River To Cross Songfacts
http://www.whitedenimmusic.com/
In March 2005, the two bands Parque Touch (Josh Block, James Petralli, Lucas Anderson) and Peach Train (Steve Terebecki) played a show together at Beerland in Austin, Texas. After the show Steve was asked to play bass for Parque Touch and the band became four, playing under the pseudonyms Byshop Massive (Lucas), Bop English (James), Nicholas Mallard (Josh), and Terry Beckins (Steve); however, in February 2006, Lucas moved to Russia and the resulting power trio changed its name to White Denim. The new line-up began playing the local Austin circuit while recording punk-infused, psychedelic blues-rock in Block's 1940s Spartan trailer.
In 2007, the band self-released its first EP entitled Let's Talk About It on 7" only, but later these tracks became available on iTunes. While on tour in 2007, the band recorded its second album and sold copies as a nine-song "tour EP" entitled Workout Holiday, which was only sold at shows. Workout Holiday caught the ear of new record label RCRD LBL (an online record label releasing exclusive and completely free music from emerging and established artists), and the band signed on to re-record three of the songs from Workout Holiday. These songs were exclusively released as the RCRD LBL EP, one Mp3 track at a time over the course of the first few months of 2008.
Since these releases, the band has toured extensively, playing shows including SXSW and CMJ Music Marathon, and also received the award of "Best New Band" at the 2008 Austin Music Awards. In order to reach European listeners, the band signed to U.K. record label Full Time Hobby (home to The Hold Steady and Viva Voce) for an overseas release.[8] The first release on Full Time Hobby was the single "Let’s Talk About It" b/w "Darksided Computer Mouth". One June 23, 2008, the band released its debut album, the Workout Holiday LP, which consists of re-recorded songs from the band's first two self-released EPs along with some new tracks.
White Denim have also finished recording their debut U.S. full-length LP, which will be entitled Exposion. Originally sold during their Spring 2008 tour as a CDR with the title 11 Songs, the album is planned to be released by the summer of 2008. The new album will be self-released much like the Let's Talk About EP (on vinyl and digital format only), reporting that "CDs seem pretty worthless to us".
Members:
* James Petralli: Vocals, guitar
* Joshua Block: Drums
* Steve Terebecki: Vocals, bass
Burnished
White Denim Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over the sky how they fight
Two countries that kiss
Cross a river at night
A burnished mistake
How it gleams in the night
A piece of hot clay
A relevant take on the nature of giving is more than I'm able to lift
A meaningful shake on the order of nature should be like sort of a gift
Apparently used to the musings of angels we chirp in the arms of a birch
Now you're gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
How you gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
I've been laying brick a'roofing house and laying seed
You've been layin' 'round absorbin' dirt amassin' need
How you gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
How you gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
The lyrics of White Denim’s song Burnished describe the juxtaposition of various elements in nature- the bird and the snake, two countries crossing a river at night, a burnished mistake that glimmers in the night, and a piece of hot clay. The song begins with the description of a bird and a snake fighting over the sky, perhaps representing the opposing forces in nature, or even the human condition. Next, the lyrics describe two countries crossing a river at night, possibly indicating a secretive or dangerous crossing.
The lyrics then shift to a “burnished mistake” which gleams in the night. This phrase could refer to an error that seems perfect or a flawed achievement that still shines. The lyrics then describe a piece of hot clay and the fine edge of a life, possibly referring to the fragility and malleability of life. The chorus then reflects on the nature of giving and receiving, with the singer admitting that they are not capable of fully understanding it. The last verse takes a accusatory tone, with the singer challenging someone who tries to tell them to leave, stating that they have been working hard while the other person has been idle.
Overall, the lyrics of Burnished blend natural imagery with introspective themes, challenging the listener to reflect on the complexities of nature and human nature.
Line by Line Meaning
The bird and the snake
Two opposing forces, engaging in conflict
Over the sky how they fight
Their battle taking place high above, visible to all
Two countries that kiss
Two nations that share a border, despite their differences
Cross a river at night
Performing a challenging task under difficult circumstances
A burnished mistake
A flawed and imperfect action that nonetheless appears attractive
How it gleams in the night
The faulty action presents itself as alluring even in darkness
A piece of hot clay
An object that is malleable and can be shaped, but requires careful handling
The fine edge of a life
The delicate balance between existence and non-existence
A relevant take on the nature of giving is more than I'm able to lift
The concept of generosity and its implications is too complex for the artist to fully grasp
A meaningful shake on the order of nature should be like sort of a gift
The artist believes that an understanding of natural order should be viewed as a precious offering
Apparently used to the musings of angels we chirp in the arms of a birch
The singer alludes to the idea of being comfortable with the divine, and how humans can express themselves in a natural environment
Now you're gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
The artist asserts their independence and resists being forced out
I've been laying brick a'roofing house and laying seed
The singer has been working hard and building something, both physically and metaphorically
You've been layin' 'round absorbin' dirt amassin' need
The person addressed has been idle and selfish, taking in without contributing
How you gonna come and try to tell me now to leave
Reasserting the aversion to being manipulated and controlled
Contributed by Audrey M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tom Jackson
This is my new greatest band in the world. Thank you White Denim. You guys have made me all excited again.
Bruno Caló
Just saw white denim here in São Paulo, Brazil - completely perplex with their live performance. Amazing and extravagant, the gig made me dance all night long! I wanna say thank you in name of all Brazilians. Hope you guys are having good time around here. Cheers!
Mfothergillable
Wow, the vocals are even better than on the record!
hefenstahg
They aren't getting what they deserve. Of course I'm basing this just off this song, but it really is an amazing song. The instruments flow together, the vocals are good, the melody
fireofsev
These guys really tear shit up.
Jordan Z
best surprise of the pac tour was these guys. I knew I loved the Dear Hunter going in, but I was blown away by White Denim. Come back to Minneapolis soon!
styleomatic
I recently went to a show and was blown away. Really nice cats with a head for creating interesting fresh music. It sounds like an ultra modern impressionist painting made with cool vintage instuments. whatever that means...
EyeKnowWhatsUp
LOVE THIS BAND
Krazy #Shorts
Just saw these guys in Boston last week....2 words.....MIND BLOWING!
snugglebear97653
holy shit. what a groove. what a band. that drummer is awesome. that guitar player is shredding. BONNAROO 2012 - i am so happy i discovered these guys. thats why i love bonnaroo. cant wait!! ahhhhhh