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-Nรณs 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 Sinรฉad O'Connor on the title track and led to an invitation to support Sinรฉad 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.
Serious
Damien Dempsey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't know, my head's filled with doubt
Ah, go on, a little bit won't hurt
When you feel the whack of it, you'll see it's well worth it
Go on, give it a blast, in ten seconds flat you'll feel fantastic
Your head will be like rubber, your body like elastic
You'll be in God's arms with your thoughts all derelict
That shit killed Anto Kelly's mom and dad
Ah, you're being all windy on me now
I was told you were handy when it came to a row
Fuckin' sure I am, ask anybody
I burst Paddy Lee last fuckin' Saturday
Don't be silly, man, sit down
All the boys is blasting off and they're all sound
Are you serious? Is he sound over there?
He's about to disappear into thin fuckin? air
Ah, man, you're lettin? me down
I thought you were the dirt of a lad around town
You won't get strung your first time doing it
It takes loads of times before you can't stop abusing it
Your dad doesn't care, he's drunk in the bar
Seen your ma headin' off in some strange fella's car
I have been feelin? really low lately
Feel the whole fuckin? world is against me and they hate me
Think I'll head home, I don't like this room
There's a bad smell of piss and the ceiling's peeling
Before you go, here's a freebie
Go home to your bed and you'll sleep like a baby
Ah, maybe
Serious, I'm afraid
There's a devil in the shade
Serious, I am scared
There's a devil in my head
Go on, man, get some of this shit into you
It's not gonna kill you, get it into you, sit here
And, oh, man, [Incomprehensible] of all that stuff
I seen Jem Quinn and what he's gone through in prison and all
Ah, man he's a fuckin? eejit, he's just stupid
That wouldn't happen to you
You know, you never know, man, I seen so many around
I seen all the heads around town goin? down
Ah, man, you're wimping out on me here
I thought you were a hard man with no fuckin? fear
I am, man, I fuckin? am
You saw me stickin? out that O'Connor kid
I fuckin? hopped off of him
Ah, rowin' is different, man, you know what I mean
Any fuckin? [Incomprehensible], that's all Babog shit
You'll see [Incomprehensible] when you take a hit
Serious, I'm afraid
There's a devil in the shade
Serious, I am scared
There's a devil in my head
Angel, come and save me
Angel, come and help me
Angel, come and save me
Angel, come and help me
The song Serious by Damien Dempsey is a powerful and emotive exploration of the consequences of addiction. The lyrics are a conversation between two people, one of whom is trying to persuade the other to try drugs. The song is a commentary on the insidious nature of drug addiction, as the singer seeks to convince the other person that taking drugs will make them feel better, despite the fact that they know firsthand the damage it can cause.
The chorus of the song is "Serious, I'm afraid, there's a devil in the shade, serious, I am scared, there's a devil in my head." These lyrics speak to the idea that addiction can quickly take hold and become all-consuming, like a devil that haunts the addict's thoughts and actions. The rest of the lyrics illustrate the singer's desperation and lack of concern for the consequences of their actions, as they try to convince the other person to try drugs.
Overall, the song touches on themes of addiction, peer pressure, and the destructive nature of substance abuse. The lyrics are a powerful reminder of the importance of making good choices and avoiding the pitfalls of addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Go on, why don't you try it out?
Peer pressure to try drugs
I don't know, my head's filled with doubt
Uncertainty about trying drugs
Ah, go on, a little bit won't hurt
More peer pressure to try drugs
When you feel the whack of it, you'll see it's well worth it
Suggesting that the high from drugs is worth the risk
Go on, give it a blast, in ten seconds flat you'll feel fantastic
Encouragement to try drugs, claiming that it will produce an instant gratification
Your head will be like rubber, your body like elastic
A description of the effects of drugs on the body
You'll be in God's arms with your thoughts all derelict
Drug-induced euphoria
I don't know, I think it's fuckin' mad
Expressing doubts about drug use
That shit killed Anto Kelly's mom and dad
Acknowledgement of the potential danger and harm associated with drug use
Ah, you're being all windy on me now
Accusing someone of being scared to try drugs
I was told you were handy when it came to a row
Assumption that the person is tough and can handle drugs
Fuckin' sure I am, ask anybody
Claiming to be able to fight or stand up to anyone
I burst Paddy Lee last fuckin' Saturday
Bringing up past fights or conflicts as proof of toughness
Don't be silly, man, sit down
Discouraging drug use
All the boys is blasting off and they're all sound
Peer pressure to try drugs, claiming that everyone else is doing it
Are you serious? Is he sound over there?
Asking if the drugs are safe, expressing doubt about drug use
He's about to disappear into thin fuckin? air
Suggesting that someone is high on drugs and is acting strangely
Ah, man, you're lettin? me down
Disappointed that someone won't try drugs
I thought you were the dirt of a lad around town
Assumption that someone is tough and can handle drugs
You won't get strung your first time doing it
Minimizing the risks associated with drug use
It takes loads of times before you can't stop abusing it
Suggesting that drug addiction takes time to develop
Your dad doesn't care, he's drunk in the bar
Implying that someone's family is dysfunctional and doesn't care about them
Seen your ma headin' off in some strange fella's car
Implying that someone's family is dysfunctional and that their mother may be cheating on their father
I have been feelin? really low lately
Admitting to feeling depressed or down
Feel the whole fuckin? world is against me and they hate me
Expressing feelings of hopelessness and despair
Think I'll head home, I don't like this room
Wanting to leave a place where drugs are being used
There's a bad smell of piss and the ceiling's peeling
Describing the unpleasant environment of the room
Before you go, here's a freebie
Offering drugs for free
Go home to your bed and you'll sleep like a baby
Suggesting that sleep is a better alternative to drug use
Ah, maybe
Showing reluctance to try drugs
Serious, I'm afraid
Expressing fear about drug use
There's a devil in the shade
Referring to drugs as a dangerous and tempting influence
Angel, come and save me
Asking for help and guidance
Angel, come and help me
Asking for help and support
Lyrics ยฉ BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAMIEN DEMPSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rossclott
Fuckin amazing song and great artist. My Irish background makes me love it even more. I had substance abuse issues and this song strikes so many cords on an unreal level. Much love from Toronto Canada.
Jamie Woods
Seen the man around 10 times. Unbelievable. The most important man of our times to aid in lifting the spirits of Irish young men. Big influence on me learning some instruments. Warrior poet, Druid, hero
Serious Stuff
This song is an absolute masterpiece!!!!
Pablo Walsh
Pure class suburban poetry, knife edge riffs and an angel to carry you home from one of the emeralds finest sons, BIG respect to ya !!
Rogue DarkAgent
Just found this Canโt get enough of it. Pure class.
inspired111
Amazing amazing lyrics and performance, whole thing. Thank you Damien for being a shaman bard of our times xxx best blessings from a Dublin girl who escaped to Leitrim ๐
Saoirse Girvan
This is in a class by itself. โฅ๏ธ
Aimee Black
One best gigs Iโve ever been too! Absolute legends, Damo and the band! Thank You ๐ฅฐโค๏ธ Roll on 2020
Damien Dempsey
Thanks for your love and support โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Kevin F
One of the best performances ever! Pure class๐๐๐