The group's mostly instrumental compositions were novel melodic sound collages based on digital sampler technology, which was new at the time. Inspired by turn-of-the-20th-century revolutions in music, the Art of Noise were initially packaged as a faceless anti- or non-group, blurring the distinction between the art and its creators. The band is noted for innovative use of electronics and computers in pop music and particularly for innovative use of sampling.
From the earliest releases on ZTT, the band referred to itself as both Art of Noise and The Art of Noise. Official and unofficial releases and press material use both versions.
Donna
Art of Noise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, Donna, Oh, Donna
I had a girl
Donna was her name
Since she left me
I've never been the same
'Cause I love my girl
Where can you be?
Now that you're gone
I'm left all alone
All by myself
To wander and roam
'Cause I love my girl
Donna, where can you be?
Where can you be?
Well, darlin', now that you're gone
I don't know what I'll do
All time and all my love for you
I had a girl
Donna was her name
Since she left me
I've never been the same
'Cause I love my girl
Donna, where can you be?
Where can you be?
Oh, Donna, Oh, Donna
Oh, Donna, Oh, Donna
Oh, Donna!
Art of Noise's song "Donna" is a reimagining of the classic doo-wop hit by Ritchie Valens. The song tells the story of the singer's love for a girl named Donna, and the heartache he feels since she left him. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing, making it clear that the singer is still in love with Donna and can't reconcile himself to the idea of being without her.
The repetition of Donna's name throughout the song creates a hypnotic effect, driving home the singer's obsession with her. The backing track, which combines elements of rock, funk, and electronica, gives the song a modern edge while still maintaining the doo-wop roots of the original.
At its core, "Donna" is a simple and timeless love song, but Art of Noise's reworking of the classic tune gives it a unique twist that makes it stand out. Through their use of cutting-edge production techniques and a wide-ranging musical palette, the band transforms a beloved oldie into something fresh and exciting.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Donna, Oh, Donna
Repeatedly calling the name of the lost love as a way of reminiscing the relationship.
I had a girl
Expressing the fact that the singer was in a romantic relationship in the past.
Donna was her name
Naming the specific woman the singer was in love with.
Since she left me
Acknowledging the end of the relationship and how it affected him.
I've never been the same
The singer feels like he's changed in substantial ways since the end of the relationship.
'Cause I love my girl
Reiterating that the love for Donna is the reason behind the sorrow and loss he feels.
Donna, where can you be?
Wondering about Donna's whereabouts and why she left.
Now that you're gone
Reflecting on the current state of loneliness and emptiness.
I'm left all alone
Being left by Donna has left the singer without companionship.
All by myself
Without Donna, the singer is entirely alone.
To wander and roam
Feeling directionless and lost, without any purpose or destination.
Well, darlin', now that you're gone
A term of endearment showing the depth of feelings the singer had for Donna.
I don't know what I'll do
Expressing the singer's helplessness and confusion in coping with the loss of Donna.
All time and all my love for you
The singer expressing that he had committed all his time and love to Donna.
Oh, Donna!
Repeating Donna's name one last time in a plea for her return.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ritchie Valens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
realhardtruth
This track and album is the bomb! I remember when my brother bought it home and I constantly kept playing it over and over especially BEAT BOX and BRIGHT NOISE!
norris preston
One of my favorite tracks from Art of Noise! This song never gets old!
Paul Crisp
Yet again THE ART OF NOISE have proved they are still way ahead of their time with everything they do decades later. Long may their music live. 🎵❤🎵❤💎💎🇬🇧🇬🇧 Nov 2021
Paul Bradley
fantastic weird ambient songs...all aon singles should have been double AA
marcelbreda56
Amazing love it:-) :-) :-) :-)
marcelbreda56
so simple but amazing
Artistic Freedom
My Jam....before I had a clue that I'm a sci-fi fiend 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
jose javier carvajal prada
Así es , la banda sonora de la novela mi segunda madre
GABRIEL VERGARA
Este tema ll inmortalizó: Mi segunda madre.
Arquimedes Andrew
Juntas lo hicieron, una estupenda música para una estupenda telenovela, la mejor de 1989.