Meaning and Lyrics of Howl by The Family Crest

Song Lyrics meaning of Howl by The Family Crest

About The Family Crest

The Family Crest is an ambitious orchestral indie rock collective hailing from San Francisco, California. Founded in 2009 by frontman and composer Liam McCormick, the band has become known for its grandiose sound and collaborative spirit.

What sets The Family Crest apart is their unique approach to music-making. The core band consists of seven members, but they’ve expanded their “family” to include hundreds of musicians and vocalists who contribute to their recordings and live performances. This expansive lineup allows them to create rich, layered compositions that blend elements of classical, rock, and folk music.

Their 2014 album “Beneath the Brine” garnered critical acclaim and helped establish them as a force in the indie music scene. The track “Howl” from this album showcases their signature sound – a sweeping, dramatic piece that builds from intimate moments to soaring, orchestral climaxes.

The Family Crest’s music is characterized by McCormick’s powerful vocals, intricate arrangements, and a penchant for emotional storytelling. Their live shows are known for their energy and the sheer spectacle of their large ensemble on stage.

With subsequent releases like “Prelude to War” (2017) and “The War: Act I” (2018), The Family Crest has continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in indie rock, cementing their status as one of the most innovative and ambitious acts in the genre.

Meaning of Howl by The Family Crest

The song “Howl” by The Family Crest appears to be a poignant exploration of love, conflict, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics seem to depict a tumultuous connection between two individuals, surrounded by emotional intensity and a sense of inevitability.

In the opening verse, the protagonist is requesting affirmation of love and loyalty, despite the evident barriers and challenges implied by the “lines drawn.” There is a plea for warmth and connection in the face of uncertainty and doubt. The repetition of questioning love and the desires of the heart create a sense of longing and vulnerability.

The pre-chorus delves into the conflicts within the relationship, acknowledging the unintentional hurt that words can cause. There is a sense of understanding and forgiveness, tempered by the realization that the reasons behind the pain are complex and perhaps personal to each party involved. The conflicting emotions of love and hurt are captured in the juxtaposition of smiling amid understanding the reasons behind the strife.

The chorus introduces the motif of howling, symbolizing a raw and primal expression of emotion directed at the moon and stars. This act of howling seems to represent a release of pent-up emotions, a cry for connection and understanding when the burdens of the world become too heavy to bear. The repeated howling signifies a recurring pattern of seeking solace and unity in the face of adversity.

In the second verse, the theme of waiting and uncertainty is revisited, with echoes of love and fate permeating the atmosphere. The storm imagery evokes a sense of impending turmoil, and the acknowledgment that change is on the horizon. The acceptance of a potential separation is conveyed through the somber realization that one of the partners is likely to depart.

The bridge section showcases a mix of intensity and tenderness, with promises of affection and commitment interwoven with hints of turmoil and conflict. The protagonist’s determination to elicit love and loyalty from their partner is juxtaposed with a sense of breaking down barriers and confronting fears. The lyrics express a desire for authenticity and true connection, despite the challenges and uncertainties depicted throughout the song.

The final chorus and outro reinforce the theme of enduring unity amidst adversity, with the acknowledgment that the challenges faced are overwhelming for both parties involved. The repeated refrain of howling at the moon signifies a shared struggle and a bond that transcends difficulties. The longing for connection and understanding is palpable, even in the face of inevitable hardship.

Overall, “Howl” by The Family Crest appears to be a deeply emotive and introspective exploration of love, conflict, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships. The song captures the raw emotions, vulnerabilities, and complexities inherent in navigating the highs and lows of intimate connections.

Lyrics of Howl by The Family Crest

Verse 1
State your name, state your case
'Cause the lines were drawn
Do you, do you, do you love me, babe?

Now you say, "Lover, stay
Warm these bones, my dear
Light my heart afire"

Pre-Chorus
I know you never mean to say
All of the awful things you say
But oh god, the reason is yours
Oh god, the reason was yours
You smile

Chorus
I howl to the moon, to the stars
To the way that we were
Howl to the moon, to the stars
When the weight of the world
Is just too much for you

Verse 2
Now I wait as love and fate
Echo from your lungs
Do you, do you, do you want me, babe?

