A three-part harmony-driven band, the trio has toured California multiple times playing festivals such as Make Music Pasadena, Echo Park Rising, Claremont Folk Festival, Lightning in a Bottle, and successfully captured large audiences every Monday night in December with their Holiday Residency at The Satellite.
In 2014 the band released their formal debut album, Blind and Brave, produced by Raymond Richards at Red Rockets Glare (Parson Redheads, Honey Honey, Local Natives, Dustbowl Revival). The album release kicked off during a very special show at the historic Troubadour.
Blind and Brave illustrates the story of the working class, and encourages listeners to genuinely care about the place they inhabit, keep it beautiful, connect with people, and be brave. The message found in these songs is that you have to get through the hard stuff to get to the good stuff, just as you have to go through the bad parts of town to find the best parts, whether it be a venue down an old dark alley way, or a friend’s house at the top of a hill. In everything you do, do it out of love.
With their debut album released, and a bright future ahead, we can only expect great things from The Wild Reeds. They joined Newport Folk Festival’s sister of the west, Way Over Yonder with artists such as Jackson Brown, Local Natives, Lucinda Williams.
Blind and Brave
The Wild Reeds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The feeling of love and the feeling of hate.
The big light in the sky and the darkness of age.
The time that is passed and the time that you wait.
You really must love it all.
Don't go out at night.
Don't walk down that way.
The people from this place they're all araid.
So blind and so brave.
So you'll see the lights and you'll hear the parade.
So go join their cause.
Indulge in their praise.
Do it 'cus you love it all.
Do it 'cus you love this city.
Do it 'cus you love it all.
Do it 'cus you love this city...
You really must love it all.
And I won't waste your time.
And I won't rid you of your pride.
If you don't rid of me mine.
If you don't...
Rid me of mine.
The first stanza of The Wild Reeds' song Blind and Brave draws a comparison between night and day, and love and hate, using them as a metaphor for the duality of life. The lyrics suggest that there are distinct differences between these opposing forces, yet they are both essential aspects of human experience. The lines "You really must love it all" encourage the listener to embrace both the good and bad in life and to appreciate them equally.
In the second stanza, the lyrics focus on the danger that lurks in the city at night. The singer warns the listener not to walk down certain streets or to listen to the fears of the residents. However, the singer identifies the listener as someone who is "new here" and "blind and brave". This could be interpreted as someone who is fearless and curious, eager to explore and discover the city's secrets. The singer encourages the listener to join in the city's celebrations and to indulge in their praise with the reminder that "you really must love it all".
The final stanza addresses the relationship between the singer and the listener. The lyrics suggest that the singer is not trying to tear down the listener, but instead is encouraging them to embrace their own pride and their own journey. The line "If you don't rid me of mine" suggests that the singer is willing to learn from the listener as well as inspire them, creating a connection between the two.
Line by Line Meaning
What's the difference between night and day besides the people that come and the people who stay.
What sets day and night apart beyond the individuals who appear and leave?
The feeling of love and the feeling of hate.
The emotions of affection and hostility.
The big light in the sky and the darkness of age.
The sun's radiance and the obscurity that comes with time.
The time that is passed and the time that you wait.
The elapsed time and the time you wait for something.
You really must love it all.
You must genuinely love everything.
Don't go out at night.
Avoid going out at night.
Don't walk down that way.
Avoid taking that path.
The people from this place they're all afraid.
The individuals from this area are all fearful.
But you are new here.
However, you are new to this place.
So blind and so brave.
You are ignorant yet courageous.
So you'll see the lights and you'll hear the parade.
Therefore, you will perceive the lights and hear the procession.
So go join their cause.
So, join their movement.
Indulge in their praise.
Get pleasure from their admiration.
Do it 'cus you love it all.
Do it, because you adore everything.
Do it 'cus you love this city.
Do it, because you cherish this city.
And I won't waste your time.
Additionally, I won't consume your time uselessly.
And I won't rid you of your pride.
I won't take away your self-esteem.
If you don't rid of me mine.
Unless you get rid of mine.
If you don't...
If you don't do so...
Rid me of mine.
Get rid of mine.
Contributed by Jordyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hannah Southerland
So glad The Tick introduced me to this band!! This song is so beautiful.
Kalan You
This video and song are inspiring. I used to live out of my backpack from 17 to 23. I became a fat house cat for about 4 years and am now going back to my pack come march. I have lost my wanderlust and was feeling so much anxiety and fear about going back to my old life but now i remember my strength and the love that is waiting for me in the city
Hayley Moss Music
love this band!
Michael Roque
just saw yall perform yesterday here in san antonio. one of my favorite songs and such an amazing band. yall are so amazing! ❤❤
Jay Price
The Tick hipped me to y'all, and thank God for that.
Absolutely beautiful song. Thank you.
Random Rants
This is just a beautiful song and the video is like frosting on a cake I'll remember forever. I'm so glad I found your music (I think "Everything Looks Better In Hindsight" on KEXP). I've really enjoyed going through the old stuff.
Amber Love
This makes my heart so happy
Lisa Capri
This is an inspirational song.
Mr_Meng
RIP Ramses. Seriously though I'm so glad I found this band thanks to The Tick.
Childish Calrissian
Saw you perform in San Jose on Friday. You all were great. Heard one song and immediately bought the CD at the merch table. Definitely going to spread the word about your band!