Dan Higgins has since left the band, amicably. He has not been permanently replaced, instead the band have worked with various close friends on their '08 - '09 tours. Currently Marc Sallis is the touring bass player.
The Step And The Walk
The Duke Spirit Lyrics
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And these hot pavement fields
As though I'm moving to the end
Am I moving to the end of your loving?
How, how did I do this?
Me, I put the wall around my heart
Why didn't I notice such cold detachment from the start?
Oh, the joys they slammed down
And the one in this town was bright enough
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I could feel forever the same
So how, how did I do this?
Oh, me I put that box around my heart
Why couldn't I notice such a cool detach from the start?
Oh, the joys they slammed down
From the one in this town is bright enough
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
Yeah, I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
Yeah, I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
Oh, I could feel forever the same
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I could feel forever the same
The Duke Spirit's "The Step And The Walk" is a reflective composition that speaks to the internal turmoil of a person who is going through the motions of life but not feeling any sense of joy or love in their relationships or experiences. The opening lyric, "Ten English pounds and these hot pavement fields" suggests that the singer is in a state of transition or in search of something new but is unsure of where they are going. They question whether they are moving towards the end of a love affair or towards a new beginning.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on their inability to connect emotionally or feel joy. They speak of putting a wall around their heart, and not noticing the detachment they are experiencing until it is too late. The lyric "why couldn't I notice such a cool detach from the start?" suggests a feeling of regret for not being more aware of their emotional state earlier.
The repeated refrain of "without joy, joy, joy in the rain, I could feel forever the same" underscores the emotional apathy the singer is feeling. The metaphor of rain, which can be cleansing and renewing, but also can be gloomy and depressing, suggests that joy is necessary for the cleansing and renewing aspect.
Overall, the song speaks to the human struggle to connect emotionally and feel joy in life, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
Ten English pounds
I've paid a price for something.
And these hot pavement fields
I'm in a tough situation, possibly feeling stuck and frustrated.
As though I'm moving to the end
I feel like I'm being forced towards an end point or conclusion.
Am I moving to the end of your loving?
I'm wondering if my relationship is coming to an end.
How, how did I do this?
I'm questioning how I ended up in this difficult situation.
Me, I put the wall around my heart
I've been guarding my emotions and not letting people get too close to me.
Why didn't I notice such cold detachment from the start?
I'm regretting not seeing that someone I cared about wasn't invested in the relationship.
Oh, the joys they slammed down
I've experienced some major disappointments.
And the one in this town was bright enough
Despite everything else, there's still a glimmer of hope for something good.
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
If I don't find happiness, life will feel stagnant and unchanging.
I could feel forever the same
My current situation feels like it will last forever.
Yeah, I could feel forever the same
I'm repeating that my current situation feels never-ending.
Oh, me I put that box around my heart
I'm reiterating that I've been protecting myself emotionally.
From the one in this town is bright enough
There's still potential for something good despite my struggles.
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
If I'm not happy, life will feel monotonous and unfulfilling.
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I'm repeating the previous line to emphasize the importance of happiness.
I could feel forever the same
My current struggles feel like they will never end.
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
If I'm not happy, my life will continue to feel unchanging.
Oh, I could feel forever the same
I'm reiterating that my current struggles feel never-ending.
Without joy, joy, joy in the rain
I'm emphasizing once more that finding happiness is crucial to breaking out of my current situation.
I could feel forever the same
I'm repeating the idea that my situation feels stagnant and unchanging.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL LIAM HIGGINS, LIELA ROSEMARY SADIE LOUISE MOSS, LUKE FORD, OLLY BETTS, TOBY BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind