A performance by The Milk Carton Kids is a quiet and intricate affair. The duo have enjoyed intently listening audiences across the country and abroad in their respective solo careers, but an even greater sense of urgency and demand of attention is palpable now that they've come together as The Milk Carton Kids. Their songs are written together, but you won't know there is more than one author. Their history together spans only one short year, but you won't know that either. They stand close together when they play, facing each other and using microphones instead of plugging their guitars in. And if they looked more alike, they'd fool you that they were brothers.
Their songs disguise the youth of the members of the band. Befittingly, so do the old guitars they play and old clothing they wear. But to be sure, The Milk Carton Kids have something new to present: harmonies & minimalist instrumentation which are a clear reference to times passed, but with an eye intently on the future; a perspective on coming-of-age in the eye of a present-day storm; and the chronicling of an American struggle for simplicity, at least musically. To present it they use two guitars and two voices, they labor over the arrangements, they record themselves live, and they release their music on their own label, and for free.
As solo artists they have 10 releases between them. As a band their career is off to an auspicious start. Starting from a highly regarded position among their peers, they've opened for the art-piano-pop critical darling Vienna Teng, Grammy nominated friend and fan Sara Bareilles, and now will take to the entire U.S. and Canada this summer supporting one of the consummate songwriters of their generation, Joe Purdy. Despite the decision to stick to acoustic guitars in their own show, both Ryan and Pattengale are multi-instrumentalists and will also comprise Purdy's backing band, joining him on bass, pedal steel guitar, piano, and harmonies.
Their first collaborative release, RETROSPECT, is a live album due out March 15th, 2011, that represents the culmination of the past year of live performance. A collection of songs from each of their solo careers, written separately but reinterpreted and performed as the duo now called The Milk Carton Kids, RETROSPECT will be released under the name "Kenneth Pattengale & Joey Ryan".
The first official release of The Milk Carton Kids, entitled PROLOGUE, comprised of original songs written by the duo for this project. It was released in 2011 on their own Milk Carton Records.
Snake Eyes
The Milk Carton Kids Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For to carry me home
In fire the skies of red
My breath's gone cold
A kiss from the coal
A blanket of snow overhead
It's just rock and roll
Hold your tears
Where they've hung all these years
Down from the heavens above
Old snake eyes
You had better disguise
All that appears of thee
Pray for love
From the heavens above
Laid in the ashes below
The Milk Carton Kids's song "Snake Eyes" is a poignant and emotional ballad with deep religious symbolism. The song talks about a journey towards redemption and hope, as symbolized by the refrain "Swing low, swing low, for to carry me home". The singer of the song is in a state of distress, as indicated by the line "My breath's gone cold, a kiss from the coal, a blanket of snow overhead". This sets up a dark and ominous tone for the rest of the song.
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, as it addresses the listener directly: "Hold your tears where they've hung all these years, down from the heavens above". The idea of tears that have been held back for a long time, possibly due to grief or trauma, is a common motif in literature and music. The chorus encourages the listener to release these bottled-up emotions and find solace in faith.
The second half of the song is devoted to addressing the "old snake eyes", a biblical reference to the devil. The singer warns the devil to "disguise all that appears of thee", as they are praying for love from the heavens above that can help them heal and overcome their troubles. Overall, "Snake Eyes" is a powerful and moving song that draws on deep spiritual imagery to deliver a message of hope to the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Swing low, swing low
I am pleading for a helping hand.
For to carry me home
To reach a safe and secure place.
In fire the skies of red
The world seems to be in chaos and destruction.
My breath's gone cold
I feel numb and empty inside.
A kiss from the coal
The bitter truth hurts now more than ever.
A blanket of snow overhead
I am buried in sorrow and despair.
Slow, holy roller
I am struggling to keep pace.
It's just rock and roll
Life is tough and unpredictable.
Hold your tears
Try not to show your pain.
Where they've hung all these years
You have been carrying this burden for too long.
Down from the heavens above
From a higher power beyond our understanding.
Old snake eyes
Your life is a game of chance.
You had better disguise
Hide your true intentions and emotions.
All that appears of thee
Your outer self may not reflect your inner self.
Pray for love
Hope for a brighter future.
From the heavens above
From a higher power beyond our understanding.
Laid in the ashes below
Feeling defeated and broken.
Writer(s): PATTENGALE KENNETH, RYAN JOSEPH EDWARD
Contributed by Caroline K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joeystett
Music like this comes around very rarely, share it.
@Mycophilliac
The videos are immediately relatable. Combined with the wonderful, relaxing music, it's like a dose of instant familiarity.
@cherryberry2272
Beautiful song. Genuinely changed my life for the better in so many ways.
@JemmyJoeAGoGo
I like these videos with the simple car driving shots y'all have been putting out. it's made me a fan truly.
@hudandsons3315
These guys change how I view music. So different and yet so familiar if you know what I mean. I got to see them live at the Peace Center in Greenville and they were just as good if not BETTER and it was incredible. Afterwards, I stayed and got to talk to both of them and get their autographs. I have so much more respect knowing that they were willing to come out and talk to some of their fans. Just incredible. I did a cover of this song as well as others on my channel if you would like to check them out. Thanks!
@antoniodesadier5239
I like the comment of "remind me of Simon and Garfunkle". I would also add the Everly Brothers. I can't wait to see the Milk Carton Kids live. They are also very funny on top of very talented.
@JayIsNotAsian
Lovely PROMISE LAND Excellent Movie This Music Makes It Better
@Teonareine
Very beautiful music !
@Opatrovat
Their harmonies remind me of Simon & Garfunkel. I love this, it's so soothing and original. <3
@zombipl0x
This is beautiful.