Meaning of Barrel House - Band Of Horses
Band of Horses' "Barrel House" is a contemplative song that explores the complexities of being a man. The lyrics offer insight into the inner turmoil and struggles that many individuals face, touching on themes of introspection, self-reflection, and the weight of societal expectations.
The opening lines, "Shifting the chair on the porch/For a better position to enjoy the warmth," set a serene tone for the song. It's a simple act, but one that represents the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the small things in life. The narrator is seeking peace and solace, perhaps trying to escape the chaos of his everyday existence.
As the song progresses, we learn more about the thoughts swirling around the speaker's mind. "Working the needle and twine/Lost in the furthest recesses of the mind" speaks to a deep level of contemplation, perhaps signifying creative thought or problem-solving. The line "It is calm, there is peace," suggests that this introspection brings a sense of tranquility and clarity.
However, the song soon takes a darker turn. "But oh, the heart of a man/The secrets they bury within," highlights the weight of societal expectations and the struggles of conforming to societal norms. The speaker acknowledges that there are parts of himself that he keeps hidden, possibly due to fear or shame.
The lines "And oh, the causes that force his poor hand/Lead to be misled thus the deceivin' hand," continue this theme of being led astray by external factors. It could represent being pushed into a situation against one's will or facing pressure from others. The speaker acknowledges that these forces can lead him down a dangerous path.
The chorus, "Oh, bring relief to him now and the people he loves/Oh, I know the feel of the feeling but not what it's called," speaks to the universal desire for connection and understanding. It highlights the importance of finding solace and support from loved ones during difficult times. The speaker acknowledges that while he may not fully understand his own emotions, those around him do, and their support is crucial.
The song's final lines, "Oh, all the years we lost they mean nothing at all/Oh, liftin' the spirit impression of a son/Oh, bring some peace to his heart and a wonderin' thought," emphasize the importance of reflection and self-reflection. The speaker acknowledges that life is fleeting, and it's essential to find meaning and purpose in each moment.
In conclusion, "Barrel House" by Band of Horses is a poignant exploration of the complexities of being a man. It touches on themes of introspection, self-reflection, and societal expectations, acknowledging the weight of these factors while emphasizing the importance of finding solace and support from loved ones during difficult times. The song's contemplative tone and thoughtful lyrics make it a powerful anthem that resonates with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and sense of self.
The opening lines, "Shifting the chair on the porch/For a better position to enjoy the warmth," set a serene tone for the song. It's a simple act, but one that represents the importance of taking a moment to appreciate the small things in life. The narrator is seeking peace and solace, perhaps trying to escape the chaos of his everyday existence.
As the song progresses, we learn more about the thoughts swirling around the speaker's mind. "Working the needle and twine/Lost in the furthest recesses of the mind" speaks to a deep level of contemplation, perhaps signifying creative thought or problem-solving. The line "It is calm, there is peace," suggests that this introspection brings a sense of tranquility and clarity.
However, the song soon takes a darker turn. "But oh, the heart of a man/The secrets they bury within," highlights the weight of societal expectations and the struggles of conforming to societal norms. The speaker acknowledges that there are parts of himself that he keeps hidden, possibly due to fear or shame.
The lines "And oh, the causes that force his poor hand/Lead to be misled thus the deceivin' hand," continue this theme of being led astray by external factors. It could represent being pushed into a situation against one's will or facing pressure from others. The speaker acknowledges that these forces can lead him down a dangerous path.
The chorus, "Oh, bring relief to him now and the people he loves/Oh, I know the feel of the feeling but not what it's called," speaks to the universal desire for connection and understanding. It highlights the importance of finding solace and support from loved ones during difficult times. The speaker acknowledges that while he may not fully understand his own emotions, those around him do, and their support is crucial.
The song's final lines, "Oh, all the years we lost they mean nothing at all/Oh, liftin' the spirit impression of a son/Oh, bring some peace to his heart and a wonderin' thought," emphasize the importance of reflection and self-reflection. The speaker acknowledges that life is fleeting, and it's essential to find meaning and purpose in each moment.
In conclusion, "Barrel House" by Band of Horses is a poignant exploration of the complexities of being a man. It touches on themes of introspection, self-reflection, and societal expectations, acknowledging the weight of these factors while emphasizing the importance of finding solace and support from loved ones during difficult times. The song's contemplative tone and thoughtful lyrics make it a powerful anthem that resonates with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and sense of self.
