Gibbard has been actively writing, recording and releasing music since 1994, when he graduated from Olypmic High School. He appeared as a guest on Jimmy Tamborello's (his Postal Service collaborator) Dntel album entitled Life is Full of Possibilities (2001) - Specifically, he contributed vocals to the song "(This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan.". In addition, played bass for the band Pedro the Lion on their 2000 tour, and he played drums on the song 'Carparts' for The Long Winters' 2002 album, "The Worst You Can Do Is Harm." He has also released a split EP with Andrew Kenny (of American Analog Set) in the Home Series on the Post-Parlo record label on March 30, 2004. Styrofoam's 2004 album Nothing's Lost features Gibbard's vocals on the track "Couches in Alleys." Additionally, Ben contributed vocals to a song (Handle With Care) on Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis's side project Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins's album, Rabbit Fur Coat.
Gibbard will make his acting debut in the film "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men," an adaptation of David Foster Wallace's collection of short stories. Actor John Krasinski (NBC's "The Office") wrote the screenplay and directed the film.
Duncan Where Have You Gone?
Ben Gibbard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's been so, so long
Has London broken your heart?
It happen to the best of us
Duncan, the most regal blood flows through you
And there's someone for you to love
Whom you will find in due time
Do you feel like you don't really know yourself?
'Cause the people you meet they just see someone else?
And that your biggest dream is to be just a stranger you'd pass on the street?
Duncan send us a sign that you're alright
Have you sunken further below the coldest depth you've ever known
They raised you the best that they possibly could
And still you felt unknown and always misunderstood
And now your biggest dream is to be just a stranger you'd pass on the street
Duncan, where have you gone?
In Ben Gibbard's song "Duncan Where Have You Gone?" he sings about a friend named Duncan who seems to have disappeared. He wonders if London, where Duncan had presumably gone to, had broken his heart. Gibbard goes on to describe how Duncan has regal blood flowing through his veins, but despite this, he doesn't really know himself. He feels like people don't see him for who he truly is, and his biggest dream is to be a stranger to everyone he meets.
The song captures the feeling of being lost and misunderstood, despite having all the advantages and opportunities. Gibbard's lyrics paint a poignant picture of a person searching for their true identity and struggling to find meaning in their life. The chorus, where Gibbard asks Duncan to send a sign that he's alright, hints at how deep their friendship was and how worried he is about Duncan's well-being.
Overall, "Duncan Where Have You Gone?" is a beautiful and reflective song that explores themes of identity, loneliness, and friendship with a gentle and melancholic tone. It's a powerful reminder that even the most successful and accomplished people can sometimes feel lost and disconnected from the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Duncan, where have you gone?
Where are you, Duncan?
It's been so, so long
It has been a significant amount of time since we last saw each other
Has London broken your heart?
Have you experienced hurt while in London?
It happens to the best of us
This is a common experience that can happen to anyone
Duncan, the most regal blood flows through you
Duncan, you come from a noble lineage
And there's someone for you to love
You will find someone to love
Whom you will find in due time
But this will happen at the right moment
Do you feel like you don't really know yourself?
Do you feel uncertain of your true identity?
'Cause the people you meet they just see someone else?
Do the people you meet see an inaccurate version of you?
And that your biggest dream is to be just a stranger you'd pass on the street?
Is your greatest desire to go unnoticed, to live a life of anonymity?
Duncan send us a sign that you're alright
Reach out to us, Duncan, so we know you are doing well
Have you sunken further below the coldest depth you've ever known
Have you fallen to your lowest point?
They raised you the best that they possibly could
Your parents did their best to raise you right
And still you felt unknown and always misunderstood
Despite their efforts, you felt misunderstood and unnoticed
And now your biggest dream is to be just a stranger you'd pass on the street
Your hope now is to blend in, to be ignored in the crowd
Duncan, where have you gone?
Where are you, Duncan?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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