“The Funeral” by Band of Horses
by SMF·
Due to the exquisite metaphors used throughout “The Funeral”, trying to understand this song based on its actual lyrics may prove to be a fool’s errand. So we’ll simply go with what Ben Bridwell, the leader of Band of Horses, has said about the tune, as he has claimed responsibility for being its primary writer.
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And what it is actually representative of was his disdain for attending social events, including some holiday gatherings, at the time. Thus perhaps the best way of describing this song is as it being centered on a metaphor where the singer is likening normal social get-togethers to funerals. And again, the reason he would be making such an analogy is due to his own disdain towards socializing. This is an action which at times (i.e. during the holidays) he is under considerable pressure to do.
But that being said, Mr. Bridwell has also stated that the concepts of mortality and perhaps romance also play a lesser role in “The Funeral”. He also said he ‘thinks he added some more [of his own] personal story in the song’. And at the end of the day, that may be the best way of concluding the analysis of this song’s lyrics, as it in fact being one which only its creators truly understand. But that being said, its encrypted lyricism has not prevented “The Funeral” from becoming a pop-media sensation.
Facts about “The Funeral”
This is the lead single from Band of Horses’ debut album, “Everything All the Time”. The track was released by Sub Pop Records on 21 May 2006.
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Whereas “The Funeral” did not chart, it has maintained a regular presence in pop media. Over the years, it has appeared in numerous movies, television shows, videogames and advertisements. For example, it was used in an episode of Season 2 of the hit crime TV series “Criminal Minds” titled “Revelations”. It also appeared in the 2012 action film titled “Battleship”, starring the likes of Taylor Kitsch and Rihanna.
Band of Horses wrote this song, with additional credit being given to Ben Bridwell. And its producer is Phil Ek.
