Where so many songwriters stretch for their highest notes, hoping to impress and astound, Duvekot bravely mines her deep reaches, where the dark feelings lurk. It softens her phrasing, leading us in with whispers, letting us know she believes every word she sings.
Her melodies seem like suddenly occurring thoughts, matching the hushed, conversational allure of her singing. They feel so immediate, so in synch with her lyrics; and yet also snugly rooted, oddly familiar, like memories you can't quite recall.
She sings, and writes, as if she thinks songs are important; not means to an end, but tools of survival. And for her, that's just what they are.
In 2006 Antje was a featured guest performer at the ten-year reunion concert of the contemporary Celtic band Solas, who performed two of her songs.
Dublin Boys
Antje Duvekot Lyrics
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Cause all the houses on your streets are burning down
Oh, but not to worry, cause I will be okay
Yes, I will pick myself back up another day
But I am dirty from the travel
And I miss my family
So goodbye, Dublin boys, farewell
But you never could tell
I'm gonna pack my suitcase
And sing to myself
Goodbye
I know that things gotta change, it's what they always do
Oh, but change has never been known to wait for you
I'm gonna go where the green is
Don't wanna live for brown
I'm gonna get back on my horse 'til I go down
And you're more beautiful than ever
And it just goes to show
So goodbye, Dublin boys, farewell
I gave you my best shot
But you never could tell
I'm gonna pack my suitcase
And sing to myself
Goodbye, Dublin boys, farewell
I gave you my best shot
But you never could tell
I'm gonna pack my suitcase
And sing to myself
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, Dublin boys, farewell
I gave you my best shot
But you never could tell
I'm gonna pack my suitcase
And sing to myself
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
"Sweet city of Dublin, I am heading out" - The song "Dublin Boys" by Antje Duvekot starts with her bidding goodbye to the city of Dublin, indicating that she's moving on from her past experiences in the city. "Cause all the houses on your streets are burning down" - The line suggests a metaphorical meaning of finding no permanent residence in the city as all the houses are burning down, indicating that it's not a place for a long-term stay. "Oh, but not to worry, cause I will be okay" - The singer assures herself that moving on is the right decision and that she'll be okay. "But I am dirty from the travel, and I miss my family" - The line indicates that the singer has been through a rough period, possibly during her time in Dublin and that it's time for her to go back home.
"I know that things gotta change, it's what they always do. Oh, but change has never been known to wait for you" - The lyric suggests that changes happen in life, and one cannot control them, but accepting and adapting to them is what is important. "I'm gonna go where the green is, don't wanna live for brown" - Antje Duvekot plans to leave behind the dullness of Dublin and head to a place where there's more life and greenery. "I'm gonna get back on my horse 'til I go down" - This line suggests that the singer is willing to embrace new challenges in life and will continue to ride on until she falls. "And you're more beautiful than ever, and it just goes to show" - The singer signs off with a farewell message to Dublin, indicating her love for the city, but it's time to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet city of Dublin, I am heading out
I am leaving Dublin behind.
Cause all the houses on your streets are burning down
The city is filled with conflict and destruction.
Oh, but not to worry, cause I will be okay
I will not let this chaos take control of my life.
Yes, I will pick myself back up another day
I will persevere and overcome this difficult time.
But I am dirty from the travel
I am physically exhausted from the journey.
And I miss my family
I long for the comfort of my loved ones.
So goodbye, Dublin boys, farewell
I am bidding farewell to the men of Dublin.
I gave you my best shot
I tried my hardest to make this work.
But you never could tell
I couldn't decipher what was going on in their minds or hearts.
I'm gonna pack my suitcase
I'm preparing to leave.
And sing to myself
I am comforting myself through song.
I know that things gotta change, it's what they always do
Change is an inevitable part of life.
Oh, but change has never been known to wait for you
Change happens regardless of one's readiness or willingness.
I'm gonna go where the green is
I am seeking a new start in a peaceful, lush environment.
Don't wanna live for brown
I do not want to endure a bleak, monotonous life.
I'm gonna get back on my horse 'til I go down
I am determined to persist until I am unable to continue.
And you're more beautiful than ever
Dublin-- despite its flaws-- is still a picturesque city.
And it just goes to show
This proves that beauty can exist amidst chaos and destruction.
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye
Multiple farewells are said, as if to ingrain the finality of this departure.
Contributed by Jayce G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.