He started working as Dntel, pronounced Din-tell, in 1994. A collection of tracks created between 1995-1997 (Early Works For Me If It Works For You) was released on the Phthalo label in 1999, followed by the release of an EP recorded in 1994 (Something Always Goes Wrong) in 2000. After contributing a song to Plug Research's Voices In My Lunchbox compilation he was invited to do a full length for the label, preceded by a 12" EP (Anywhere Anyone).
Dntel released his full-length album Life Is Full Of Possibilities in 2001. The LP featured vocal contributions by many artists, including Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard on the breakout track (This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan, which led to a single in 2002 and later, the formation of the band The Postal Service with Gibbard. With vocals buried in static, cut-up acoustic guitars and sampled symphonies struggling to find somewhere to settle, Life Is Full Of Possibilities reserved Dntel's spot as a pioneer of contemporary glitch, electro-pop, and indietronica.
Tamborello is currently working with The Postal Service and continuing his solo work, including remixes for various artists. As Dntel, he is releasing a compilation, Early Works For Me If It Works For You II, which will feature unfinished instrumental tracks from when he was working on Life Is Full Of Possibilities in 1998-2001, to be released on Phthalo. He released his newest full-length LP, titled "Dumb Luck" on April 24, 2007. "Dumb Luck" is his first LP on Sub Pop records.
Anywhere Anyone
Dntel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can you love me if you don't love yourself? I love you. (I love you.)
How can you love me if you don't love yourself? I love you. (I love you.)
How can you love me if you don't love yourself? I love you.
How can you love me if you don't love yourself? I love you.
How can I love you if I don't love myself? I love you.
We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright.
We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright.
We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright.
We're not going anywhere.
We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright.
We're not going anywhere. Anywhere
I love you.
How can you love me if you don't love yourself?
I love you, anyway. I love you. I love you, anyway. I love you.
The lyrics to Dntel's song Anywhere Anyone exhibit themes of inner conflict, love, and self-acceptance. The repetition of the phrase "I love you" creates a sense of ardency and passion that is striking throughout the song. However, the following lyrics "How can you love me if you don't love yourself?" implies that the relationship between the singer and the person they are addressing is troubled. The phrase is repeated multiple times throughout the song revealing the emotional upheaval and confusion that the singer is grappling with.
In the second half of the song, the singer seems to come to a realization that their relationship may be going nowhere. Yet, instead of despair or resignation, there is a sense of acceptance as the singer repeats "We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright." The lyrics suggest that even though the relationship may not progress, there is comfort in being present with each other in the moment. The singer repeats "I love you" again and again, even though they acknowledge their own uncertainties in the line "How can I love you if I don't love myself?". The song ultimately suggests that love, despite its complexities, can be found in the present moment, and that self-love is a necessary aspect of experiencing and receiving love.
Line by Line Meaning
I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
Expressing love to someone repeatedly, but questioning the authenticity of the sentiment due to the lack of love towards oneself.
How can you love me if you don't love yourself? I love you. (I love you.)
Questioning the legitimacy of one's love towards another when they do not love themselves.
We're not going anywhere. Sun is bright and standing still, it's alright.
Accepting the present moment and finding peace in the stillness of life, despite the lack of direction and uncertainty.
We're not going anywhere.
Repetitive emphasis on the lack of forward movement or progress in life.
We're not going anywhere. Anywhere
Emphasizing the fact that there is no destination or direction in life, highlighting a sense of aimlessness and purposelessness.
I love you, anyway. I love you. I love you, anyway. I love you.
Reiterating love towards someone despite the lack of self-love and the uncertain, stagnant nature of life.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES TAMBORELLO, MIA DOI TODD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind