The Strange Boys began as a duo (Hammer and the younger Sambol) in 2003. The other two joined in 2005 and the band has been on tour non-stop ever since. Since 2003 the Boys have recorded a wealth of material which was passed around at shows and to friends, but never officially released. In 2007, Dusty Medical Records put out the Nothing EP, and in 2008, In The Red released the Woe Is You and Me single. Now, finally, the band's proper debut album is seeing the light of day. It's easy to imagine The Strange Boys And Girls Club, a sixteen-track beast, blasting out of any stereo system between The Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators and Wire's Pink Flag.
The Strange Boys were the backing band for Mighty Hannibal (the '50s R&B recording artist); were main support for Roky Erickson and the Explosives at the Chaos in Tejas festival; have played South by Southwest the last four years, the Fuck Yeah Fest the last three years, Austin City Limits, Festival in Music Fest Northwest, and Bamalama (all in 2008); shared bills with Daniel Johnston, Black Lips, Reigning Sound, The King Khan and BBQ Show, Jay Reatard, Mika Miko, No Age, and BRMC; have toured with The Black Angels, Fucked Up, The Carrots, and Crystal Antlers[a/rtist]; and will tour with Darker My Love and Mika Miko in '09.î
In 2010, Indierockcafe.Com listed Austin indie band The Strange Boys Be Brave, LP on their "Best Albums of 2010 (So Far)" and "Artists and Bands" favorites list.
They're Building The Death Camps
The Strange Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
on the plains
everyone you
meet on the way
you either kill or entertain
a woman
long ago
a mother
said there would be no wars
if my sons didn't want them
haven't you seen all the caeras
haven't you noticed more cops
I'm scared cause no-one else around me
seems scared
I'd buy a gun and be prepared.
The Strange Boys's song "They're Building The Death Camps" can be interpreted as a commentary on the state of society and the looming threat of violence and oppression. The lyrics suggest a sense of fear and unease, with the singer expressing concern about the presence of cameras and increased police presence. The line "I'm scared cause no-one else around me seems scared" highlights the isolation and helplessness that individuals can feel when faced with larger societal problems.
The reference to a woman who once said "there would be no wars if my sons didn't want them" suggests a broader critique of the way that power and violence are perpetuated by individuals and communities. The idea that everyone the cowboy meets on the plains is either someone to "kill or entertain" speaks to the violent nature of American history and the legacy of colonialism and conquest.
Overall, the song can be read as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the need for individuals to take action to resist the forces of oppression and violence in society.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're a cowboy
Being a cowboy is a metaphor for being a tough individual in a harsh environment.
on the plains
The plains represents a wide-open space with little structure or control.
everyone you
Every person you encounter on the plains.
meet on the way
Every person you come across while traveling.
you either kill or entertain
You must either defeat or engage with every person you come across in order to survive and thrive in this environment.
a woman
A female individual.
long ago
A significant amount of time has passed.
a mother
A maternal figure.
just like yours
Similar to your own mother.
said there would be no wars
This maternal figure believed that a world without war was possible.
if my sons didn't want them
If her children did not desire war, it would not exist.
haven't you seen all the cameras
Surveillance is everywhere.
haven't you noticed more cops
There is an increased police presence in society.
I'm scared cause no-one else around me
The singer is experiencing fear because they feel isolated in their concern.
seems scared
Those around the singer do not appear to share their fear.
I'd buy a gun and be prepared.
To protect themselves, the artist would arm themselves with a firearm.
Contributed by Scarlett Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jo Esq
too good. best since them Strokes if anything. keep it up Texans.
E.J. Ansello
reminds me of black lips
Rodrigo
Fuck yes