Brando
Scott Walker + Sunn O))) Lyrics
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Ah, The Wide Missouri
Dwellers
on
the bluff
The Wide Missouri
Never enough
No,
Never enough.
Whip-poor-will
Whip-poor-will
Scissoring high,
in the trees,
A beating
would do me
a world
of good
Sneakin by
Sneakin by
I am down
on my knees
A beating
would do me
a world
of good.
I took it
from
Saxon.
I took it
from
Dad.
From
Fat
Johnny Friendly.
From
3 vigilantes.
I took it
for
Wild One
And then
for
my sin
I took it
from
Lizbeth
again
and
again.
Ah, The Wide Missouri
Dwellers
on
the bluff
Across
The Wide Missouri
Never enough
No,
Never enough.
Whip-poor-will
Whip-poor-will
Scissoring high,
in the trees,
A beating
would do me
a world
of good
Sneakin by
Sneakin by
I am down
on my knees
A beating
would do me
a world
of good.
(The Indian name Omaha means Dwellers on the bluff.
Marlon Brando was born in Omaha, Nabraska.)
The lyrics of "Brando" by Scott Walker and Sunn O))) are open to interpretation, with references to nature and violence, as well as the repeated lines suggesting a desire for punishment. The song opens with the phrase "Dwellers on the bluff," which is a reference to the Native American tribe Omaha, as the name Omaha means "Dwellers on the bluff." This is followed by a line referencing the Missouri River, known as The Wide Missouri. The river is an important symbol in American history and folklore, representing the westward expansion, trade, and culture.
The rest of the lyrics seem to be inspired by the life and work of Marlon Brando, particularly his role in the film "The Wild One," where he plays a biker gang leader. The lines "I took it for Wild One/And then for my sin" could suggest a desire to emulate Brando's character, who is portrayed as a rebel and a sinner. The repeated phrase "A beating would do me a world of good" may also be a reference to the brutal fights and confrontations in the film. The references to "Saxon" and "Dad" could suggest a troubled relationship with authority figures, while the mention of "Fat Johnny Friendly" and "3 vigilantes" suggests a connection to organized crime and vigilantism.
Overall, the lyrics of "Brando" create a haunting and ambiguous portrait of a person who is drawn to violence and desires punishment. The references to nature and the Wild West add to the mythic quality of the song, while the repetition of certain phrases creates a hypnotic and unsettling effect.
Line by Line Meaning
Dwellers
People living in a particular place, particularly those living on the Omaha bluff in Nebraska.
on
Indicates the location of the dwellers.
the bluff
A steep cliff or bank, particularly the one in Omaha referred to in the Indian name.
Across
A directional indicator of the Missouri River.
The Wide Missouri
The Missouri River, which spans a large length of the United States.
Never enough
A phrase indicating insatiable desire or hunger.
No,
A negative response to the idea of things being enough.
Whip-poor-will
A bird known for its distinctive call often heard at night.
Scissoring high,
The bird's flight pattern, often high above the ground and with rapid turns.
in the trees,
The location of the whip-poor-will's call and flight.
A beating would do me a world of good
A statement suggesting a physical punishment leading to a sense of satisfaction or relief.
Sneakin by
Suggesting a stealthy or secretive presence.
I am down on my knees
A position suggesting humility or submission.
I took it from Saxon.
A reference to the film that inspired the song, The Wild One, in which a character named Saxon is involved in a fight.
I took it from Dad.
A reference to a possible personal history of abuse by a father figure.
From Fat Johnny Friendly.
A reference to the film On the Waterfront and a character named Johnny Friendly who is a corrupt union boss.
From 3 vigilantes.
A possible reference to a violent encounter with three people taking the law into their own hands.
I took it for Wild One. And then for my sin.
A reference to the character Johnny Strabler in The Wild One taking a beating for his involvement in a motorcycle gang, which he sees as a sin.
I took it from Lizbeth again and again.
A reference to a possible abusive or violent relationship with a woman named Lizbeth.
Ah, The Wide Missouri
A return to the directional indicator of the Missouri River.
Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.