Formed in 1997 in Potomac, Maryland Spirit Caravan is a doom/stoner metal b… Read Full Bio ↴Formed in 1997 in Potomac, Maryland Spirit Caravan is a doom/stoner metal band featuring the legendary guitarist and vocalist Scott Weinrich (aka: Wino) formerly of The Obsessed and Saint Vitus. The band had a lyrical emphasis on spirituality (though not necessarily religion) and global politics.

Other band members were Dave Sherman (bass and vocals) and Gary Isom (drums). Weinrich credits them for encouraging him to join the band and become active musically again, after he had abandoned his music career.

Thought the band has officially split, it is believed the band split-up a short time after their tour in 2002.

After the band's demise, Weinrich joined Place of Skulls, founded a new band, The Hidden Hand, and contributed vocals and guitars to Dave Grohl's project Probot. Sherman went on to join long-time stoner drummer Eric Little to form the band Earthride.

Their song "Dove-Tongued Aggressor" was featured on the Tony Hawk's American Wasteland soundtrack.

The Departure
Spirit Caravan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

His departure on a raft of snakes
Embodiment of earthly mistakes
Visitors, they cannot feel
Inquisitors must know that they're real
From the lake a stranger rose
Bearded, fair with priestly robes

He taught about living

To trust and be kind
Life blood not given
Just flowers and wine

Iridescent plumes of light
All behold the seed of life

Still his wisdom they did spurn
Hail Morning star his light returns

May your gaze be filled with beauty
May your words be strong and true
May you understand your duty
For living is a gift of love for you

All extol the priest of light
All extol the feast of life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Spirit Caravan's song "The Departure" tell a deeply metaphorical story about the cycle of life and the search for meaning. The first two lines, "His departure on a raft of snakes, Embodiment of earthly mistakes," paint a vivid picture of someone leaving their past behind, perhaps even atoning for their past sins. The visitors cannot feel this journey, suggesting that this is an internal, personal journey. The inquisitors, on the other hand, must know that the journey is real. The fact that these people are only visitors and inquisitors suggest that the journey is unique and personal.

In the next verse, a stranger rises from the lake, bearded, fair and wearing priestly robes. This stranger teaches about living, trusting, and kindness, and that life is not just about giving your life blood but also enjoying the simpler pleasures such as flowers and wine. The iridescent plumes of light that appear suggest that this stranger is something otherworldly, perhaps even otherworldly wisdom. Despite this, his teachings goes spurned and unheeded. The Morning Star, which represents rebirth and the beginning of a new day, comes to bring light and wisdom once more.

Overall, "The Departure" speaks of a journey to atone for past mistakes and to seek meaning and wisdom in life. The act of departing, leaving something behind, and traveling down a snake-filled raft suggest a journey that is not easy, but it seems like it is worth it in the end.

Line by Line Meaning

His departure on a raft of snakes
He left on a journey filled with complications and obstacles

Embodiment of earthly mistakes
He personified the flaws and imperfections of humanity

Visitors, they cannot feel
People who are not empathetic cannot comprehend his feelings

Inquisitors must know that they're real
People who ask questions must acknowledge his existence

From the lake a stranger rose
A person emerged from a place of mystery and unknown

Bearded, fair with priestly robes
He had a calm demeanor, fair complexion, and wore garments of a holy nature

He taught about living
He educated others about life and its intricacies

To trust and be kind
He emphasized the importance of building trust and showing kindness

Life blood not given
Life should not be taken for granted

Just flowers and wine
Life is about enjoying the simple things

Iridescent plumes of light
Radiant and shimmering luminous colors visible