Darnielle began the new millennium with The Coroner's Gambit for Absolutely Kosher before signing to 4AD for the release of the surprisingly polished Tallahassee in 2002. We Shall All Be Healed followed in 2004, and one year later, Darnielle was back with The Sunset Tree. Remaining as prolific as ever, Darnielle turned away from the intensity of The Sunset Tree for a calmer, more reflective set of songs on 2006's Get Lonely. The accessible and assured Heretic Pride appeared in 2008. Next up was the Bible verse-inspired The Life of the World to Come, the group's sixth album for 4AD, in 2010. Switching to Merge Records in 2011, Darnielle released All Eternals Deck, which was recorded in four different studios in Brooklyn, Boston, North Carolina, and Florida with four different producers -- John Congleton, Scott Solter, Brandon Eggleston, and Morbid Angel guitarist and Hate Eternal frontman Erik Rutan -- helming various tracks. That year the band was also handpicked by Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that he was curating in Minehead, England, but they were ultimately unable to appear due to scheduling issues.
Eleven Bands
The Mountain Goats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Follow the twisting branches.
When you look at them
Remember that they are alive, growing still.
See their colors lighten, as you climb.
Watch the sunlight catch them and reflect them.
It reflects them everywhere.
Was the one that told you somthing once.
But you will not find it here.
It has shriveled up and pickeled off the mountain.
Like a dying vine.
One these things take on their weightlessness,
The structure comes apart.
How do the trees grow in this weather?
It is freezing cold.
Take the map on up the mountain side.
And all the sounds from far and wide will leave you suddenly.
And sugar winds come through the clouds.
The lyrics to The Mountain Goats' song "Eleven Bands," are a metaphorical representation of growth and change. The song begins with the imagery of climbing up a mountain, and with each step watching the branches and grass twist and turn. The idea of watching these plants move and change signifies the idea that life is constantly growing and changing, even in the harshest of environments.
As the song progresses, we hear about a path that led the singer to learn something important. However, when trying to find it again, it has disappeared and decayed. This symbolizes the fleeting nature of knowledge and growth. Things that were once important to us may lose meaning and wither away.
The song closes with the line "And sugar winds come through the clouds." This is likely a metaphor representing a fresh start or new beginning, as the wind carries sugar, a sweet substance, instead of the harsh, freezing wind of earlier in the song. This further emphasizes the idea of growth and change, as one must keep moving forward despite any obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Follow the grass up the mountain up the foot of the mountain.
Start your journey by walking on the green grass along the base of the mountain and keep following it as it gradually leads you higher.
Follow the twisting branches.
Keep going up the mountain by following the branches that twist and turn as if they are guiding you.
When you look at them
Remember that they are alive, growing still.
As you observe the branches, remember that they are alive and still growing, just like you trying to climb higher.
See their colors lighten, as you climb.
Notice how the colors of the branches become lighter as you climb higher, showing you that you are making progress and approaching the top.
Watch the sunlight catch them and reflect them.
Observe how the sunlight strikes the branches and makes them reflect light, reminding you of the beauty and complexity of nature.
It reflects them everywhere.
The sunlight reflects off the branches in all directions, showing you that there are many paths and ways to approach your goal.
One of these paths leading up the nameless mountain
Was the one that told you somthing once.
You may have previously followed a path up this mountain that provided you with important knowledge or insight.
But you will not find it here.
However, you won't find that same path or knowledge here again, as paths can change and new experiences await.
It has shriveled up and pickeled off the mountain.
That path has disappeared or changed, perhaps due to natural processes, and it is no longer accessible to you.
Like a dying vine.
The path that once guided you has withered away like a dying vine, but new paths and opportunities will emerge for you.
One these things take on their weightlessness,
The structure comes apart.
When things lose their importance or significance, they become less structured and meaningful, eventually falling apart or disappearing entirely.
How do the trees grow in this weather?
It is freezing cold.
The presence of trees on this cold and inhospitable mountain is a reminder that life can persevere in the face of challenging conditions.
Take the map on up the mountain side.
Bring a map or plan with you as you climb higher on the mountain, to help you stay on course and reach your goal.
And all the sounds from far and wide will leave you suddenly.
As you climb higher, the sounds and distractions of the outside world will disappear, leaving you with only your own thoughts and focus.
And sugar winds come through the clouds.
As you reach higher elevations, you may encounter sudden gusts of wind or other unpredictable weather patterns, like the sweet taste of sugar that is both unexpected and fleeting.
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
FosterB
Follow the path up the foot of the mountain.
Follow the twisting branches.
When you look at them
Remember that they are alive, growing still.
See their colors lighten, as you climb.
Watch the sunlight catch them and reflect them.
It reflects them everywhere.
One of these paths leading up the nameless mountain
Was the one that told you something once.
But you will not find it here.
It has shriveled up and wriggled off the mountain.
Like a dying vine.
Once these things take on their weightlessness,
The structure comes apart.
How do the trees grow in this weather?
It is freezing cold.
Take the map on up the mountain side.
And all the sounds from far and wide will leave you suddenly.
And sugared winds come through the clouds.
zopilote_4000
love that hes playing patty cake while recording