Cuff the Duke’s debut Life Stories for Minimum Wage was released on Toronto-indie Three Gut Records on October 15, 2002 to rave reviews. Critics heralded their efforts as “intense” and “timeless.” Emphasis was placed on the mature aspect of the album…a surprise considering the members (all originally from Oshawa) were only 21.
July 2005 saw the sophomore release of the self-titled Cuff the Duke on Hayden’s Hardwood imprint (a first besides Hayden himself), distributed by Universal. A favourite of the fans, college radio (#2 national) and critics alike, they wowed audiences with their live show wherever they played. Early in 2006, Halifax’s Dale Murray (The Guthries) joined the band to play electric and steel guitar. With founding members Wayne Petti and Paul Lowman, the band embarked on additional extensive North American touring.
Somewhere amongst all of that, several van breakdowns included, Cuff the Duke managed to be part of an exciting, primarily instrumental band called The Hylozoists, led by producer/musician Paul Aucoin, who’s La Fin Du Monde came out spring ’06 on Boompa/EMI. 2007 saw the re-release of Cuff the Duke’s 2002 debut Life Stories for Minimum Wage, Wayne Petti’s solo debut City Lights Align, as well as the band's third full-length album, Sidelines of the City. Later releases include Way Down Here (2009) and Morning Comes (2011).
Current members:
Wayne Petti – vocals, guitar, keyboards, harmonica, bass (2001–present)
Paul Lowman – bass, piano, backing vocals, fiddle, guitar, lap steel (2001–present)
Dale Murray – guitar, pedal steel, backing vocals (2005–present)
AJ Johnson - drums, percussion, backing vocals (2011-present)
François Turenne - Live Guitars (2009–present)
Past members:
Jeff Peers – guitar, keyboards, percussion (2001–2005)
Brad Fudge – drums, percussion (2001–2003)
Matt Faris – drums, percussion (2003–2006)
Patrick Conan – live drums, percussion (2006)
Paul Aucoin – live keyboards, percussion (2005–2006)
Steve Krecklo – lead guitar, lap steel, keyboards, organ, percussion, backing vocals (2002, for Life Stories for Minimum Wage)
Christopher Sandes – live keyboards (2007–2008)
Corey Wood – drums, percussion (2006-2010)
Official website: www.cufftheduke.ca
Anti
Cuff the Duke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They wait for time, waiting alone isn't bad I find
And coming from a broken home doesn't help their overtone
Knock down each day, all there dreams will fade away
I live my life like a story line and what you've said you've said before
Each day's a bore, each day we wait for so much more
I dream a dream that's failed before I live this life cause there's nothing more
Trapped inside this hole of mine no guidance from the great divine
He helps simple men, but simple men don't know they can!
Now in a daze the light has arrived I'm feeling the pain that you have derived
It's a boring song, but it will decide whether I go on!
What can I say that hasn't been said?
What can I say that hasn't been said?
The lyrics to Cuff the Duke's "Anti" explore feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disillusionment in a world that seems to be falling apart. The first verse references "anti-social friends" who "hang themselves with fishing line," implying a sense of hopelessness and desperation. The lines "they wait for time, waiting alone isn't bad I find" suggest that although they may be alone, they can at least find some solace in their own company. However, the lyric "knock down each day, all their dreams will fade away" implies that even this small comfort will eventually disappear.
The second verse speaks to the singer's own struggles, living a life that feels repetitive and unfulfilling. The line "each day's a bore, each day we wait for so much more" expresses a longing for something more meaningful. The lyric "I dream a dream that's failed before I live this life cause there's nothing more" suggests a deep sense of disillusionment, as if the singer has given up hope for achieving their dreams.
The chorus brings a glimmer of hope, encouraging the listener to "close your eyes, and dream of the days when we were alive." It seems to suggest that there was a time when things felt more hopeful and alive, and that by focusing on those memories, we can awaken that feeling in ourselves once again.
Overall, "Anti" is a poignant exploration of the human psyche, grappling with feelings of alienation, disillusionment, and hopelessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Anti-social friends of mine hang themselves with fishing line
My disillusioned acquaintances isolate themselves and indulge in self-destructive behavior.
They wait for time, waiting alone isn't bad I find
They pass their time withdrawn, but I don't mind solitude.
And coming from a broken home doesn't help their overtone
Their troubled family life compounds their negative tendencies.
Knock down each day, all their dreams will fade away
They struggle each day, and their aspirations will inevitably vanish.
I live my life like a story line and what you've said you've said before
I approach life as a narrative, where repetition is common.
Each day's a bore, each day we wait for so much more
Every day feels dull, and we crave something greater.
I dream a dream that's failed before I live this life cause there's nothing more
My aspirations have been unrealized previously, so I live aimlessly.
So close your eyes, and dream of the days when we were alive
Let's reminisce about a time before our current existence.
Trapped inside this hole of mine no guidance from the great divine
I feel captive and helpless, with no guidance from a higher power.
He helps simple men, but simple men don't know they can!
A divine power offers aid, but people may not recognize the opportunity.
Now in a daze the light has arrived I'm feeling the pain that you have derived
I'm confused but have newfound awareness, experiencing your inflicted suffering.
It's a boring song, but it will decide whether I go on!
This monotonous tune holds significance and may impact my perseverance.
What can I say that hasn't been said?
What can I express that hasn't already been articulated?
What can I say that hasn't been said?
What can I express that hasn't already been articulated?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shane V
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