The band was formed in 1994 by guitarist / lead vocalist Willy Vlautin and bass player Dave Harding at the Portland Meadows horse race track. Known for Vlautin's incredibly rich and evocative lyrics, several of Richmond Fontaine's songs relate to horse racing specifically and gambling generally. This is largely an artifact of Vlautin's upbringing in Reno, Nevada, a place that is heavily referenced in his lyrics, along with Portland, the U.S. Western states in general and occasionally Mexico. Vlautin is also an acclaimed novelist, having written two respected books, The Motel Life and Northline. As a fiction writer, he is often compared to Raymond Carver and Charles Bukowski while his lyrical style is inspired by the narrative style of Australian artist Paul Kelly.
Musically, Richmond Fontaine cited influences such as Gram Parsons, X (U.S. band), Green on Red and Dave Alvin and they are often regarded as part of the rock alt.country movement that includes bands such as Drive-by Truckers, Slobberbone, Grand Champeen, The Damnations and others.
For reasons of touring patterns, and heavy support of the high-brow music press in the UK, Richmond Fontaine were consistently more successful in Europe than in the US.
Mule
Richmond Fontaine Lyrics
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I won't bleed myself, not for anyone,
Not for anyone
So guard your tears because people will
Take them
Year after year
I don't belong to anyone
The lyrics to Richmond Fontaine's song "Mule" are filled with emotional depth and complexity. The opening lines, "If my voice is false then I'm not even here, and I won't bleed myself, not for anyone," suggest a feeling of lost authenticity and a reluctance to compromise one's true self for the sake of others. The repetition of "not for anyone" underscores this sentiment, highlighting the need for self-preservation and independence. The second half of the stanza takes a darker turn, cautioning against the vulnerability that comes with showing any kind of emotion, especially tears. The line "So guard your tears because people will take them year after year" speaks to the idea that some people will manipulate or exploit others' emotions for their own gain or amusement, reinforcing the need for personal boundaries and protection.
The final line, "I don't belong to anyone," is a bold declaration of autonomy and self-possession. In this context, it seems to suggest a rejection of societal norms and expectations, as well as a desire to live life on one's own terms. The entire song carries an air of defiance, as if the singer is pushing back against a world that seeks to control or constrain them. Ultimately, "Mule" is a poignant exploration of what it means to be human, to struggle with identity and agency, and to strive for authenticity and independence in a world that often seems at odds with those values.
Line by Line Meaning
If my voice is false then I'm not even here, and
If I'm not true to myself, then I might as well not exist, and
I won't bleed myself, not for anyone,
I won't sacrifice my own well-being for the sake of someone else,
Not for anyone
I won't do it for anyone, no matter how much they ask or expect it from me
So guard your tears because people will
Be careful with your emotions because others may exploit them
Take them
They will use your feelings for their own benefit
Year after year
This will keep happening again and again, over time
I don't belong to anyone
I am my own person, and nobody has the right to own or control me
Contributed by Samantha B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.