Woods have released 12 albums, the latest being Perennial. Pitchfork Media reviewed one of their previous albums, Songs of Shame, giving the band its "Best New Music" designation and describing the sound as "a distinctive blend of spooky campfire folk, lo-fi rock, homemade tape collages, and other noisy interludes, all anchored by deceptively sturdy melodies."
Singer-guitarist and founder Jeremy Earl also runs the rising Brooklyn label Woodsist, for whom the band releases their work.
Prior to their initial output as Woods, founding members Jeremy Earl and Jarvis Taveniere, along with former member Christian DeRoeck, performed together in the band Meneguar, in which Taveniere sang and played guitar, and Earl played drums. Meneguar released three albums, beginning with I Was Born At Night (released on cassette in 2004 by Fuck It Tapes, on LP the following year by Magic Bullet Records, and reissued in 2006 by Troubleman Unlimited). The group released two subsequent albums, Strangers in Our House (Release the Bats Records, 2007) and The In Hour (Woodsist, 2008) prior to shifting their focus full-time to recording and performing as Woods.
There are other artists with the same name:
2) Woods is a recording name of Japanese musician Seiichi Yamamoto (of Boredoms, Novo Tono, Rovo, Most, etc.).
3) Woods is a techno/house band.
4) woods is an American artist from Tennessee.
The Number
Woods Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the crown for your tomb
not a day goes by or the nights for you
then dance in the rain
cause them town's all will miss your face
when we'll toast for the pain
then we'll taste of the halo of shame
waiting for the summer
so that you can not rest
curious perfections
those haunting life lessons
oh that you can not rest
You'll pass that number
The lyrics in Woods's song "The Number" delve deep into the human psyche and address the regrets and doubts that resurface after making mistakes. The opening line, "Back into those things you wish to undo," sets the tone for reflections on the past. The following lines talk about the inevitable end, "the crown for your tomb," and the constant reminder of the pain one has caused, "not a day goes by or the nights for you." However, it suggests finding solace in the little things and enjoying life in the present, "then dance in the rain" and "taste of the halo of shame." The chorus features the lyrics, "and if you'll pass that number, waiting for the summer," which may allude to a specific age or a turning point in life when one is supposed to have everything figured out.
The verse, "curious perfections, those haunting life lessons, oh that you can not rest," speaks to the desire for perfection and the haunting moments that shape one's life but also the inability to let go of them, leading to unrest. This song is a poignant reminder to give ourselves space to make mistakes and learn from them, but not to dwell on them.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll pass that number
You'll reach a point of no return or realization of the finality of your actions
Waiting for the summer
Hoping for a chance or opportunity to escape the consequences of your actions
so that you can not rest
Anxiety and stress weighing heavy on your mind, not allowing you to find peace or solace
Curious perfections
Flaws or imperfections in your character or actions that appear fascinating or interesting to others, but are detrimental to your well-being
those haunting life lessons
Memories or lessons from past experiences that linger in your mind, causing distress or pain
oh that you can not rest
The constant inner turmoil and unease caused by the consequences of your actions, preventing you from finding peace or comfort
Back into those things you wish to undo
The regret of past choices and actions that cannot be undone, leading to self-blame and remorse
the crown for your tomb
The negative consequences of your actions will be forever tied to your legacy and reputation, leading to a negative perception by others even after your death
not a day goes by or the nights for you
The constant mental burden and distress caused by the weight of the consequences of your actions, leading to sleepless nights and a constant sense of unease
Then dance in the rain
Finding a moment of joy or happiness amidst the pain and regret, leaving a lasting impression on those around you
cause them town's all will miss your face
The impact of your departure or legacy will be felt by those around you, leading to a sense of loss or nostalgia
when we'll toast for the pain
Acknowledging the pain and struggles of life, and raising a glass in commemoration of those who have endured it
then we'll taste of the halo of shame
Consequences of actions will be acknowledged and reckoned with, leading to a sense of guilt or regret that will linger on
Contributed by Carter A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
sirmelancholia
Finally, a live version on here. This is by far my favorite Woods song. Love it......
WafflesandWhales
I feel like crying right now. His voice is immensely beautiful.
Zypn
Amazing song. Thanks for putting this up.
Robert King
un-be-lievable. can't wait to see this band this summer!
brendan kelly
They will be big. Just give it time and then they will lose the sound you loved and then you will hate them but you can say you heard them before anyone else i.e. when they were unique and good....GODDAMN THEY ARE GOOD!!!!! and lucky me they are playing at my bar next thurs!
woodstrekkie
12 years later, they still aren't. I wouldn't want it anyways. It adds to their charm. Also they are still unique and good.
nmeoner
Such a great song. Then again so is almost every Woods song.
kay s
damn.....can't wait to see them live! and I need Jeremy's glasses!
ZwienerZ
Just saw them in Austin, TX. Really good live!
Anne
Saw these guys last night in glasgow and they were brilliant. Much better than Kurt Vile who headlined.