Dempsey's earliest musical influences were the post-pub singsongs that his parents used to have at their home when he was a toddler. Good, bad or indifferent, everyone had to sing. Today his unique sound reflects the influence of traditional Sean-Nós as well as his musical heroes: Bob Marley and Elvis Presley.
After completing his secondary education,Dempsey went on to the Ballyfermot "Rock School" for 2 years where he studied musical performance as well as the practical side of the music industry. The school had its own small record label and star students were awarded a release on the label. Damien was chosen for that honour and the EP, "The Contender", was released in 1995.
In 1997 "Dublin Town", Dempsey's first commercial single, reached No. 18 in the Irish charts. Ireland's HOT PRESS remarked that it was "..an underground anthem for disaffected youth and closet balladeer alike". A re-recorded version of the song appeared on Dempsey's first album; "They Don't Teach This Shit In School" released in 2000.
His next release, the "Negative Vibes EP", (2002) featured Sinéad O'Connor on the title track and led to an invitation to support Sinéad on her 2002/2003 Irish, UK and European tour.
Dempsey's second album, "Seize the Day", was released May 2003 in Ireland on Clear Records via Sony and entered the charts first week of release at No. 5. It has since achieved double-platinum sales. Released in May 2004 in the UK on IRL, the album was awarded "CD of the Week" in the Sunday Times and received enthusiastic reviews in the National and music press.
Nominated in 4 categories in the 2004 Irish Meteor Awards, Dempsey walked away with two, the only 2004 double winner.
A documentary, "It's All Good: The Damien Dempsey Story" by independent filmmaker Dara McCluskey, that followed Dempsey's career progression up to the release of "Seize the Day", was broadcast on Ireland's national TV station RTE and shown at film festivals in Ireland and New York.
During 2004, Dempsey toured extensively headlining his own shows as well as supporting Bob Dylan during the Irish leg of his European tour and making his debut appearances at The Fleadh and Womad.
Dempsey has earned the passionate support of his peers, one of whom is Morrissey who invited him to support him on various UK and Irish dates as well as his autumn 2004 US tour. Morrissey went on to sign Dempsey to his Attack label, and "Seize the Day" had its U.S. release in October 2004.
His third album, "Shots", simultaneously released in Ireland and the UK in March 2005, entered the Irish album charts at Number 1 and achieved platinum status in December 2005.
In February 2006, Dempsey increased his Meteor Awards by winning in The Best Irish Male category.
Recorded in December 2005 at Dublin's Olympia Theatre and released in June 2006 in both Ireland and the UK, Dempsey's first live album, "Live at The Olympia", entered the Irish album chart at Number 10.
Cursed With A Brain
Damien Dempsey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your belly full and there's a roof over your head
Don't go forgetting how lucky you are
You have your health and you've a job and you've a car
What is it with us we always wanting more?
'Til greed consumes us and we're rotten to the core
We should be humble and wise and true
In this world today that's getting so hard to do
I don't know
I feel as though
I was cursed with a brain
Mother Earth she gave us all we possess
But we keep on takin' till she has less and less
Are we gonna realise that greed results in war
Or will we disappear just like the dinosaur?
I want the wisdom of the ancient tribes
For all our progress they were more civilised
Can't help thinking that we've lost our way
Once I'm back on track I won't be led astray
I don't know
I feel as though
I was cursed with a brain
I don't know
I feel as though
We were cursed with a brain
I'm goin' insane
Don't look out, look within
Change yourself, but to begin
Don't look out, look within
Change yourself, but to begin.
The song 'Cursed With A Brain' by Damien Dempsey is a commentary on the human condition, and the tendency of people to always want more even when they have enough. The lyrics remind people to be grateful for what they have, like having enough food to eat and a roof over their head. Dempsey stresses that people should not be consumed by greed, which can lead to destructive behavior. In a world that is difficult to navigate, the singer urges people to be humble, wise and true.
The lyrics also highlight the importance of protecting the environment. The metaphor of 'Mother Earth' giving us what we possess, but people taking more and more until there is nothing left, is a sobering reminder of the impact of human activity on the planet. Dempsey asks whether people will learn from the mistakes of the past, or whether they will continue on the same path to destruction. He believes that people should look to the wisdom of ancient tribes, who were more civilized, to inform their modern lives.
Overall, the song encourages introspection, self-reflection, and positive change. It inspires listeners to be more mindful of their actions, and to realize that they have the power to make a difference in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Count your blessings that you have enough bread
Be grateful for what you have, especially basic necessities like food.
Your belly full and there's a roof over your head
You have a place to call home and you don't have to worry about hunger.
Don't go forgetting how lucky you are
Don't take your blessings for granted and remember to appreciate them.
You have your health and you've a job and you've a car
You have good health, a job to support yourself, and a car to take you places.
What is it with us we always wanting more?
Why do we always feel the need to acquire more than what we already have?
'Til greed consumes us and we're rotten to the core
Our desire for more can turn into greed and make us corrupt at our very essence.
We should be humble and wise and true
It's better to be humble, wise and honest rather than greedy, deceitful and fake.
In this world today that's getting so hard to do
It's becoming increasingly difficult to stay true to these virtues in the modern world.
I don't know
I am unsure.
I feel as though I was cursed with a brain
Sometimes I feel like having a brain, especially in a world like ours, can be challenging.
Mother Earth she gave us all we possess
The Earth has given us everything that we own and have.
But we keep on takin' till she has less and less
We take from the Earth without giving back and this is causing damage to our natural resources.
Are we gonna realise that greed results in war
Will we ever understand that greed often instigates wars and conflicts?
Or will we disappear just like the dinosaur?
If we continue on this path, will we also face our own extinction, like the dinosaurs?
I want the wisdom of ancient tribes
I long for the knowledge and insight of the ancient tribes who lived in harmony with nature.
For all our progress they were more civilised
Despite our advancements, these ancient tribes had a better understanding of how to live in harmony with the Earth.
Can't help thinking that we've lost our way
I can't help but feel that we've gotten off course and lost sight of what's truly important.
Once I'm back on track I won't be led astray
When I regain my path and sense of direction, I won't be swayed by temptation and greed.
We were cursed with a brain
As humans, we often struggle with our own thoughts and the complexity of our minds.
I'm goin' insane
Sometimes it can feel like our own thoughts and worries are driving us crazy.
Don't look out, look within
Stop focusing on external factors, and instead examine your own thoughts and feelings.
Change yourself, but to begin
Start the change within yourself first, before trying to change the world around you.
Contributed by Carson S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Logjammin
Powerful message here...
James Davis
Amazing