Oldham has recorded under many names other than his own, including Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Music, Palace Songs, and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy. He often plays and records with other musicians, including David Pajo and his brothers Ned and Paul Oldham, but is generally the chief creator of the music. He has also been involved in musical projects and bands such as Box of Chocolates, Amalgamated Sons of Rest, The Anomoanon, The Boxhead Ensemble, Superwolf (with Matt Sweeney), Continental OP (with David Pajo), Current 93 (with David Tibet), and The Silver Jews (with David Berman).
Oldham has said that the Bonnie 'Prince' Billy moniker has many references. These include Bonnie Prince Charlie, an 18th century Jacobite; Billy the Kid, the 19th century American outlaw also known as William Bonney; and the American singer Nat King Cole.
The Way I Am
Will Oldham Lyrics
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And I'm losing my mind
But our burdens must lessen
Though our enemies thrive
Crowded the hall with stock women parts
Candles were lit, burdened the hearts
Felt a bad vibe kick in just then
I am still what I meant to be
And I'm losing my mind
But our burdens must lessen
And our enemies die
Down in the basement, up in the attic
I promised you that I would not stay sick
Here is the hand now placed over the heart
Admire it lover, rend it apart
I am still what I meant to be
And I'm losing my mind
But our burdens must lessen
And our enemies die
Regardless of all I will not stay in
Off to the market I'm going again
Kicking the dust, waving at all
Covering the face, starting to bawl
I am still what I meant to be
And I'm losing my mind
But our burdens must lessen
And our enemies die
The Way I Am, by Will Oldham, is a song that reflects on the challenges and struggles of life. The opening line, "I am still what I meant to be," suggests that the singer has a sense of purpose, but at the same time, he admits that he's "losing his mind," which reflects his struggles to maintain his sanity. The chorus, "But our burdens must lessen, though our enemies thrive," is a reminder that we must find ways to cope with life's challenges, even if it seems that our enemies have the upper hand.
The second verse describes a scene in which the singer is in a room with women who are burdened by something. The candles add a somber tone to the scene, and the lyrics suggest that something bad is about to happen. The following lines, "Things seemed to smolder, enclosing us in," creates a sense of claustrophobia and foreboding.
The third verse suggests that the singer is trying to find a way to overcome his struggles. He promises not to stay "sick," and he puts his hand over his heart as a symbol of his determination. However, the line "Admire it lover, rend it apart" suggests that he knows that his determination might not be enough to save him.
The final verse is a reminder that life goes on despite our struggles. The singer goes out to the market, but he covers his face and starts to cry. The closing lines, "But our burdens must lessen, and our enemies die," remind us that we must continue to fight despite the challenges we face.
Line by Line Meaning
I am still what I meant to be
I have not changed who I am and am true to myself
And I'm losing my mind
I'm struggling to maintain mental stability amidst life's challenges
But our burdens must lessen
Despite the hardships we face, we must persevere and strive to make life easier for ourselves
Though our enemies thrive
Despite our efforts, our adversaries continue to prosper
Crowded the hall with stock women parts
The room was filled with women all conforming to the same societal standards
Candles were lit, burdened the hearts
The atmosphere was heavy and somber, adding to the weight of emotions in the room
Felt a bad vibe kick in just then
The mood shifted suddenly and unease set in
Things seemed to smolder, enclosing us in
The tension in the air seemed to intensify, making the atmosphere feel suffocating
And our enemies die
We hope for the downfall of those who oppose us
Down in the basement, up in the attic
In all corners, in all places, I vow to overcome my struggles
I promised you that I would not stay sick
I have made a commitment to myself and others to overcome personal issues
Here is the hand now placed over the heart
I offer my sincerity and passion to those I care about
Admire it lover, rend it apart
Enjoy it while you can, because it may not last forever
Regardless of all I will not stay in
I refuse to be held back by my struggles and will keep moving forward
Off to the market I'm going again
I'm going out to face the world once again
Kicking the dust, waving at all
I take on the challenges with confidence and greet others with enthusiasm
Covering the face, starting to bawl
Despite my efforts to stay composed, sometimes it all becomes too much and I cry
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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