Distinguishing characteristics of the band include frontman Daniel Smith's squeaky falsetto and sometimes nasally vocals. The band also incorporates visuals into some of its performance such as matching costumes and encouraging audience participation of clap-alongs, hand gestures and dance moves. Some appearances have seen Daniel playing a guitar while inside a costume of a ten foot tree bearing nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.[1]
Members of Danielson Famile portray a proud DIY attitude within many aspects of their work. All of Danielson's album artwork is done by Daniel himself, with the exception of the construction paper inserts of the two Tri-Danielson albums which were done by Chris. The animation in their music videos for the songs Headz in the Cloudz and Rubbernecker feature stop motion animation done by Chris. The band members' uniforms begin as Daniel's vision and then are designed by Megan. Although all the girls participate in the sewing, the driving force behind the construction is Marian, their mother.
Olympic Portions
Danielson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The power buffet
Looking every round
To see who's lurking today
Keeping tabs all of the way.
Balancing seems to be the key.
Just get them to speak
You're the only safe thing I've got.
Double portion my cup
Permits on all things
Kiss of peace & calling truce!
Dove!
Return of the Dove!
Return of the Dove!
Returning bearing an Olive Leaf (in her beak).
Your faith has healed you
Now go in peace.
This time the dove did not return; it has made its home in the shade.
We though wild olive shoots
Share the nourishing sap from the root
Will guard our hearts and our minds on this vine
You who transcend understanding
It's time to go back home!
The lyrics of Danielson's song "Olympic Portions" seem to suggest someone who is very aware of their surroundings and constantly on guard, perhaps in a position of power. The first stanza depicts someone "slithering" up to a "power buffet," looking around to see who else is present and keeping track of everything that happens. The line "balancing seems to be the key" seems to suggest that this person is carefully walking a line between different interests and motivations, trying to maintain stability and control.
The second stanza is a bit more cryptic, but seems to suggest that this person has been promised peace or safety in exchange for their cooperation or silence. The line "double portion my cup" is a reference to the biblical story of Elijah and Elisha, where Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah's spirit before he ascends to heaven. The rest of the stanza seems to describe a tenuous peace or truce that may not be entirely genuine.
The song then takes an unexpected turn with the repeated refrain of "Return of the Dove!" This line is a reference to the biblical story of Noah and the flood, where a dove is sent out to find dry land and eventually returns with an olive leaf in its beak, signaling the end of the flood and the beginning of a new era. The line "Your faith has healed you, now go in peace" is a reference to Jesus' healing of a woman who touched the hem of his garment and had faith in his power. The final stanza seems to suggest that the "wild olive shoots" mentioned earlier will provide nourishment and protection in the future.
Overall, the lyrics of "Olympic Portions" seem to be about navigating power dynamics and seeking peace in uncertain times, with references to biblical stories that suggest hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Slithering up to
Sneaking up to something with hidden intentions.
The power buffet
A place where one can get everything they need to feel powerful or influential.
Looking every round
Being vigilant and aware of the people around you.
To see who's lurking today
To observe and identify potential threats or competition.
Keeping tabs all of the way.
Documenting everything that is happening to know how to react to it later on.
Balancing seems to be the key.
Maintaining a balance in everything that is done is important.
Counterfeit promise of peace
A false assurance of peace.
Just get them to speak
The act of trying to persuade someone to talk.
You're the only safe thing I've got.
The only trustworthy person in one's life.
Double portion my cup
Asking for more than the usual amount of goodness or positivity.
Permits on all things
Having the authority to control or regulate everything.
Kiss of peace & calling truce!
The expression and intention of wanting to make peace.
Dove!
An exclamation of joy regarding the return of a dove.
Return of the Dove!
Celebrating the return of the symbol of peace - the dove.
Returning bearing an Olive Leaf (in her beak).
Bringing an offering of peace with the olive branch.
Your faith has healed you
Having faith in oneself can help overcome any obstacles.
Now go in peace.
Having achieved inner peace, it's time to move on.
This time the dove did not return; it has made its home in the shade.
The dove has found a permanent peaceful place to reside.
We though wild olive shoots
Finding new sources of peace despite the harsh circumstances.
Share the nourishing sap from the root
Spreading peace and positivity to help others grow and thrive.
Will guard our hearts and our minds on this vine
Sustaining inner peace and calmness with the help of the people around us.
You who transcend understanding
Someone who is beyond normal comprehension or explanation.
It's time to go back home!
It's time to stop wandering and come back to one's true self.
Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.