Th… Read Full Bio ↴"Young Men Dead" by The Black Angels: A Psychedelic Sonic Odyssey
The Black Angels' "Young Men Dead" is a captivating and hypnotic song that takes listeners on a psychedelic journey through its swirling, hypnotic soundscapes and enigmatic lyrics. Released in 2006 as part of their debut album, "Passover," this track encapsulates the band's distinctive blend of neo-psychedelia and rock, drawing inspiration from the psychedelic music of the '60s while creating something entirely their own.
**The Black Angels:**
Formed in Austin, Texas, in 2004, The Black Angels are known for their distinctive sound, which combines elements of garage rock, drone, and neo-psychedelia. The band's name itself is a reference to "The Black Angel's Death Song" by The Velvet Underground, a nod to their psychedelic influences.
**Background:**
"Young Men Dead" is a standout track on The Black Angels' debut album, "Passover." The album received critical acclaim for its exploration of dark and introspective themes, often infused with a sense of impending doom. "Young Men Dead" perfectly encapsulates this atmospheric and moody aesthetic.
**Lyrics and Themes:**
The lyrics of "Young Men Dead" are shrouded in mystery and open to interpretation. The song appears to allude to themes of mortality, rebellion, and the ephemeral nature of life. The repeated line "Fire for the hills, pick up speed, let's go" adds a sense of urgency and impending danger to the song's narrative.
**Musical Style:**
The track features a mesmerizing and repetitive guitar riff that serves as the song's backbone. Layers of reverb and distortion create a sonic haze, evoking a dreamlike and immersive quality. The droning, hypnotic rhythm adds to the song's psychedelic atmosphere, allowing it to envelop the listener in its sonic world.
**Psychedelic Elements:**
"Young Men Dead" captures the essence of classic psychedelia. It takes listeners on a sonic journey, inviting them to explore altered states of consciousness and introspection. The use of various effects and the band's willingness to experiment with sound create a trance-inducing experience.
**Impact:**
Over the years, "Young Men Dead" has become one of The Black Angels' signature songs. Its inclusion in soundtracks for films, television series, and video games has introduced the band's music to a wider audience, further solidifying its place in contemporary psychedelic rock.
In conclusion, "Young Men Dead" by The Black Angels is a psychedelic sonic odyssey that immerses the listener in its otherworldly atmosphere. It's a song that draws from the past while remaining relevant in the modern music landscape. With its mesmerizing sound, enigmatic lyrics, and hypnotic qualities, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of psychedelic rock and The Black Angels' ability to craft music that leaves a lasting impression on those who dare to embark on its sonic journey.
Young Men Dead
The Black Angels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Head for the hills pick up steel on your way
And when you find a piece of them in your sight
Fire at will don't you waste no time
Another thought of the unaware
Addiction in disguise
With a drop of blood
Fire from the hills pick up speed and lets go
Fire for real yeah shoot to kill with no aim
Head for the hills yes eyes on the camp fire glow
Creep up there like a white mink hiding in snow
And out of the black a figure forms
A soldier in the sky
With a drop of love
Trying to set you free
Run for the hills pick up your feet and lets go
We did our jobs pick up speed now lets move
The trees cant grow without the sun in their eyes
And we can't live if we're too afraid to die
Hold on tight yes hold on tight you're too slow
Fire at the breeze that blows these thoughts through our mind
Hire only thieves to steal the thoughts from our heads
The lyrics of "Young Men Dead" by The Black Angels encourage the listener to take action and "fire for the hills" in a state of urgency. The opening lines are a call to arms, urging one to pick up their feet and move quickly. The use of language such as "fire" and "steel" create a sense of danger and urgency. The lyrics seem to suggest a battle, and the listener is advised to take no prisoners: "When you find a piece of them in your sight, fire at will don't you waste no time."
The second verse speaks about addiction, which can be interpreted in many different ways. It may be an addiction to power, to control, or to violence. The imagery of "a drop of blood" suggests violence and a willingness to spill blood to achieve one's goals. The prophet-like figure of the "soldier in the sky" is introduced, bringing a message of love and liberation. The chorus is repeated, with a sense of urgency and a feeling of being chased. The repeated line "hold on tight you're too slow" could be taken both literally and figuratively, as the listener is urged to keep up with the pace of events.
