The band was originally formed as a joint-venture by guitarist Chris Duker and drummer Josh Gumley, as a way to re-coup financial losses sustained during their year-long stint with the adults-only, all-male dancing troupe ‘The Gyration Nation’. Though proud of their achievements in the field of ‘mentertainment’, they yearned for a new life, free of the rigours of weekly full-body waxing. Thus arose from the ashes, ‘Chris Duke and The Royals’.
Immediate success was not forthcoming, however, as the obvious necessity of a drum-kit played havoc with their conditioned choreography. To improve their look and sound they expanded the band, first adding Chris’ own brother and vocalist Peg, whose fledgling career in shadow puppetry had been anything but successful. Trumpeter and vocalist Ashley Wilderink was next to join the band, gleefully leaving her life as a pet clairvoyant behind. Having been successfully sued for her inability to correctly foresee the impending demise of a pomeranian housed with a pit-bull in her own practice’s waiting room, the timing was perfect for a change.
The Royals’ next addition was acquired somewhat by accident as, while perusing through ‘Men of Quilting, 2006 - The fundraising calendar’, they noticed listed under Mr February’s interests were ‘Quilting, long walks on the beach, and bass guitar’. An email to the publisher later and soon the band had become a five-piece, with Mr February - John Neville joining the fold. To round out the horn section, the band looked no further than Ebolagoldfish’s own Andy MacDougall. His rampant tromboning during previous shows had caught the band’s eye, and his willingness to explore any possible marriage of trombone and fireworks in order to create a unique audio-visual experience / fire hazard keeps everyone on their toes.
Chris Duke and The Royals have been plying their trade throughout the Sydney scene for years, having supported touring acts such as The Flatliners, Bedouin Soundclash, Guttermouth, Dan Potthast, Area-7, The Real Deal, The King Cannons and more, as well as touring the country on numerous occasions. Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Canberra and more have all experienced the Royals’ unique brand of party punk, as well as successful Sydney festivals such as ‘Blood, Sweat and Beers’ and the ‘Ska Weekenders’.
‘Chris Duke and The Royals’ ingredients: Ceeds, Peg, Yods, Ash, J-Nev, Andy. (May contain traces of brass). To be taken aurally twice a day, or more if recommended by a suitably fervent fan.
Water
Chris Duke and The Royals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Coast to coast, I'm rushing
God knows I'm gonna need something
Someone to tow me out the smoke
Before I choke
On counterfeit, antidotes I'm rifling
Deep diving, can't wash it off my skin
Caving, just keeping my
Head on high waters
Down and out in the dust
Know it's never enough
Always just a little too
Late goin' under
Goin' out in the swell
Can't keep my head on high waters
I'm low, please come
Waters, waters, waters
Keep my head on high
Waters, waters, waters
Keep my head on high
The sharks are closing in, I toast
Half afloat, I'm breaking
God knows I'm gonna need saving
Someone should drag me out of Hell
To the shadows, to the swirl
Take the spell I'm caught in
Deep diving, can't wash it off my skin
Waving, just keeping my
Head on high waters
Down and out in the dust
Know it's never enough
Always just a little too
Late goin' under
Goin' out in the swell
Can't keep my head on high waters
I'm low, please come in
I'm low, please come in
Just keeping my head on high waters
Down and out in the dust
Know it's never enough
Always just too little too
Late goin' under
Goin' out in the swell
Can't keep my head on high waters
I'm low, please come
Waters, waters, waters
Keep my head on high (I'm low, please come in)
Waters, waters, waters
Keep my head on high
The song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel is a comforting and uplifting ballad. Chris Duke and The Royals's version of the song carried the same weight and depth, and the lyrics focus on being a reliable friend to someone during difficult times.
The song opens up with the singer acknowledging the struggles that someone close to them is going through. The singer's promise to "dry [their] tears" and be there for them when they need it is comforting and reassuring. The lyrics go on to use the metaphor of a bridge over troubled water to symbolize the singer's unwavering support for their friend.
The second verse continues with the same theme of the singer being there for their friend, even when they're "down and out" and "on the street". The message here is that no matter what their friend is going through, they can always count on the singer to have their back. In the last verse, the song takes a turn and becomes more uplifting, with the singer encouraging their friend to "sail on" and pursue their dreams, while assuring them that they're there to support them.
Overall, Chris Duke and The Royals's version of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" conveys a beautiful message of friendship and support. The lyrics, set to a beautiful melody, make for a touching and powerful song.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're weary, feeling small,
When you're exhausted and insignificant,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
When you're crying, I'll be there to wipe away your tears;
I'm on your side. when times get rough
I'm your ally, especially when the going gets tough;
And friends just can't be found,
And when you can't find any friends around,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I'll support and strengthen you like a bridge over rough waters;
I will lay me down.
I'll sacrifice my comfort and rest for you.
When you're down and out,
When you're at the lowest point in life,
When you're on the street,
When you're homeless and destitute,
When evening falls so hard
When the night comes down hard on you,
I will comfort you.
I'll offer you solace and comfort;
Ill take your part.
I'll defend and stand up for you;
When darkness comes
When everything around you is bleak and dim,
And pains is all around,
When you're in pain and hurt all over,
Like a bridge over troubled water
I'll provide a solid foundation and a way across;
I will lay me down.
I'll selflessly offer myself to help ease your burden.
Sail on silvergirl,
Carry on, my dear friend,
Sail on by.
Continue on your journey;
Your time has come to shine.
Your moment to shine and be successful has finally arrived.
All your dreams are on their way.
All of your hopes and aspirations are about to come true;
See how they shine.
Marvel at how brightly they radiate.
If you need a friend
If you require someone to confide in,
I'm sailing right behind.
I'm right behind you, supporting you every step of the way;
Like a bridge over troubled water
Just like a bridge, I'll be there to offer assistance;
I will ease your mind.
I'll help ease your worries and troubles away.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I'll be there for you when you're struggling;
I will ease your mind.
I'll bring peace and calm to your troubled mind.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ben Thatcher, Michael James Kerr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind