Piebald was an indie/punk band formed in 1994 in Andover, Massachusetts. Pi… Read Full Bio ↴Piebald was an indie/punk band formed in 1994 in Andover, Massachusetts. Piebald started as a hardcore band in the same scene that produced legends Converge but later moved to the Boston suburb of Somerville and became a staple of the Greater Boston indie rock scene. Two members still live in the Boston area, while the other two now live in Los Angeles.

A turning point in Piebald's career came when they recorded seven tracks, and put them on the CD that came to be known as Sometimes Friends Fight. Their musical sound had greatly matured, and Travis' lyrical ability was finally brought to the forefront of the band's music. Another two seven-inches later, Piebald was ready for another metamorphosis.

Eleven tracks recorded at Salad Days became the first record to showcase Piebald's signature sound and wry jokes. Traditionally the most sought-after Piebald recording (before it was immortalized in its entirety on All Ages), When Life Hands You Lemons was considered to be Piebald's best music yet. This release furthered the lyrical style that had been growing within the band, and also showcased the first lead vocals by lead guitarist Aaron Stuart, and a piano track by Shettel.

Following If it Weren't for Venetian Blinds, It Would Be Curtains for Us All, Piebald released their most popular album to date, We Are the Only Friends We Have. It featured the single "American Hearts" which achieved a modicum of success, garnering some mention on MTV and college radio. This, together with the band's signing to respected indie label Big Wheel Recreation brought Piebald their most mainstream attention to that date. This trend was continued when the band signed to the very popular Side One Dummy label and released their next album, and when Piebald was chosen to play 2004's Warped Tour.

The following album, All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time, features noticeably improved vocals by singer Travis Shettel and continues their evolutionary progress toward the piano-driven fare they've tended towards over the last couple of releases, and features such additions as horn sections, increased use of vocal harmonies, and extremely catchy hand-claps.

Piebald's latest album, Accidental Gentleman was released in late January of 2007. Its mix of raw rock and roll and perfected lyricism, which has always set Piebald apart, shows the band at a peak for themselves and the rest of the music industry. With cover songs like the Kinks' "Strangers", front man Travis Shettel brings a whole new generation the universal truths famously broken down by the legendary Ray Davies into three minute pop songs.

Lead singer Travis Shettel has released solo recordrings under the name Totally Travis. Shettel is also a member of LA based The Was.

The band generally only tours during the summer due to lead singer Travis Shettel's day job as an elementary school teacher.

Piebald announced they would be breaking up following the end of their US tour with The Format, Limbeck, Steel Train and Reubens Accomplice. Piebald played their farewell tour in April 2008 with one stop in New York city and two in Cambridge, MA.

Part Of Your Body Is Made Out Of Rock
Piebald Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's a sunny day
But you still have made mistakes
The sunlight may not save you
Laying down pitch less hiss

Under green, green trees
Why would you want to make anybody's life harder
I wouldn't have guessed you had a heart of stone

The clothing store around the corner

May not carry your size
Looks like you may not make it till the end of the week
Remember high school
You and Jackie went swimming in the pond

Now all you do is eat and shave and sleep
Some fond quotations

In a book you may have read
Filter into your situation

Overall Meaning

Piebald's "Part of Your Body is Made out of Rock" is an introspective song that paints a vivid portrait of a person who is struggling with their self-worth and place in the world. The lyrics are poetic and haunting, with a sense of melancholy that pervades throughout. The song begins with the declaration that it is a sunny day, but that the singer has still made mistakes. The sunlight, which is often seen as a symbol of hope and renewal, will not save them from their troubles. They are consumed by a feeling of isolation and despair.

As the song continues, the singer is depicted as being surrounded by nature, specifically green trees. This is contrasted with the idea of making someone's life harder, suggesting a sense of guilt or regret. The lyrics suggest that the singer may have a heart of stone, but this is contradicted by the fact that they are still capable of feeling and remembering experiences from their past. The reference to Jackie, who they went swimming with in high school, suggests a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.

The lyrics go on to describe the singer's current situation, which is bleak and depressing. They are struggling to make ends meet, and it seems like they may not make it to the end of the week. There is a sense of hopelessness and resignation in their voice. The final lines of the song offer some consolation in the form of fond quotations from a book, which filter into their situation. Despite their struggles, there are still moments of beauty and wisdom to be found.

Line by Line Meaning

It's a sunny day
The external environment may seem pleasant

But you still have made mistakes
You have committed errors despite the favorable situation

The sunlight may not save you
External factors cannot rectify your errors

Laying down pitch less hiss
You are dealing with silence and desolation

Under green, green trees
You are in a natural, peaceful environment

Why would you want to make anybody's life harder
Empathy and concern for others is important

I wouldn't have guessed you had a heart of stone
Your unsympathetic behavior is surprising

The clothing store around the corner
A nearby yet unattainable option

May not carry your size
The available options may not be suitable or adequate for you

Looks like you may not make it till the end of the week
Your challenges may make it difficult for you to survive the week

Remember high school
Recall a time from your past