The roots of Mando Diao date back to 1995 when Björn Dixgård was a member of a band called Butler. Band members came and went; four years later, the remaining line-up chose to proceed more seriously in their musical efforts. Björn Dixgård and Gustaf Norén locked themselves up in a summer house and spent six months writing songs. The now-renamed band, along with Samuel Giers and Carl-Johan Fogelklou, made their first public performances in the clubs of their hometown Borlänge in 1999. A local writer described them in an article as the best unsigned band he had ever seen. This was soon followed by a record deal with EMI Sweden. In 2002 their first album Bring 'em In was released in Sweden. It contains early demo versions of their songs, partly recorded in the basement of keyboarder Daniel Haglund who left the band later in 2003. In 2003 the album was released internationally, along with their debut single Sheepdog. In 2004, Mats Bjorke officially joined the band to replace Haglund's departure. In the same year, the band is hailed enthusiastically by the music press as one of the most sanguine newcomer bands of the year. The album Hurricane Bar was released in 2005. Their third album, released in Europe and Japan in September, 2006 is called Ode To Ochrasy, which the band say has a "darker" feel, and features the single Long Before Rock 'n' Roll. To promote the release of the album, the band toured Germany, supported by Razorlight and Johnossi. They also supported Dirty pretty things on their tour in England. The album was a big success and they won many prizes in their home country Sweden. Ode To Ochrasy was released in spring 2007 in US and Mando Diao toured the US to promote it.
The band released a new album titled "Never Seen The Light Of Day" on October 24th 2007.
The band supported The Bravery on their 2005 tour, along with Los Angeles band The Colour.
Their songs Down in the Past and The Wildfire (If It Was True) feature on the EA Sports games NHL 2006 and NHL 08 respectively, whilst God Knows features on FIFA 06.
www.mandodiao.com
God Knows
Mando Diao Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get excited by the moves you do
I'm on a mission and I'm gonna get away
Well I saw her standing all colored in red
I felt the blues just by the things she said
I want my mission so I can escape today
[Chorus]
God knows, I ain't sleeping but I want my line
God knows, I ain't happy so I want it bad tonight
Oh brother can you help me out
God knows, I've got nothing so accept my time
God knows, it ain't easy to behave in this spotlight
Oh brother can you help me out
brother can you help me out
Oh brother can you help me out
Well I turned the page from number three to four
You had nothing on you by my bedroom door
You had your mission now I'm gonna get away
Oh this is over and our souls are saved
When I am buried when I've got my own cave
I've done my mission so I won't be here today
[Chorus]
I turned right just like I thought you would
I got excited like you said I would
I'm on a mission and I'm getting blown away
Well I saw her standing all colored in red
I felt the blues just by the things she said
I want my mission so I can escape today
[Chorus]
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
All right
The lyrics to Mando Diao's song "God Knows" seem to be describing a person who is being controlled by someone else's instructions. The first verse talks about taking direction from someone and getting excited by that person's actions. The singer is on a mission and wants to get away, but then sees a woman in red who brings him down, making him feel the blues. The chorus then talks about how the singer is struggling to sleep and wants his line, which could refer to something he is addicted to or needs to feel fulfilled. The singer is unhappy and wants something bad tonight, begging his brother for help.
In the second verse, the singer turns a page and realizes that the person he was following had nothing on them. He has his own mission now and wants to escape, promising that when he is buried, he won't be here today. The final verse is similar to the first, with the singer turning right and getting excited by what someone else said. He's on a mission and wants to escape, but is again brought down by a woman in red.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be a commentary on society's obsession with following directions and trying to escape our current situation, whether it's through addiction or just wanting something more. The singer is asking for help from his brother, indicating that he cannot break free from this cycle on his own.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I turned left just like you told me to
I followed your instructions and went in the direction you advised me to.
I get excited by the moves you do
I enjoy watching and emulating the actions you take.
I'm on a mission and I'm gonna get away
I have a personal goal and I'm determined to achieve it.
Well I saw her standing all colored in red
I noticed her dressed in red.
I felt the blues just by the things she said
I felt unhappy due to her words and actions.
I want my mission so I can escape today
I want to complete my objective so I can leave this situation.
God knows, I ain't sleeping but I want my line
I'm restless and eager to pursue my goal.
God knows, I ain't happy so I want it bad tonight
I'm unsatisfied and looking to change my circumstances quickly.
Oh brother can you help me out
I need assistance from someone close to me.
God knows, I've got nothing so accept my time
I don't have much to offer, but I'm willing to give my time and effort.
God knows, it ain't easy to behave in this spotlight
It's challenging to maintain my composure when I'm in the public eye.
brother can you help me out
Once again, I'm asking for help from a trusted friend or family member.
Oh brother can you help me out
This plea for assistance is urgent and sincere.
Well I turned the page from number three to four
I moved on from one situation to the next in my life.
You had nothing on you by my bedroom door
You left something behind, but it's not here anymore.
You had your mission now I'm gonna get away
You accomplished your purpose, and now it's my turn to move on.
Oh this is over and our souls are saved
Our ordeal has concluded, and we were able to keep our spirits intact.
When I am buried when I've got my own cave
When I've passed away and have my own space to call home.
I've done my mission so I won't be here today
I've fulfilled my quest, and therefore, I won't be around anymore.
I turned right just like I thought you would
I made a decision that I believed you would.
I got excited like you said I would
I became enthusiastic as a result of your encouragement.
I'm on a mission and I'm getting blown away
I'm determined to accomplish my goal, but the process is blowing me away.
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah
An expression of excitement or agreement.
All right
A confirmation or agreement to what was just said.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BJORN DIXGARD, GUSTAF NOREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind