and shares a love for straight Kentucky bourbon. The repetition of the phrase "it's sweet Kentucky bourbon for me" further emphasizes the strong preference for this type of drink and the pride in this choice.
The song can be interpreted in multiple ways. It could reflect on the importance of finding someone who shares similar interests and preferences, or it could simply be a celebration of the classic American drink, bourbon. It could also be seen as a commentary on the role of alcohol in society and how it brings people together. Whatever the interpretation may be, the lyrics are poetic and thought-provoking, and the melody complements the nostalgic and soulful mood of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
There are many choices in this life
Life presents us with various options and opportunities.
That we don't get to make
However, some decisions are predetermined, and we have no authority over them.
Like who's your pa, where your from
Factors like parentage and birthplace are predetermined and beyond our control.
And when the leaves are down it's time to rake
Life has a cycle, and every stage has its responsibilities and obligations.
But you can choose your drinking partner
However, we have the freedom to select our companions in our leisure time.
And mine ain't from Tennessee
The singer has a preference for a particular type of drinking partner.
Yes, it's straight Kentucky bourbon for me
The singer's drink of choice is Kentucky bourbon, precisely without being mixed with anything else.
Oh yes, it's sweet Kentucky bourbon for me
The artist enjoys the taste of the Kentucky bourbon and has a preference for it.
Contributed by Ian F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bourbon & Banter
Love it!
Judita
What a great reminder!