Deer Tick - Smith Hill

Today's song is Smith Hill from the album Born on Flag Day, released in 2009 by Deer Tick. Deer Tick is a folk/blues/alt-country band from Providence, Rhode Island. They are led by singer-songwriter John McCauley who sings with a very growly/rough-sounding voice. I discovered this band while investigating the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival lineup, and was able to see them perform live at the show. They will also be playing at the Jackpot Saloon in Lawrence, KS on April 11, so if you like this song be sure to check them out.

This song is in a 12/8 time signature with the hi-hat on the drums really pushing the waltz triplet feel. It starts out simple with a single guitar and vocals, and slowly adds additional instruments, with tambourine and bass guitar coming in second. Eventually the full band comes in with so many instruments blending together wonderfully. They have the traditional bass guitar, drums, and electric guitar, but there is also at least one violin during certain parts, and an acoustic guitar. One of my favorite things about this song are the sections of two-part vocal harmony between 1:21-1:52 and 2:22-3:18. The combination of the vocal harmony and all of the instruments give this song a very full sound.

Listening to the lyrics, I think the song is about someone that feels trapped in a small town. While he's been there he's "seen so many grow and die". Indicating to me that he has watched, as many friends have been able to escape the town; others not able to escape ultimately dying there. The lines "Or I could stand and give a toast / to those who made it out alive / It's you I'll miss the most" show that he is envious of those that were able to escape. It sounds to me like the person in this song had found his true love, but she was one of the people that was able to escape the town. He wants to leave the town to be with her, but he is too afraid, and it's much easier for him to hide.