The Funeral

Can't Spell It Without Fun

The Funeral by Band of Horses

"This song can mean something different to everyone. The Band of Horses did an interview where they were asked about the meaning of The Funeral - to them, it's about dreading events like Christmas and birthdays because of all the pressure and stress which leads up to it and feeling like maybe a funeral wouldn't be much worse. But at the same time, it's a beautiful song that ends up in the background of all kinds of editing showcase videos."

I think I found that interview. It's with Wonderlancer.

Guitarist and vocalist Ben Bridwell says he began writing this track from a very pessimistic point of view, "whining about [his] aversion to social occasions and holidays" (x).

While he still thinks "a lot of them are dogshit in origin," he now says he "quite like[s] the forced togetherness and celebration" of holidays and "can enjoy the party." In other words, he says that he has mellowed out since writing the song (x).

The interview also describes the sound of Band of Horses in general as "characterized by a deep, beautiful sense of melody" with surprising "gusto of their harmonic variations" (x).

That synopsis rings true for The Funeral. The guitar riff soothes the ear in anticipation of a song which is, lyrically, quite somber. The vocal line is equal parts haunting and lovely, and the harmony in the oohs gives me chills.

Fun Fact: Pitchfork Media named this track the 67th greatest  song of the 2000s (x).

Overview:

Genre:
Alt Rock

Favorite Lyrics:
I'm coming up only to hold you down.

Verdict:
Sad way to go through life