Working, first as a producer, most recently as a songwriter and musician, DENM has been a highly sought-after creative force in the indie music scene for over a decade. He’s evolved, thankfully and successfully, from years as an admittedly troubled teen bouncing from beach town to beach town. And, as much as itinerant residencies in San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Isla Vista marked his personal narrative, they also fostered deeply authentic and eclectic sources of inspiration for the budding artist. DENM’s songs are notably genuine and reflective, not just autobiographically, but of the multicultural influences that surrounded him; revealing, if not celebrating, the seedier side of SoCal.
“Expect more out of me. I’m going to write about my life. I’m going to write about make-believe. Whatever. We’re just getting started. Slum Beach Denny is album one,” says DENM. “I’m living every day. There’s inspiration everywhere. I’m expecting to do this for the rest of my life.”
Square One
DENM Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there anywhere you want to go?
You're in control
Is there anything you want to know?
The future's for discovering
The space in which we're traveling
From the top of the first page
From the start in your own way
You just want somebody listening to what you say
It doesn't matter who you are
It doesn't matter who you are
Under the surface trying to break through
Deciphering the codes in you
I need a compass, draw me a map
I'm on the top, I can't get back
Whoa whoa
The first line on the first page
To the end of the last page
From the start in your own way
You just want somebody listening to what you say
It doesn't matter who you are
It doesn't matter who you are
You just want
Somebody listening to what you say
Oh, you just want somebody listening to what you say
It doesn't matter who you are
It doesn't matter who you are
Is there anybody out there who
Is lost and hurt and lonely too
Are they bleeding all your colors into one?
And if you come undone
As if you've been run through
Some catapult it fired you
You wonder if your chance will ever come
Or if you're stuck in square one
In DENM's song Square One, the lyrics reflect on the human need for someone to listen and understand us. The opening verses suggest that the listener is in control and has the power to go anywhere or know anything they desire. However, the song's message is that despite being in control, humans often feel lost, seeking someone to hear and acknowledge us. The lyrics express an urgency in wanting somebody to listen to what we have to say, no matter who we are.
In the chorus, the lyrics become more intense. DENM sings about being unable to escape a situation, feeling trapped and needing guidance. It's unclear whether the suggestion is spiritual or concrete. Still, the lyric "under the surface trying to break through" implies a more profound struggle than everyday life's difficulties. The final set of lyrics consider other people who might be experiencing the same difficulties, wondering if their path will ever lead them to where they want to be.
In conclusion, DENM's Square One has a powerful message about the human need for connecting with others. The song speaks directly to the heart and soul of the listener, making it a stirring and emotional experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You're in control
You have the power to make decisions
Is there anywhere you want to go?
Do you have a certain destination in mind?
Is there anything you want to know?
Do you have any questions that need answers?
The future's for discovering
There's so much to learn and explore ahead
The space in which we're traveling
The journey we're on is filled with possibilities
From the top of the first page
From the beginning of your story
To the end of the last day
To the very end of your life
From the start in your own way
Everyone has their own unique path
You just want somebody listening to what you say
All you crave for is someone who will truly hear you
It doesn't matter who you are
Everyone deserves to be heard
Under the surface trying to break through
Struggling to reveal what's hidden beneath
Deciphering the codes in you
Trying to make sense of what makes you, you
I need a compass, draw me a map
Searching for guidance to navigate through life
I'm on the top, I can't get back
Having achieved success, but feeling trapped
The first line on the first page
The beginning of your journey
To the end of the last page
The completion of your story
You just want somebody listening to what you say
All you crave for is someone who will truly hear you
Is there anybody out there who
Are there others who feel the way you do?
Is lost and hurt and lonely too
Are they also feeling lost, hurt and lonely?
Are they bleeding all your colors into one?
Are they forcing you to conform to their expectations?
And if you come undone
If you break down
As if you've been run through
As if you've been emotionally brutalized
Some catapult it fired you
A sudden event has propelled you forward
You wonder if your chance will ever come
You're uncertain if you'll ever get your opportunity
Or if you're stuck in square one
Or if you're just stuck in the same position
Contributed by Caden M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.