The third verse reminds the listener that we all must face our fears if we want to live fully. The metaphor of "the trees" and "the sun in their eyes" evokes a feeling of hopelessness and despair if we are too afraid to live. The final line of the song, "Hire only thieves to steal the thoughts from our heads," means that we should surround ourselves with those who will challenge our assumptions and steal our thoughts to make us better. Overall, the song is a call to arms to take action, fight for what you believe in, and not let fear hold you back from living fully.
Line by Line Meaning
Fire for the hills pick up your feet and lets go
Quickly retreat and get away from danger
Head for the hills pick up steel on your way
Take weapons and equipment to defend yourself
And when you find a piece of them in your sight
When you locate the enemy and they are within range
Fire at will don't you waste no time
Shoot immediately and without hesitation
Another thought of the unaware
An idea that those who are ignorant may not comprehend
Addiction in disguise
Something that seems harmless but can be addictive and dangerous
With a drop of blood
By shedding blood in battle
You will take them out for me
You will defeat the enemy on behalf of the artist
Fire from the hills pick up speed and lets go
Quickly confront and attack the enemy
Fire for real yeah shoot to kill with no aim
Use deadly force without hesitation or remorse
Head for the hills yes eyes on the camp fire glow
Sneak up on the enemy undetected
Creep up there like a white mink hiding in snow
Move quietly and stealthily like a predator stalking its prey
And out of the black a figure forms
A mysterious and ominous figure emerges
A soldier in the sky
A warrior or defender who is above and beyond
With a drop of love
An act of kindness or compassion
Trying to set you free
Attempting to liberate or rescue you
Run for the hills pick up your feet and lets go
Flee and escape from danger as quickly as possible
We did our jobs pick up speed now lets move
We completed our mission and now it's time to leave
The trees cant grow without the sun in their eyes
Like trees, we need guidance and hope to thrive
And we can't live if we're too afraid to die
We must be brave and take risks, or we will not truly live
Hold on tight yes hold on tight you're too slow
Urging someone to keep up and not slow down
Fire at the breeze that blows these thoughts through our mind
Shoot down doubts and fears that enter our thoughts
Hire only thieves to steal the thoughts from our heads
Be selective in who we allow to influence or manipulate our thoughts
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephanie Bailey, Christian Bland, Kyle Hunt, Nate Ryan, Jennifer Raines, Alex Maas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@franciscocastro229
[Chorus]
Fire for the hills, pick up your feet and let's go
Head for the hills, pick up steel on your way
And when you find a piece of them in your sight
Fire at will, don't you waste no time
[Verse 1]
Another thought of the unaware
Addiction in disguise
With a drop of blood
You will take them out for me
[Chorus]
Fire from the hills, pick up speed and let's go
Fire for real, yeah, shoot to kill with no aim
Head for the hills, yes, eyes on the camp fire glow
Creep up there like a white mink hiding in snow
[Verse 2]
And out of the black a figure forms
A soldier in the sky
With a drop of love
Trying to set you free
[Chorus]
Run for the hills, pick up your feet and let's go
We did our jobs, pick up speed now lets move
The trees can't grow without the sun in their eyes
And we can't live if we're too afraid to die
Hold on tight, yes, hold on tight you're too slow
Fire at the breeze that blows these thoughts through our mind
Hire only thieves to steal the thoughts from our heads
@cordovalark5295
"Then start asking the right fucking questions."
True detective. This song is now immortalized with that episode.
@itsyaboyitsyaboy
Christopher Larkins how could this still be happening if we got him back in 95'? Yes indeed detectives
@InSuBoRdInAtEo7
Christopher Larkins The movie,
"Death Sentence", helped me discover this song.
Awesome movie too.
@psychedeliccarrie5921
Pretty much whenever I hear Black Angels, I always get that bayou sorta feeling.
@sirperybLakeney
This song was immortal well before that.
@easymentality
@percy blakeney I remember hearing it back when it was on the Fable III commercial--and it was well-known before that.
@UnboxstubeDeluxe
The Rattlers have good taste in music.
@mike92505
They are from Cali. Looks like they could be fans of the chili peppers too.
@LazloSoot
Hearing this set the perfect tone for carving my way through them to Abby.
@darkhumor7256
Had* lol