The band self-released their first album, Stars Too Small to Use, which led them to the South by Southwest music festival. After recording their first album in a garage, they signed with Jagjaguwar. Okkervil River continued by releasing four more albums, including critically lauded concept album Black Sheep Boy.
After a period of touring for Black Sheep Boy, Okkervil River followed up with The Stage Names. The album sold 10,000 in its opening week in the United States. The group released a free covers album, Golden Opportunities Mixtape from their live performances.
The band has garnered positive critical reception. Especially noted are each song's lyrics, intricate instrumentation, and thematic albums. In addition, they were featured on the talk show Late Night with Conan O'Brien and have performed with high profile bands such as The Decemberists, The New Pornographers, The National, and Lou Reed.
Okkervil River released their most recent album The Silver Gymnasium on September 3, 2013.
Discography:
* 1998 Bedroom EP – Jound
* 1999 Stars Too Small to Use - Jound
* 2002 Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See - Jagjaguwar
* 2003 Down the River of Golden Dreams - Jagjaguwar
* 2003 Julie Doiron/Okkervil River (A split CD with Julie Dorion) - Acuarela
* 2004 Sleep and Wake-Up Songs (EP) - Jagjaguwar
* 2004 Sham Wedding/Hoax Funeral (A split CD with Shearwater) - Jagjaguwar
* 2005 Black Sheep Boy - Jagjaguwar
* 2005 Black Sheep Boy Appendix (EP) - Jagjaguwar
* 2006 Overboard and Down (EP) – Inertia, Australia-only tour EP
* 2007 The Stage Names - Jagjaguwar
* 2008 The Stand-Ins - Jagjaguwar
* 2011 I Am Very Far - Jagjaguwar
* 2013 The Silver Gymnasium - ATO Records
* 2016 Away - ATO Records
* 2018 In The Rainbow Rain - ATO Records
Current band members:
* Will Sheff - acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica (keyboard occasionally)
* Travis Nelsen - drums, misc. percussion
* Scott Brackett - trumpet, coronet, keyboards, organ, tape player, misc. percussion
* Patrick Pestorius - bass, piano, woodblocks
* Justin Sherburn - keys, guitar
* Lauren Gurgiolo - electric guitar, pedal steel, mandolin
Past band members:
* Seth Warren - guitar
* Zachary Thomas - vocals, bass
* Jonathan Meiburg - vocals, banjo, guitar, accordion, piano, organ
* Mark Pedini - drums
* Brian Cassidy - electric guitar, pedal steel, mandolin, melodica (keyboard and accordion when on tour without Jonathan)
Your Past Life as a Blast
Okkervil River Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A blast of light. A brace of cheers.
A house of wild accolades
evaporating on an August night
I'm looking out into the sound.
I'm breathing deep. I'm turning around.
I'm saying,
I'm thinking,
'Touch my wrist. It's shaking just like someday
baby when we're older.'
I'm wishing:
'Cash will be inside our kisses, someday,
maybe, baby when I'm gold.'
Your hair is thin and light
as a white forest fire in summertime.
Your throat, where it's exposed, looks like a crime,
I'll sneak-up slow and whisper quiet.
Your pretty face looks like an island
rising from a sea that's slowly drying.
When I'm saying,
"Do you want to sail out in the silence?"
I'm asking,
"Will you come over here and do me violence?"
Press your ear up to my wrist
the blood is racing some way, going wherever,
and I'm saying,
"Will you stand up tall and be my shelter?"
How will we go, what do you think?
Into the dust? Into the drink?
You slipped your fears into my head,
some midnight freeway ride along with Jennifer.
Hotels, jails, hospital details.
The highway hugs the water.
I had to cross a field of screaming fire
to see the moonlight on the river.
I'm saying,
"Do you want to come and make me shiver?"
I'm thinking,
'Squeeze my arm and feel it pull away like someday,
baby, when we differ.'
I'll tell you what I didn't say.
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him.
You tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them about the way you really loved her.
And we'll shake it, shake it,
shake it off, and take another.
Because no one
is going to stop me from loving my brother,
not even my brother.
In "Your Past Life as a Blast," Okkervil River singer-songwriter Will Sheff reflects on memories that are simultaneously beautiful and painful. The song appears to be a conversation with someone he was close to in the past but has since grown estranged from, maybe even a sibling. He recollects a moment of euphoria in the past, "A house of wild accolades / evaporating on an August night," before later lamenting the ways that time has eroded the relationship. He remembers the person's physical attributes, a thinning hairline and neck that appears "like a crime," but ultimately confronts the dissonance between their past selves and who they are now. As the song’s climax approaches, Sheff is left to ponder whether to hold on to the beauty of the past or push forward into the unknown future, "How will we go, what do you think? / Into the dust? Into the drink?"
Line by Line Meaning
Your life, back in a banner year.
Your past, when you were at your peak.