Here you state that a storm is waiting, dear
Turn the lights down low
‘Cause one of us is surely gone

Pre-Chorus
I know you never meant to stay
I know, love, we weren't meant to be
I know you never meant to go break my heart of gold

But oh god, the reason is yours
Oh god, the reasons are yours
Tonight, we're smiling

Chorus 2
Forever lost together
Forever howling at the moon
‘Cause it's just too much for you

Forever lost together
Forever howling at the moon
When it's just too much for you

Bridge
I'm gonna kiss, gonna kiss, gonna kiss your lips
I'm gonna make sure, dear, that my love sticks
I'm gonna shake, gonna shake, gonna shake your legs
I'm gonna make, make, make, make, make you beg

I'm gonna make sure that your heart is true
I'm gonna say here "Darling, I love you"
I'm gonna make sure that you love me too
Do you love me, dear? Do you love me here?

I'm gonna break, break, break, break you, dear
I'm gonna shake, shake up all your fears
I'm gonna take, take you down, my dear
Do you love me dear? Do you love me, dear?

I'm gonna make, make you love me, dear
I'm gonna break, break you down, my dear
Tonight, I'll smile

Chorus 3
You’ll howl to the moon, to the stars
To the way that we were
'Cause it's just too much for you

Forever lost together
Forever howling at the moon
'Cause it's just too much for you

'Cause it's just too much for you

Outro
Forever lost together
Forever howling at the moon
'Cause it's just too much for you

Discography The Family Crest

The War: Act II

Release: 2022-05-20
Label: La Mer Records
Popularity: 👏
1. I Sleep With the Windows Open
2. In Your Arms Tonight
3. The Garden
4. Hearts on Fire
5. A Love Song
6. The Tree
7. You Are the Beginning
8. Pride
9. Her Song
10. We Evaporate
11. Baby, You’ve Got Your Legs
12. Cold, Cold, Cold
Tracklist Collapse

The War: Act I

Release: 2018-04-06
Label: La Mer Records
Popularity: 👏
1. To Love You
2. It Keeps Us Dancing
3. Take Tonight
4. Rest
5. Never Gonna Stop
6. Daggers
7. Waiting Still
8. I Was Born
9. Like a Light
10. The Years
11. The Mighty Echo
12. The Rock’s Resting on Your Back
Tracklist Collapse

Beneath The Brine

Release: 2014-02-25
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Popularity: 👏
1. Beneath the Brine
2. The World
3. Love Don’t Go
4. William’s Dirge
5. Howl
6. The Water’s Fine
7. I Am the Winter
8. She Knows My Name
9. As We Move Forward
10. When the Lights Go Out
11. There’s a Thunder
12. Make Me A Boat
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for The Family Crest

The Family Crest

Price Range: $21.25 – 21.25
Date: 2024-07-17
Location: Mercury Lounge

The Family Crest - 2024-07-10

Price Range: $Price not available
Location: Vivarium, Milwaukee

The Family Crest - 2024-07-10

Price Range: $15 – 15 USD
Location: Beachland Tavern, Cleveland
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The War: Act II

Release: 2022-05-20
Label: La Mer Records
Popularity: 👏
1. I Sleep With the Windows Open
2. In Your Arms Tonight
3. The Garden
4. Hearts on Fire
5. A Love Song
6. The Tree
7. You Are the Beginning
8. Pride
9. Her Song
10. We Evaporate
11. Baby, You’ve Got Your Legs
12. Cold, Cold, Cold
Tracklist Collapse

The War: Act I

Release: 2018-04-06
Label: La Mer Records
Popularity: 👏
1. To Love You
2. It Keeps Us Dancing
3. Take Tonight
4. Rest
5. Never Gonna Stop
6. Daggers
7. Waiting Still
8. I Was Born
9. Like a Light
10. The Years
11. The Mighty Echo
12. The Rock’s Resting on Your Back
Tracklist Collapse

Beneath The Brine

Release: 2014-02-25
Label: Tender Loving Empire
Popularity: 👏
1. Beneath the Brine
2. The World
3. Love Don’t Go
4. William’s Dirge
5. Howl
6. The Water’s Fine
7. I Am the Winter
8. She Knows My Name
9. As We Move Forward
10. When the Lights Go Out
11. There’s a Thunder
12. Make Me A Boat
Tracklist Collapse
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