False Knight on the Road

This is actually a cover of an ancient Scottish folk song, likely originating from the MIddle Ages. Songs like this are known as the "Child ballads"; the name comes from the man who documented them sometime in the late 1800s. This one in particular has been done by a number of other modern artists - it isn't original to Fleet Foxes. They do a really nice version of it though. "Fause Knight" - with the 'u' - is the correct spelling. In the traditional interpretation the "knight" is Satan.

I understand that the song probably originated from long ago but it has another meaning to me personally.

This song to me is about trying to succeed in life and having faith in whatever it is that keeps you going. It also represents the people who mean well in your life but may inadvertently discourage you from doing what it is you really want to succeed at.

"The child" is the protagonist that represents the childlike wonder we all have but lose over time with responsibility and experiencing hardships in life.

The "knight" is a representation of the people that can try to keep you down for trying something new or different.

"Going to meet my god" is a representation of the pinnacle of success of whatever it is we all chase. Whether it's in relationships, money, religion, etc.

The child "as he stood" shows that he perseveres despite the knight's questioning.

The child gives answers without a hitch showing that he believes anything is possible. Traveling anywhere for a child on a road, or on the sea, would obviously be pretty dangerous, but he has faith in his journey at succeeding.

"It's ringing you to hell said the child as he stood" - The famous quote of "the path to hell is paved with good intentions." I think this represents the knight's good intentions to help the child.

Just my thoughts.

it's 'false knight on the road'. must of been a typo, anyway. i think this song is about people who are persecuted for their beliefs, maybe the knight is someone who disagrees with the child's view but the child still sticks to his faith

Fedallah is correct about everything. I would add that the song is basically a proverbial confrontation between a (Christian) child and Satan, under the veil of a Knight. The Knight is continually challenging the child, and the child responds by holding steady both in his position on the road, and in his willpower. I believe that the "strong staff" is actually a walking stick, that the child will use to aid him on his journey. The rest pretty much speaks for itself.