The Meaning Behind The Song: Revelry by Kings of Leon
Kings of Leon is an immensely popular American rock band, founded by three brothers and their cousin. The band has been around since the early 2000s, and has released seven studio albums so far. One of their most popular tracks is “Revelry”, which was featured on their fourth album “Only By the Night.” In this article, we will dive deep into the meaning behind the song, and how it has resonated with fans over the years.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
Before we dive into the meaning of “Revelry,” let’s skim through the lyrics of the song:
I’m going to find somebody new
That isn’t anything like you
I know I played you like a fool
But that’s just the way I roll
You can’t blame me if I set this dip on fire
Just blame yourself if you’re lying on the ground
And oh, oh, revelry
Never a clean break, no one here to save me
You’re the only thing I’ve ever been, oh
Afraid of losing, afraid of losing
Afraid of you
Oh, oh, oh
The Interpretation
As with most songs, “Revelry” has been interpreted in many different ways over the years. One popular interpretation is that the song is about moving on from a hurtful relationship and finding someone new. The opening lines, where the singer talks about finding somebody new who’s nothing like the previous partner, suggest that the protagonist is trying to distance himself from his past.
The line “I played you like a fool” may suggest that the protagonist was not being entirely honest with their previous partner. “But that’s just the way I roll” suggests that the protagonist is not necessarily a bad person, but simply has a certain way of conducting their relationships.
The lyrics “you can’t blame me if I set this dip on fire, just blame yourself if you’re lying on the ground” can be interpreted in different ways. One interpretation is that the protagonist is warning his previous partner against interfering in his new relationship. Another interpretation is that the line is directed towards the protagonist himself, suggesting that he’s already anticipating things going wrong in his new relationship.
The Chorus
The most memorable part of the song is its chorus, which goes like this:
And oh, oh, revelry
Never a clean break, no one here to save me
You’re the only thing I’ve ever been, oh
Afraid of losing, afraid of losing
Afraid of you
Oh, oh, oh
The word “revelry” means to engage in lively and noisy festivities, often involving drinking and dancing. In the context of the song, “revelry” can be interpreted as a metaphor for all the distractions that the protagonist uses to fill the void created by his previous relationship.
The line “never a clean break, no one here to save me” suggests that the protagonist is struggling to move on from his previous relationship. He feels like he’s alone in dealing with his emotions, and there’s no one around to help him. “You’re the only thing I’ve ever been, oh / Afraid of losing, afraid of losing / Afraid of you” suggests that the protagonist is still hung up on his previous partner, and is afraid of losing her completely.
The Reception
“Revelry” was released in 2008, and quickly became a fan favorite. The song peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and also did well on charts across Europe and Australia. Critics praised the song for its catchy chorus, and its relatable lyrics.
Over the years, “Revelry” has become one of Kings of Leon’s most popular tracks, and is frequently played at their live shows. Fans often sing along to the chorus, and it’s not uncommon for the band to pause and let the crowd take over.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who wrote “Revelry”?
“Revelry” was written by the members of Kings of Leon, who are all related. The band is composed of three brothers (Caleb, Nathan, and Jared Followill) and their cousin (Matthew Followill).
2. What inspired the song?
The band members have not spoken much about what inspired “Revelry”. However, the lyrics suggest that the song is about moving on from a relationship and finding someone new.
3. What’s the meaning of the word “revelry”?
“Revelry” means engaging in lively and noisy festivities, often involving drinking and dancing.
4. Did “Revelry” win any awards?
No, “Revelry” did not win any major awards. However, it was very popular among fans and critics.
5. What’s the catchiest part of the song?
The chorus of “Revelry” is widely considered to be the catchiest part of the song. Fans frequently sing along to it at live shows.
6. Was “Revelry” used in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, “Revelry” has been used in several movies and TV shows, including “The Vampire Diaries,” “CSI,” and “Super 8.”
7. What genre of music is “Revelry”?
“Revelry” is generally classified as alternative rock.
8. Is there any official music video for “Revelry”?
Yes, Kings of Leon released an official music video for “Revelry” in 2009. The video features the band playing the song in a desert setting.
9. Are there any interesting remixes of “Revelry”?
Yes, there have been several remixes of “Revelry” over the years. One popular remix was done by the DJ Diplo.
10. What other songs are similar to “Revelry”?
If you enjoy “Revelry,” you might also like Kings of Leon’s other hits, such as “Sex on Fire,” “Use Somebody,” and “Notion.”
11. Is “Revelry” a good song for karaoke?
Yes, “Revelry” is a great song for karaoke. The chorus is very catchy, and fans love to sing along to it.
12. Where can I listen to “Revelry”?
“Revelry” is available for streaming on all major music platforms, such as Spotify and Apple Music. You can also buy it on iTunes or Amazon.
