At first impression the indie pop ensemble, Billie the Vision & the Dancers… Read Full Bio ↴At first impression the indie pop ensemble, Billie the Vision & the Dancers might seem as yet another pop band with no apparent worries. But if you were to dig a little deeper, you would soon discover that they're not always about expressing joy, happiness and dancing. What is more, their music actually manages to transcend generation gaps. Billie, moreover, is not a person per se, but rather represents the inherent quality the band wants to encourage their listeners to find within themselves. Billie is about not being afraid of being naive, pretentious or corny, to be proud of what you are and have the guts to say, "Meet us there at the Nobel Square if you wanna change the world with us".

Billie the Vision & the Dancers got together in Malmö during the recordings of the first album in the spring of 2004. The Singer, Songwriter Lars Lindquists had previous material from a solo project. One person wasn't enough he thought, and had persuaded five more members to join the project. Most of them old friends from his home town Bräkne-Hoby in Blekinge, and on top of that a new friend from Borlänge.

The debut I Was So Unpopular in School and Now They're Giving Me This Beautiful Bicycle released on their own label Love Will Pay the Bills got great reviews in the press and also got nominated at Manifest, the Swedish prize award for records released on indie labels.

2005 saw the release of The World According To Pablo and in 2007 "Where The Ocean Meets My Hand" was released.
"I Used to Wander These Streets" was released on June 4th 2008.
All albums are available for download at the band's website for any amount of donation - or none.

Current group members are:
Silvio Arismendi - percussion
Frida Brattgård - trumpet, accordion
Maria Carlsson - bass guitar
John Dunsö - acoustic guitar, vocals
Sofia Janninge - percussion, violin, vocals
Gustav Kronkvist - electric guitar
Jon Lindquist - drums
Lars Lindquist - lead vocals

For more information on the band, visit the
official website at www.billiethevision.com or
www.myspace.com/billiethevisionandthedancers

City
Billie the Vision & the Dancers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This place ain’t familiar yet but I’m sure I could fit in here.
My neighbours stay up late at night.
I like this big city atmosphere.
On every wall around our block there are posters that I like.
There are major changes in the air.
I can feel it’s heartbeat pump.
And the wages I get from the cleaning job pays the rent but not much more.
But it’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.

I think I like this city.
I think I like this city.

I can’t believe I’m here and that I don’t fear tomorrow anymore.
I think we might be headed for a great time.
So look at me, tell me what you see and give me a left cheek kiss.
If this is not called happiness I don’t know what it is.
So take a deep breath, tell me what you smell.
I smell a good time in my life.
If this is not called happiness I don’t know what it is.

I used to say I don’t believe in this.
Now it’s as obvious as a kiss.
I know what I’ve been waiting for and I am glad I’ve done my time.
I’m on a bicycle to the market place.
I got some music in my ears.
And every day I met people I know, almost all my friends are here.
The wages I get from the cleaning job pays the rent but not much more.
But it’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.
It’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.
It’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.
I think I like this city.
I think I like this city.

I can’t believe I’m here and that I don’t fear tomorrow anymore.
I think we might be headed for a great time.
So look at me, tell me what you see and give me a left cheek kiss.
If this is not called happiness I don’t know what it is.
So take a deep breath, tell me what you smell.
I smell a good time in my life.
If this is not called happiness I don’t know what it is.

I think I like this city.
I think I like this city.

I think I like this city.
I think I like this city.

Overall Meaning

The song "City" by Billie the Vision & The Dancers focuses on the central theme of finding one's place in the world. The singer begins by expressing that even though the city is an unfamiliar place, they believe they can fit in there. They find comfort in the atmosphere of the big city and enjoy the little things like the posters on the walls. Despite the fact that their cleaning job doesn't pay much, they remain content with their life. They even have free afternoons to enjoy in the city. The singer is happy and has a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar city.

The chorus is a proclamation of happiness and contentment. The singer says that they are not afraid of tomorrow anymore and that they think they might be headed for a great time. They want someone to look at them and tell them what they see and even give them a left cheek kiss. The singer asks for things to smell and says that they smell a good time in their life. They believe that they have found something that they have been waiting for and are happy with the choices that they have made.

Overall, the song is a celebration of finding one's place and being happy with the choices made. Even though life may not be perfect, it's the simple things that bring joy and contentment.

Line by Line Meaning

This place ain’t familiar yet but I’m sure I could fit in here.
Even though I'm not used to this new place, I feel like I belong here and could adapt

My neighbours stay up late at night.
The people around me are active and vibrant, even during night time

I like this big city atmosphere.
I enjoy the energy and vibe that comes with living in a large city

On every wall around our block there are posters that I like.
I appreciate the art and creativity that surrounds me in this area

There are major changes in the air.
I sense that significant events and opportunities are approaching

I can feel it’s heartbeat pump.
I can sense the excitement and passion that fills this city

And the wages I get from the cleaning job pays the rent but not much more.
My job barely covers the cost of living in the city

But it’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.
I have some free time during the day that I cherish

I think I like this city.
Overall, I have a positive feeling towards this new place

I can’t believe I’m here and that I don’t fear tomorrow anymore.
I am amazed that I don't worry about the future as much as I used to, now that I am in this city

I think we might be headed for a great time.
I have a strong feeling that good times are ahead

So look at me, tell me what you see and give me a left cheek kiss.
I want someone to notice and appreciate me, and show affection to me

If this is not called happiness I don’t know what it is.
I believe that this feeling of contentment and joy must be happiness

So take a deep breath, tell me what you smell.
Let's take a moment to appreciate the good smells and fresh air around us

I smell a good time in my life.
I have a sense of optimism and positivity that good things are going to happen to me

I used to say I don’t believe in this.
I used to be skeptical and doubtful about the possibility of finding happiness

Now it’s as obvious as a kiss.
Now I realize that happiness is clear and evident, just like a loving kiss

I know what I’ve been waiting for and I am glad I’ve done my time.
I finally understand what I was looking for in life, and I am grateful for the struggles that got me here

I’m on a bicycle to the market place.
I am enjoying the simple pleasures of life, like biking to a local market

I got some music in my ears.
I am enjoying the sensory experience of listening to music while taking in the scenery around me

And every day I met people I know, almost all my friends are here.
I am surrounded by familiar faces and feel a sense of community in this city

It’s a halftime job and the afternoons are free.
Having a part-time job gives me some space to pursue other activities and interests during the day

I think I like this city.
Once again, I express my positive feelings towards this new place

Contributed by Gabriella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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