A blast of light. A brace of cheers.
You experienced great joy and appreciation.
A house of wild accolades
evaporating on an August night
The recognition and praise you received were short-lived.
I'm looking out into the sound.
I'm breathing deep. I'm turning around.
I'm taking in the beauty of the surroundings and feeling introspective.
I'm saying,
"Do you want to swim out to that island?"
I'm inviting you to share an adventure with me.
I'm thinking,
'Touch my wrist. It's shaking just like someday
baby when we're older.'
I'm acknowledging the vulnerability of our youth and anticipating the future.
I'm wishing:
'Cash will be inside our kisses, someday,
maybe, baby when I'm gold.'
I'm dreaming of a future where our love is profitable and valuable.
Your hair is thin and light
as a white forest fire in summertime.
Your hair is striking and bold.
Your throat, where it's exposed, looks like a crime,
I'll sneak-up slow and whisper quiet.
Your vulnerability is alluring to me.
Your pretty face looks like an island
rising from a sea that's slowly drying.
Your beauty is unique and precious.
When I'm saying,
"Do you want to sail out in the silence?"
I'm suggesting we take a peaceful, romantic journey together.
I'm asking,
"Will you come over here and do me violence?"
I'm playfully suggesting we engage in a passionate encounter.
Press your ear up to my wrist
the blood is racing some way, going wherever,
and I'm saying,
"Will you stand up tall and be my shelter?"
Listen to my heartbeat and commit to being my emotional support.
How will we go, what do you think?
Into the dust? Into the drink?
Our future is uncertain and full of possibilities.
You slipped your fears into my head,
some midnight freeway ride along with Jennifer.
You shared your deepest insecurities with me during a vulnerable moment.
Hotels, jails, hospital details.
The highway hugs the water.
We've been through difficult times together, but nature provides comfort.
I had to cross a field of screaming fire
to see the moonlight on the river.
I had to endure hardship to experience the beauty and peace of nature.
I'm saying,
"Do you want to come and make me shiver?"
I'm inviting you to push me out of my comfort zone.
I'm thinking,
'Squeeze my arm and feel it pull away like someday,
baby, when we differ.'
I'm acknowledging that our relationship may not always be easy or comfortable.
I'll tell you what I didn't say.
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him.
I'll confide in you about something I've kept hidden.
You tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them about the way you really loved her.
You share your own truths and emotions with those around you.
And we'll shake it, shake it,
shake it off, and take another.
We'll overcome challenges and move forward together.
Because no one
is going to stop me from loving my brother,
not even my brother.
I am committed to loving my family unconditionally, regardless of any conflicts or obstacles.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@a.s2791
Your life, back in a banner year
A blast of light, a brace of cheers
A house of wild accolades
Evaporating on an August night
I'm looking out into the sound
I'm breathing deep, I'm turning 'round
(I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to swim out to that island?"
(I'm thinking,)
Touch my wrist. It's shaking just like someday
baby when we're older.
(I'm wishing:)
Cash will be inside our kisses, someday,
maybe, baby when I'm gold.
Your hair is thin and light
As a white forest fire in summertime
Your throat, where it's exposed
Looks like a crime
I'll sneak-up slow and whisper quiet
Your pretty face looks like an island
Rising from a sea that's slowly drying
(When I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to sail out in the silence?"
(I'm asking,)
"Will ya, will ya come over here and do me violence?"
Press your ear up to my wrist
the blood is racing some way, going wherever,
(I'm saying,)
"Will ya, will ya stand up tall and be my shelter?"
How will we go? What do you think?
Into the dust? Into the drink?
You slipped your fears into my head
Some midnight freeway ride along with Jennifer
Hotels, jails, hospital details
The highway hugs the water
I had to cross a field of seething fire
To see the moonlight on the river
(I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to come and make me shiver?"
(I'm thinking,)
Squeeze my arm and feel it pull away like someday,
baby, when we differ.
I'll tell you what I didn't say
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him
You tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them 'bout the way you really loved her
Shake it, shake it, shake it off
And take another
'Cause no one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
'Cause no one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
Not even my brother
@capie44
Your life, back in a banner year.
A blast of light. A brace of cheers.
A house of wild accolades
evaporating on an August night
I'm looking out into the sound.
I'm breathing deep. I'm turning around.
I'm saying,
"Do you want to swim out to that island?"
I'm thinking,
'Touch my wrist. It's shaking just like someday
baby when we're older.'
I'm wishing:
'Cash will be inside our kisses, someday,
maybe, baby when I'm gold.'
Your hair is thin and light
as a white forest fire in summertime.
Your throat, where it's exposed, looks like a crime,
I'll sneak-up slow and whisper quiet.
Your pretty face looks like an island
rising from a sea that's slowly drying.
When I'm saying,
"Do you want to sail out in the silence?"
I'm asking,
"Will you come over here and do me violence?"
Press your ear up to my wrist
the blood is racing some way, going wherever,
and I'm saying,
"Will you stand up tall and be my shelter?"
How will we go, what do you think?
Into the dust? Into the drink?
You slipped your fears into my head,
some midnight freeway ride along with Jennifer.
Hotels, jails, hospital details.
The highway hugs the water.
I had to cross a field of screaming fire
to see the moonlight on the river.
I'm saying,
"Do you want to come and make me shiver?"
I'm thinking,
'Squeeze my arm and feel it pull away like someday,
baby, when we differ.'
I'll tell you what I didn't say.
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him.
You tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them about the way you really loved her.
And we'll shake it, shake it,
shake it off, and take another.
Because no one
is going to stop me from loving my brother,
not even my brother.
Source: LyricFind
Your Past Life as a Blast lyrics © Words & Music A Div Of Big Deal Music LLC
@capie44
Unashamedly stole this bc I couldn't put it better:
Song Meaning:
I think references to "she" and "Jennifer" are to the girl and references of "him" are to the brother. It sounds like they both fell for the same girl. In the end he says they should, "Shake it off" and "find another", because he really "misses him."
However, the brother doesn't make the same decision ...
clovuson August 08, 2012 Link
**************
However, he definitely has a conversation with himself and decides to back-off so he is not in his brother's way and/or risk a rift that will be long in mending.
I'll tell you what I didn't say.
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him.
You [self] tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them about the way you really loved her.
And we'll shake it, shake it,
shake it off, and take another.
@TheGlssr60
Ever have one of those really great dreams and when you wake up you still have that feeling that everything in the world was right until that feeling fades away? I get that same inexplicable feeling of nostalgia whenever I hear this song. The official video may be a contributing factor since it appears to be filmed from a time when I was a boy back in the late 60's or early 70's. What a great song.
@joshuajones641
One of the best tunes ever, always greatly enjoyed this song.
@smosbystintsfire5487
this is such a Major song right now. the lyrics are cool; really makes me want to pick their brains. man, this songs make me want to Liv life Moore. i feel like thinking Low ol' day. brotha
@capie44
It's drifting toward the time when real music was being made by what the audiences wanted and without a computer dictating what will sell.
It also respects the voice with the instruments like pre-1985.
It's no surprise it is popular with you and I.👍
The group may be using modern, digital instruments and computers, but they've kept the music to original band instruments of the late 60's -- just before "Sgt Peppers" was released.
@SaraLanc3
@capie44 u missed the joke but true
@capie44
@bobb : I didn't. I agreed with you. 👌🏻
Just wanted to throw in some trivia.
Sorry it didn't take.
But Spring is rollin' in!
So take a drive by the river with Jennifer 😉
.
@midknightgeek6629
iZombie lead me here as well. A surprise show with a great cast, script as well as a great choice of music, as shown here with this this song.
The song is wonderful on its own, but with the video it becomes one of the most touching tributes to life and love that I've seen in recent memory.
Not sure who the people in the home movies were but they sure enjoyed and loved their kids. And the kids certainly look to have lived life to the fullest.
Thank you for the glimpse into that happy place of memories past!
@noreypederson9579
me too!
@a.s2791
Your life, back in a banner year
A blast of light, a brace of cheers
A house of wild accolades
Evaporating on an August night
I'm looking out into the sound
I'm breathing deep, I'm turning 'round
(I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to swim out to that island?"
(I'm thinking,)
Touch my wrist. It's shaking just like someday
baby when we're older.
(I'm wishing:)
Cash will be inside our kisses, someday,
maybe, baby when I'm gold.
Your hair is thin and light
As a white forest fire in summertime
Your throat, where it's exposed
Looks like a crime
I'll sneak-up slow and whisper quiet
Your pretty face looks like an island
Rising from a sea that's slowly drying
(When I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to sail out in the silence?"
(I'm asking,)
"Will ya, will ya come over here and do me violence?"
Press your ear up to my wrist
the blood is racing some way, going wherever,
(I'm saying,)
"Will ya, will ya stand up tall and be my shelter?"
How will we go? What do you think?
Into the dust? Into the drink?
You slipped your fears into my head
Some midnight freeway ride along with Jennifer
Hotels, jails, hospital details
The highway hugs the water
I had to cross a field of seething fire
To see the moonlight on the river
(I'm saying,)
"Do ya, do ya want to come and make me shiver?"
(I'm thinking,)
Squeeze my arm and feel it pull away like someday,
baby, when we differ.
I'll tell you what I didn't say
I'll tell you about the way I really miss him
You tell them what you want to tell them.
Tell them 'bout the way you really loved her
Shake it, shake it, shake it off
And take another
'Cause no one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
'Cause no one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
No one, no one is going to stop me
From loving my brother
Not even my brother
@jessicahesse7975
Dear Will Sheff and Okkervil River, I love you. Thank you for making such amazing music. XOXO