All three of the band's albums were released on Johnson's influential Olympia record label, K Records.
Following a hiatus through the early 2000's, The Halo Benders reformed in March 2007 for a pair of shows at the Visual Arts Collective in Boise, ID. The band featured Doug Martsch, Ralf Youtz, Calvin Johnson, and Brett Netson.
The Halo Benders' music is characterised by untraditional sounds, movements, and song structures. Additionally, the vocals of the baritone Johnson and the pitchy Martsch overlap often, even though often entirely unrelated. Johnson has said that the two write lyrics for songs largely independently.
Lonesome Sundown
The Halo Benders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as aimlessly I followed you acourtin your affection
As surely as it's flowin down
I'll hear that high lonesome sound
Another solitary sun west bound
Towards lonesome sundown
Lonesome sundown, lonesome sundown
Bring us comfort from the past ( doug: fro-om the past )
Stroll bold down the path quietly ( oooh )
So great what we don't have ( ooo h )
Sun shining reminding us
Of comfort from weather beaten hands
Sunset homesick silhouette
Against the rope burned west
Lonesome sundown, lonesome sundown
Feel no need to reason why the sun will rise and set
( doug : I won't believe that it's a claustrophobic countdown to oblivion )
Just as I (') burden are seen with no regret
( d: That's just too much )
Heading west out across the tracks
Then deep currents draw me back
Still waters can often hide the fact
Two hearts are crossed so deep
Lonesome sundown, lonesome sundown
The lyrics of The Halo Benders's song Lonesome Sundown are essentially about the feeling of being lost and alone in life, with no clear direction or purpose. The opening lines describe a "black river" flowing aimlessly, which is a metaphor for the singer's own lost and wandering state. He reflects on how he has followed another person in pursuit of love and affection, but now feels like he is alone and uncertain in the world. Throughout the song, there are references to the sun setting and nightfall, which reinforces the sense of darkness and solitude. However, there are also hints of hope and comfort, such as the line "Lonesome toil/Lonesome task/Bring us comfort from the past", which suggests that hard work and perseverance can help us find solace even in the toughest times.
The lyrics of Lonesome Sundown are quite poetic and abstract, which allows for multiple interpretations. Some listeners may connect with the sense of loneliness and aimlessness that the singer feels, while others may see the song as a meditation on the cycle of life and death. Ultimately, the message of the song seems to be about accepting that life is full of uncertainties and hardships, but that we can still find beauty and meaning in the midst of it all.
Line by Line Meaning
Black river flows so slowly there's no knowing its direction
The river flows without a clear destination just like how aimlessly the singer pursued his lover's affection.
As surely as it's flowin down, I'll hear that high lonesome sound
The sound of the river serves as a reminder of the feeling of loneliness that both the river and the singer share.
Another solitary sun west bound, towards lonesome sundown
The sun brings the singer closer to the end of the day and towards the feeling of loneliness that sundown brings.
Lonesome toil, Lonesome task
The satisfaction and comfort that comes from completing hard work and challenging tasks is something that can be experienced when feeling lonesome.
Bring us comfort from the past ( doug: fro-om the past )
The past can provide a source of comfort and stability during times of loneliness.
Stroll bold down the path quietly ( oooh )
Walking confidently and with purpose can help alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation.
So great what we don't have ( ooo h )
The things that we don't have can often feel more significant and impactful when we are feeling lonely.
Sun shining reminding us, of comfort from weather beaten hands
The warmth of the sun serves as a reminder of the comfort that comes from the hard work and labor of those who came before us.
Sunset homesick silhouette, against the rope burned west
The image of a homesick silhouette in the sunset brings to mind the feeling of longing and nostalgia that can accompany loneliness.
Feel no need to reason why the sun will rise and set ( doug : I won't believe that it's a claustrophobic countdown to oblivion )
Despite the inevitability of the sun rising and setting, the singer chooses not to see it as a countdown towards death or oblivion.
Just as I (') burden are seen with no regret
The singer carries their burdens without regret or hesitation, even though they contribute to their feelings of loneliness.
Heading west out across the tracks, then deep currents draw me back
The singer attempts to escape their feelings of loneliness, but they always end up being drawn back to it by the deep currents of their emotions.
Still waters can often hide the fact, two hearts are crossed so deep
Quiet and peaceful surroundings can often conceal the deep emotional connections that people share, even when they are feeling lonely.
Lonesome sundown, lonesome sundown
The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song - the feeling of loneliness that accompanies the end of the day.
Contributed by Connor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.