Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan … Read Full Bio ↴Pedro the Lion is an indie rock band from Seattle, Washington. David Bazan formed the band in 1995 and represented its main creative force, backed by a varying rotation of collaborating musicians. After a shifting lineup, Pedro the Lion finally eventually became a one-man outfit. That man is David Bazan. A Seattle native, Bazan cut his teeth playing in hardcore bands before forming Pedro in 1995, taking the band's name from a character he made up for a possible children's book. Under the moniker of Pedro the Lion, Bazan creates melodic pop in the vein of Bedhead, Hayden, and Sebadoh, with a lyrical focus on relationships -- with both other people and God.

Bands With Managers
Pedro the Lion Lyrics

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Bands with managers are going places
Bands with messy hair and smooth white faces
You don't believe when I say
It won't be alright
Vans with fifteen passengers are rolling over
But I trust t. william walsh
And I'm not afraid to die

Overall Meaning

The song "Bands With Managers" by Pedro the Lion is a commentary on the music industry and the perception of success within it. The lyrics suggest that bands with managers are more likely to succeed, despite their appearance or actual talents. The reference to "messy hair and smooth white faces" implies that image and privilege play a role in getting ahead, whereas talent and hard work may be overlooked.

The verse about vans rolling over highlights the danger and sacrifice that come with touring, but the singer still trusts their manager, T. William Walsh, and is not afraid to die for their art. The overall tone of the song is cynical and resigned, suggesting that success in the music industry is not always attainable through pure merit.

Overall, the song is a critique of the shallow and cutthroat nature of the music industry, and the pressure to conform to certain standards of appearance and image in order to succeed.

Line by Line Meaning

Bands with managers are going places
Bands that have professional management are more likely to succeed and achieve their goals

Bands with messy hair and smooth white faces
A band's physical appearance holds no correlation to their level of success

You don't believe when I say
The singer is expressing frustration that their audience is unable to see the value in their message or opinion

It won't be alright
The artist is predicting a negative outcome or future for the situation they are in or discussing

Vans with fifteen passengers are rolling over
The dangers and risks that come with being in a touring band are significant

But I trust t. william walsh
The singer has faith and confidence in a specific person or entity to help them navigate the challenges they face

And I'm not afraid to die
The singer is willing to take risks and face potential danger in pursuit of their goals and dreams

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID SHANNON BAZAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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