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
St. Augustine
moe. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Light is good
God is good
There's a bag lady siften through trash in my neighborhood
Asked for a light, ya know I understood
God is light
God is good
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Have you heard about the infant born with a handgun
Shot his twin brother coming out now he's an only son
He's a good boy, wait and see
We'll rehabilitate him one-two-three
God is light
Light is good
God is good
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
They'll hear you playing your guitar
Hey Saint Augustine
There's a flaw you see
You've reasoned quite
Illogically
God is light
Light is good
God is good
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
They'll hear you playing your guitar
God is light
Light is good
God is good
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
The lyrics of moe.'s song St. Augustine are open to interpretation, but the recurring theme seems to be about the concept of good and bad, and the presence of God in our everyday lives. The repeated line "God is light, Light is good, God is good" suggests that God is a positive force, and that light is representative of goodness. The reference to a "bag lady sifting through trash" and the singer's understanding of her request for a light, even in her neediness, could be seen as a message of compassion and empathy towards those who are less fortunate or marginalized.
Line by Line Meaning
God is light
The concept of God is often associated with light; the essence of goodness, truth and knowledge.
Light is good
Light symbolizes all that is good, pure and positive; something that illuminates one's path and helps to guide them through life.
God is good
God is the epitome of good; something that is benevolent, just and kind.
There's a bag lady siften through trash in my neighborhood
In an area or city, there are often marginalized individuals who are forced to search for food and other necessities among the waste materials.
Asked for a light, ya know I understood
The artist shows empathy towards the bag lady by understanding her need for a cigarette lighter, showing how it can be a simple, yet important request.
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
A question that reflects the inevitable consequences of one's action; one cannot escape the consequences of the choices they make in life.
Have you heard about the infant born with a handgun
An absurd scenario that highlights the absurdity and recklessness of having firearms in the hands of those who cannot use them responsibly.
Shot his twin brother coming out now he's an only son
A tragic event that underscores the need for stricter gun regulations and responsible ownership of firearms.
He's a good boy, wait and see
A common refrain used by those who may be in denial about the severity of a person's actions or the potential negative outcomes of their behavior.
We'll rehabilitate him one-two-three
An optimistic flavor, that views correcting dangerous behavior as an easily and quickly correctable problem.
Hey Saint Augustine
A call to a religious figure who was known for his spiritual beliefs and philosophical writings about the nature of human existence.
There's a flaw you see
Despite his stature, the saint had flaws in his thinking that were not acknowledged by some groups, a message to not blindly follow figures or texts without skepticism.
You've reasoned quite
The saint was known for his skill in logical reasoning and philosophical discourse.
Illogically
Even the greatest minds can have moments where their arguments or assertions do not hold up under scrutiny.
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Reiterating the idea that one must face the consequences of their actions, no matter how much they may try to evade them.
They'll hear you playing your guitar
Suggesting that one's innocent hobbies, interests, or pastimes such as playing music cannot shield them from those in power who seek to harm or constrain them.
God is light
Repeating the phrase that dominates this song, that God is often viewed as a beacon of goodness and purity, shining a light on the various facets of life.
Light is good
Reiterating the idea that illumination and goodness are synonymous.
God is good
Wrapping up all the themes of the song, with the fundamental notion that God encapsulates all that is good in the world.
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Finally cementing the refrain and echoing the idea that escaping the consequences of one's action is impossible.
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
Repeated once more, emphasizing the message that the song conveys.
Where you gonna run when they come for you?
The final repetition of the refrain, emphasizing the point that consequences catch up to us eventually.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: AL SCHNIER, CHUCK GARVEY, ROB DERHAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind