The band's first record, Fatboy (1992), established the band as a favorite of the same 1990s scene that became popular through bands such as the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Widespread Panic. moe. has toured with the 1997 Furthur Festival, appeared at Woodstock '99, have played in Central Park, were the opening band for The Allman Brothers and The Who, and performed at Radio City Music Hall on New Years Eve 2006 and 2007.
They also host the annual festival moe.down at Snow Ridge Ski Area in Turin, NY. Started in 2000, the festival runs for three days and occurs every Labor Day weekend. The festival has attracted a wide variety of musical talent. Acts range from newer bands just emerging onto the scene (such as Tea Leaf Green, Nellie McKay and Raq) to big name acts and jam rock staples, such as Les Claypool, Blues Traveler, and Mike Gordon (of Phish fame); to pop rock icons, such as Leo Kottke, The Flaming Lips, The Violent Femmes; and most recently, Perry Farrell. Each year, the amount of moe.down attendees has steadily increased. moe.down I attracted around 3,000 people while moe.down VI in 2005, had attracted close to 7,000.
During an interview, guitarist Al Schnier was asked to describe moe. for those who have never heard their music: "It's an amalgamation of a wide variety of the history of rock, all regurgitated and recycled through the eyes, ears, hands, whatever of the guys in our band and all of that with a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, also a constant desire to push the envelope. All in this arena of taking chances, improvising live, and making things up on the spot."
Their official site can be found at www.moe.org
Kyle's Song
moe. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Look both ways before you cross the street.
I saw you flying like a superstar,
Off the hood of some offending car.
The ambulance came right away.
Across the street, I heard him say:
"Al I got hit by a car,
Crushed like green velour,
You can't keep him down.
Who will mind the store
When Kyle's out of town?
Crushed like green velour,
You can't keep him down.
Who will mind the store
When Kyle's out of town?
Kyle got hurt pretty bad.
I guess he earned his victim badge.
He's an eagle scout with broken bones.
Eating Percosets and ice cream cones.
9:30 Club seems far away.
But I swear I still can hear him say:
"Al I got hit by a car.
You're a good friend Al, that's what you are."
Crushed like green velour,
You can't keep him down.
Who will mind the store
When Kyle's out of town?
Crushed like green velour,
You can't keep him down.
Who will mind the store
When Kyle's out of town?
The song "Kyle's Song" by moe. tells the story of a young man named Kyle who gets hit by a car, leaving him injured and unable to continue with his daily life. The lyrics employ vivid imagery to describe Kyle's accident, such as the line "Crushed like green velour," which speaks to the gruesome nature of his injuries. Additionally, the lyrics convey a sense of camaraderie between Kyle and his friends, particularly with the repeated lines "You're a good friend Al, that's what you are," indicating that Kyle is not only well-liked but respected by those around him.
The song examines the impact Kyle's absence has on those who know him, with the line "Who will mind the store when Kyle's out of town?" underscoring the idea that no one can quite replace Kyle, and hinting at a sense of loss felt by his community. The final two lines, "Crushed like green velour, you can't keep him down," speak to Kyle's resilience in the face of physical and emotional adversity and suggest that he is not beaten by his accident, but rather motivated to recover and return to his friends and his life.
Overall, "Kyle's Song" is a moving testament to the power of friendship and the human spirit in times of hardship. It is a poignant reminder that even in the face of tragedy, love and support can make a difference.
Line by Line Meaning
With cowboy boots upon his feet,
Kyle wore cowboy boots on this fateful day.
Look both ways before you cross the street.
A warning to be cautious when crossing the street.
I saw you flying like a superstar,
Kyle was hit by a car and thrown into the air.
Off the hood of some offending car.
The car that hit Kyle was considered to be at fault.
The ambulance came right away.
Emergency services arrived promptly.
Across the street, I heard him say:
Kyle was able to speak after being hit, despite his injuries.
"Al I got hit by a car,
Kyle informed his friend Al that he had been hit by a car.
You're a good friend Al, that's what you are."
Kyle acknowledged Al's friendship and his presence in the situation.
Crushed like green velour,
Kyle's injuries were severe and debilitating, as though he was crushed like soft and delicate green velour fabric.
You can't keep him down.
Despite his injuries, Kyle was a fighter and persevered.
Who will mind the store
The store is a metaphor for the group of friends or community, and the line raises the question of who will fill the void left by Kyle if he is unable to participate or lead.
When Kyle's out of town?
This question implies that if Kyle is absent or unable to lead, the dynamic of the group will shift or falter.
Kyle got hurt pretty bad.
Kyle's injuries were extensive.
I guess he earned his victim badge.
A sarcastic comment about how Kyle's injuries seemed like a reward rather than a misfortune.
He's an eagle scout with broken bones.
This line reinforces the idea that Kyle was a strong person who remained resilient despite his injuries.
Eating Percosets and ice cream cones.
Kyle was taking pain medication and indulging in comfort food during his recovery.
9:30 Club seems far away.
The 9:30 Club is a music venue, and this line represents a sense of nostalgia for a time before Kyle's accident.
But I swear I still can hear him say:
Kyle's presence is still felt in the memories of his friends.
"Al I got hit by a car.
This line is repeated to emphasize the significance of Kyle's accident.
You're a good friend Al, that's what you are."
Kyle's appreciation for Al is reiterated.
Crushed like green velour,
This line is repeated to reflect the lasting impact of Kyle's injuries.
You can't keep him down.
Regardless of his injuries or setbacks, Kyle remained resilient and unbreakable.
Who will mind the store
This line is repeated to reinforce the idea that Kyle's absence would create a void among his group.
When Kyle's out of town?
The song ends with this question, implying that Kyle's presence and leadership were integral to his community.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: AL SCHNIER, CHUCK GARVEY, ROB DERHAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind