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.
JEALOUSY
Damien Dempsey Lyrics
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I don't think so, I'll make you black and blue
And everytime I try to explain, she just complain
She just complain, she just complain
I'm going insane
I know my mistrust is causing you pain
But hold on, look at that pox over there
Look at him stare, I'll tear out his hair
Jealousy is cruel
Has me like a fool
When they look at you,
Can't tell what I'll do
Can't tell what I'll do
Because
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good boy
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good
You make me a good
You make me a bad boy
Tell me this and tell me no more
See the next man that walks through that door
When he looks at you
What do you want me to do
Should I look down
Or should I go to town
See I can be an omadhaun
But at least I stand up for
What's right and what's wrong
She thinks I'm wrong, I think I'm right
You just walked in
I hope you can fight
Jealousy is cruel
Has me like a fool
When they look at you
Can't tell what I'll do
Can't tell what I'll do
Well if I could change in any way
You know that I would change today
If I could change in any way, today
Well if I could change in any way
You know that I would change today
If I could change in any way, today
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good boy
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good
You make me a good
You make me a good boy
The song "Jealousy" by Damien Dempsey portrays a man struggling with his intense feelings of jealousy and possessiveness towards his partner. He threatens violence towards anyone who he perceives as a potential threat to their relationship, and becomes increasingly frustrated when his partner complains about his behavior. Despite his emotions taking over, he recognizes that his mistrust is causing pain to his partner. The chorus reflects the intense emotional turmoil he experiences, with jealousy making him feel like a fool and unable to control his actions. However, he also acknowledges that his partner's love brings him joy and makes him a better person.
The song highlights the toxic nature of jealousy and the negative impact it can have on relationships. It shows how jealousy is driven by a combination of insecurity and possessiveness, leading to controlling behavior and potential violence. Additionally, the lyrics suggest that communication is key in addressing jealousy and building a healthy relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Mess with my girl, that's what you're trying to do
You are attempting to interfere with my girlfriend.
I don't think so, I'll make you black and blue
I will defend her and use violence if necessary.
And everytime I try to explain, she just complain
When I attempt to explain my feelings of jealousy, my girlfriend does not understand me and expresses annoyance.
She just complain, she just complain
My girlfriend's response is consistently negative and does not alleviate my jealousy.
I'm going insane
My jealousy is driving me to madness.
I know my mistrust is causing you pain
I am aware that my lack of trust is hurting my girlfriend.
But hold on, look at that pox over there
However, my attention is drawn to another person who I believe is staring at my girlfriend.
Look at him stare, I'll tear out his hair
I am willing to resort to violence to protect my girlfriend from other men.
Jealousy is cruel
The feeling of jealousy can be harsh and unkind.
Has me like a fool
Jealousy can make me act irrationally or foolishly.
When they look at you,
Can't tell what I'll do
When I see other people looking at my girlfriend, I cannot predict my own reactions.
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good boy
Despite my jealousy, my girlfriend's love and attention make me happy and improve my behavior.
Tell me this and tell me no more
See the next man that walks through that door
I want to know in advance if there will be another man in our vicinity.
When he looks at you
What do you want me to do
Should I look down
Or should I go to town
If another man looks at my girlfriend, I want to know if I should ignore him or confront him violently.
See I can be an omadhaun
But at least I stand up for
What's right and what's wrong
I am willing to appear foolish if it means defending my girlfriend's honor.
She thinks I'm wrong, I think I'm right
You just walked in
I hope you can fight
My girlfriend disagrees with my approach to jealousy, and I hope that the new arrival is not a threat that I need to fight.
Well if I could change in any way
You know that I would change today
If I could change in any way, today
I am aware that my jealousy is causing problems and I am willing to change my behavior immediately.
Your sweet romance
Lifts me, fills me with joy
I'm in a trance
You make me a good boy
Despite my jealousy, my girlfriend's love and attention make me happy and improve my behavior.
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Serious tune