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.
YES
Murder by Death Lyrics
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Let her go, let her go
You got no need to feel so guilty
Let her go, let her go
Yes, everyone comes and goes
White in the head, before we know
Set things right before you go
You wake up feeling she's still with you
Let her go, let her go
But all you see's an empty room
Let her go, let her go
Yes, everyone comes and goes
White in the head, before we know
Set things right before you go
Let the people you love know
You pressed your face against her headstone
Offered up a prayer for others like her
The trees were bare when mama left us now they bloom and fruit
On Sunday morning when the church bells ring
And the laundry's flapping in the southern breeze
The choir's howling and your mama's saying:
Don't take it so hard
Don't take it so bad
Think of the good times
That we had
And now you follow in her footsteps
Walk the same steps that she walked in
Beg of gods both low and mighty that she might return
You offer up the words but they just burn your tongue
Yes, everyone comes and goes
White in the head, before we know
Set things right before you go
Let the people you love know
Yes, everyone comes and goes
White in the head, before we know
Make amends before it gets worse
If the heartache don't get you first
If the heartache don't get you first
If the heartache don't get you first
If the heartache don't get you first
If the heartache don't get you first
The song "Yes" by Murder By Death revolves around the theme of loss and moving on. The opening two lines - "Your mama's singing with the angels, Let her go, let her go" - indicate that the song is about a deceased loved one. The lyrics advise the listener to let go of their guilt and feel relieved that their loved one is in a better place. There is a sense of acceptance that everyone comes and goes, which is further emphasized in the next line - "White in the head, before we know". This could possibly refer to the inevitability of death and how it can strike anyone at any time.
The advice to "set things right before you go" suggests that it is better to resolve any misunderstandings or conflicts with loved ones while they are still alive rather than regret it later. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of expressing love to the people we care about, and not to take anyone for granted. The emotions conveyed in this song are poignant and relatable, addressing one of the most universal experiences we all face.
Line by Line Meaning
Your mama's singing with the angels
Your mother has passed away and is now in heaven.
Let her go, let her go
You need to accept your mother's passing and move on.
You got no need to feel so guilty
You shouldn't feel guilty that your mother has passed, as it is a natural part of life.
Yes, everyone comes and goes
Death is a natural part of life and everyone will experience it at some point.
White in the head, before we know
Death can come unexpectedly and without warning.
Set things right before you go
It is important to make amends and tie up loose ends before one's own death.
Let the people you love know
It is important to express love and appreciation to those close to us before it's too late.
You wake up feeling she's still with you
You are experiencing grief and longing for your mother who has passed.
But all you see's an empty room
You are reminded of her absence and are struggling to come to terms with it.
You pressed your face against her headstone
You are visiting your mother's grave and paying your respects.
Offered up a prayer for others like her
You are wishing peace and comfort for others who have lost loved ones.
The trees were bare when mama left us now they bloom and fruit
Time has passed since your mother's passing and life goes on.
On Sunday morning when the church bells ring
You attend church on Sundays and find solace in faith.
And the laundry's flapping in the southern breeze
You observe the mundane but comforting sights of everyday life.
The choir's howling and your mama's saying:
You imagine your mother's voice and feel her presence in moments of comfort.
Don't take it so hard
Your mother would not want you to be consumed by grief and sadness.
Don't take it so bad
You should not blame yourself or others for your mother's passing.
Think of the good times
Focus on happy memories of your mother to find comfort and peace.
And now you follow in her footsteps
You are continuing your mother's legacy and living your life as she would have wanted.
Walk the same steps that she walked in
You are honoring your mother's memory by living a life she would have been proud of.
Beg of gods both low and mighty that she might return
You are struggling to come to terms with the finality of your mother's passing and wish for her return.
You offer up the words but they just burn your tongue
Your prayers for your mother's return feel futile and painful.
Make amends before it gets worse
It is important to resolve conflicts and make things right before it's too late.
If the heartache don't get you first
Unresolved issues and regrets can lead to pain and heartache.
Contributed by Callie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.