Joe's Waltz
The Dodos Lyrics
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The laughs are just dying out one by one
The lonelies are coming to gather their forces
Left on a string, the emptiness forges us on and on
On and on
a weakness so strong you could wrap your arms around it
Smother cheeks and smothered arms
Sad but it's not maybe just for a moment
Why won't you hold me?
Why won't you carry me on and on?
No more patient
On and on
No more patient
simple you might think but wary of reason
You give up on what you think's dying out
Your words aren't funny your poetry's false
Maybe they'll like it, maybe they won't
You can face them on
No more patient
Face them on
No more patient
Face them on
No more patient
Face them on
No more patient
hey there young man come understand
The ways you need to heal
I see your stress come take our test
Come on this shit is real
you need help (x8)
I went downtown to look around
And see how people feel
This lady beckons me to come
And "boy why don't ya kneel?"
you need help (x8)
We let you in we see your face
And then we slap you on the wrist
And when you try to leave it's much too late
Cause we've got you on the mother-fucking list
you need help (x8)
"Joe's Waltz" by The Dodos is a song about internal struggles and the ways that people might try and cope with them. The first verse sets the tone; when people feel alone, they have a tendency to make jokes and try to lighten the mood. But as time goes on, that laughter dies out and people are left alone with their own emptiness. The second verse is a bit more philosophical; the singer is trying to understand the strength of their own sadness and how it can be both a comfort and a burden. They're seeking someone to hold them up and carry them through it, but it's not clear whether that person exists. The chorus is repeated multiple times with the lyrics "no more patient," which seems to suggest that the singer is getting tired of waiting for something to change. They're ready to take action and face their struggles head-on.
The third verse is a bit more mysterious but seems to be addressing the listener directly. The singer is telling a young man that they need to heal, while also acknowledging the very real stress that they're experiencing. The final verse takes a darker turn, with the singer describing a visit to the city and a strange encounter with a woman who tells them to kneel. The repeated refrain of "you need help" seems to suggest that the singer has reached a breaking point and needs help to overcome their struggles.
Overall, the song paints a complex picture of the human experience. It acknowledges that sometimes we try to make light of our problems to get through the day, but ultimately there may come a time when that facade crumbles and we're left facing the harsh realities of life. The repeated refrain of "no more patient" suggests that the singer is ready to face those realities head-on and move past them, but it's not clear whether they'll succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Joke about nothing and you'll be forgiven
If you make jokes without any valid reason, people will forgive you even if your remarks fall flat.
The laughs are just dying out one by one
As time passes, the jokes are failing to keep the mood light.
The lonelies are coming to gather their forces
People who feel lonely are coming together to support each other.
Left on a string, the emptiness forges us on and on
The feeling of emptiness is driving us forward like a thread that we are tied to.
On and on
This cycle of emptiness and trying to fill it goes on endlessly.
a weakness so strong you could wrap your arms around it
The feeling of weakness is so overpowering that it feels like it wraps around you.
Smother cheeks and smothered arms
The feeling of weakness is suffocating, affecting both the physical and emotional aspects of a person's life.
Sad but it's not maybe just for a moment
Although the feeling of sadness is present now, it may only be temporary and fleeting.
Why won't you hold me?
Asking for support and comfort from someone close.
Why won't you carry me on and on?
Asking for someone to support and guide them through the endless cycle of feelings.
No more patient
Impatience about the situation and the desire for resolution.
simple you might think but wary of reason
Things that seem simple at first may have deeper and complicated reasons.
You give up on what you think's dying out
There are things that people gave up on because they think it is hopeless to continue it.
Your words aren't funny your poetry's false
The words and poetry are not true to the essence and reality behind it.
Maybe they'll like it, maybe they won't
The author is open to criticism or judgment about the work they've created.
You can face them on
Prepare yourself to face their judgment and criticism.
hey there young man come understand
Encouragement to understand and cope with one's problems.
The ways you need to heal
Advice to discover ways that help people to recover and heal from their problems.
I see your stress come take our test
Invitation to take a test that will help identify ways to cope with stress.
Come on, this shit is real
Emphasizing that people should not take their problems lightly, as they are genuine.
We let you in we see your face
People welcome you into their lives and get to know you better.
And then we slap you on the wrist
They give a warning or reprimand for inappropriate behavior.
And when you try to leave it's much too late
It might be too late to leave with a positive impression or good relationship.
Cause we've got you on the mother-fucking list
The negative things people did or said will be remembered and will have consequences.
you need help (x8)
Repeated refrain reminding people to reach out and ask for help to manage their problems or difficulties.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dmidc
man the drums on their songs are just so much more alive than in other bands
Vnarves
Amen!
Stephen R
I really dig the drum and guitar riffs in all their songs.
Ryan Spanos
The last half of this song reminds me so much of Les Claypool from Primus with the vocal intonations and raw sounding distortion and rhythms, especially the "You need help" part. Nice sound!
Ram Gonzalez
i love this song :)
ChopTheBean
My favourite Part from 0:00 - 7:23 :)
YoureTerribl
3:15 solo is so good.
Bla Namana
What an awesome album
MtkandPR
i love the way this is mixed
nitroturbostar
@1bonp You mean that this is not mixed? If you do, let me tell you that every recorded track need at least a minimum of mixing before mastering if you where wondering (and lol I'm not flaming in any case your comment :3)! But you're right, I think The Dodos must have done little mixing, compare to quartet bands or so. I'm in complete awe before how they fill the space while they are only 2/3!