Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Don't Be
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You'll be controlled
Tired right from the start
La la la la la la la la la la
Don't be nasty or I'll go there and fight
Don't be like me stay away from the night
Don't be so dull bet you'd level your heart
You'll be controlled
Tired right from the start
La la la la la la la la la la
The lyrics to Blur's song "Don't Be" convey a message about avoiding negativity and choosing a more positive and vibrant approach to life. The opening line, "Don't be so dull, bet you'd level your heart," suggests that the listener should not settle for a monotonous and ordinary existence. It implies that one should strive for a more fulfilling and passionate life.
The phrase "You'll be controlled, tired right from the start" indicates the consequences of living a dull and unexciting life. It suggests that lack of excitement can lead to feelings of being trapped and drained of energy right from the beginning. This could refer to the predictability and lack of adventure that can come with a mundane lifestyle.
The repetition of "la la la la" throughout the song adds a certain catchy and playful element. It serves to emphasize the importance of not being dull and encourages the listener to find joy and vibrancy in their life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Be" encourage the listener to embrace a more lively and fulfilling existence, highlighting the negative effects of a dull life and urging them to steer clear of negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be so dull bet you'd level your heart
Don't be uninteresting, I bet you would unlock your emotions
You'll be controlled
You will be manipulated
Tired right from the start
Exhausted from the very beginning
La la la la la la la la la la
Vocalization without specific meaning
Don't be nasty or I'll go there and fight
Don't be mean, or I will confront you physically
Don't be like me stay away from the night
Don't be like me, avoid the darkness
La la la la la la la la la la
Vocalization without specific meaning
Don't be so dull bet you'd level your heart
Don't be uninteresting, I bet you would unlock your emotions
You'll be controlled
You will be manipulated
Tired right from the start
Exhausted from the very beginning
La la la la la la la la la la
Vocalization without specific meaning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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