Composed primarily of transplants to the Seattle area, The Head and the Heart write and play songs that speak to the newness of a fresh start, of the ghosts left behind, of moving forward, all brimming with a soulfulness and hope for a better life than the one we've all been sold.
Stylistically, think a folksy Beatles or The Avett Brothers with a little extra oomph. Catchy piano melodies stand side by side with a tight trio of harmonies, and solid minimalist drums, groovin' bass, and plenty of hand percussion and foot stomps make the live show inspiring and really goddamn fun.
After the band self-released its eponymous debut album in June 2010, the emblematic Seattle label Sub Pop re-released the album. For the Sub Pop version, the song “Sounds like Hallelujah” has been re-recorded, live favorite “Rivers and Roads” has been added, and the album has been re-mastered.
The band's second album "Let's Be Still" was released on October 15, 2013.
The band released their third studio album, "Signs of Light", in September 2016.
The band's fourth album, "Living Mirage", was released in May 2019.
Band member Josiah Johnson released his debut solo album, "Every Feeling On a Loop", in September 2020.
Ghosts
The Head and the Heart Lyrics
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Lookin' for places to go
Boys in the street are talkin' about leavin', they're leavin'
Lookin' for places to go
Andy built his coffin down in Carolina
Told me he was runnin' from somethin'
But I think he's just out chasin' girls
When Mary moved all of her shit to Chicago
Her mother made sure that she left with her Bible but
You won't find her face on Sundays
Du du du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du
Du du du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du
All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin'
But all my friends are sittin' in their graves
All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin'
But all my friends are sittin' in their graves
Is it any wonder why we all leave home?
People say, "I knew you when you were six years old"
And you say, "But I've changed, I've changed, I've changed, I've changed."
Mom and Dad, if only you could see me now
Been here for a year and now I own this town
'Cause I've changed, I've changed, I've changed, I've changed.
Du du du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du
Du du du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du, du-du-du-du
All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin'
But all my friends are sittin' in their graves
All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin'
But all my friends are sittin' in their graves
One day we'll all be ghosts
Trippin' around in someone else's home
One day we'll all be ghosts, ghosts, ghosts
Ghosts, ghosts, ghosts
One day we'll all be found
No longer lost, we're just hangin' around
One day we'll all be found, found, found,
Found, found, found
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-da
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-dap, ba-dap ba ba-da-da,
Ba-da
The Head and the Heart's song, "Ghosts," delves into the theme of leaving one's home and seeking for a better place, but at the same time, realizing that one's past and the people they've known before still haunt them. The introductory lyrics set the tone for the rest of the song as the singer talks about how boys in the street talk about leaving and looking for new places to stay. The lyrics show how people can be restless and never satisfied with what they have. The second verse talks about two different characters, Andy and Mary. Andy builds his coffin and tells the singer that he's running from something, but the singer thinks he is just chasing girls. It is a representation of the need to escape, particularly from hurt or betrayal. Meanwhile, Mary moves to Chicago with just her bible, which comes as a surprise to people who knew her as she does not conform to the religious expectation.
The chorus reveals that although all of the singer's friends are talking about leaving, most of them have passed away, and they have become ghosts themselves. The use of 'ghosts' here paints the picture that even though our bodies may not be present, our past continues to shape us. The singer then shifts their conversation, breaking the fourth wall, speaks directly to their parents. The singer has been away for a year, and they feel they have changed a lot. They have become something they never thought possible, owning the town. In contrast, the bridge gives hope that someday, they'll all be found, no longer lost, and hang around for eternity.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys in the street are talkin' about leavin', they're leavin'
Boys are discussing about going away and eventually they will go.
Lookin' for places to go
They are searching for new locations to move to.
Andy built his coffin down in Carolina
Andy is attempting to move away for good by creating his own coffin which will be used for his funeral.
Told me he was runnin' from somethin'
Andy has something bothering him and that's why he wants to leave.
But I think he's just out chasin' girls
The reason of Andy's interest in Asheville may not be due to his problems but it could be because of his liking for girls.
When Mary moved all of her shit to Chicago
Mary got rid of all her unnecessary things and left to Chicago in search of a better life.
Her mother made sure that she left with her Bible but
Her mother wanted her to be safe and reminded her to continue to have faith.
You won't find her face on Sundays
Mary will not be found in church on Sundays since she is not a frequent churchgoer.
All my friends are talkin' about leavin', about leavin'
Everyone wants to leave their homes and explore new places.
But all my friends are sittin' in their graves
Unluckily, the friends that intended to leave have passed away.
Is it any wonder why we all leave home?
Home is not always comfortable and the reason why people leave might be due to unpleasant memories or lack of opportunities.
People say, 'I knew you when you were six years old'
People have known each other for a long time.
And you say, 'But I've changed, I've changed, I've changed, I've changed.'
This shows how much people evolve over time and become someone different as they grow up.
Mom and Dad, if only you could see me now
The singer is addressing their parents who have not been able to see how much their child has grown or changed.
Been here for a year and now I own this town
Since the singer has managed to survive in a new place for a year they feel more confident and able to control the situation.
One day we'll all be ghosts
Eventually we all will die!
Trippin' around in someone else's home
We will all become ghosts who haunt someone else's place.
One day we'll all be found
While we might be lost initially we will all eventually be found after we die.
No longer lost, we're just hangin' around
After death, we might be 'just hangin' around' as ghosts while we await our destiny.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jonathan Russell, Tyler Williams, Kenny Hensley, Charity Thielen, Josiah Johnson, Chris Zasche
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind