The recording of Dark Mean’s debut album began sometime in 2007. It’s now 2… Read Full Bio ↴The recording of Dark Mean’s debut album began sometime in 2007. It’s now 2011.

During this period band members Mark Dean, Billy Holmes, and Sandy Johnston released two “work in progress” EPs without expectation. Little did they know Frankencottage and Music Box would become the toast of the blogging community, downloaded in over 100 countries, lectured upon by music professors in Brazil, and find the band rousing audiences into massive sing-alongs in cities reaching far beyond the steel cast borders of a hometown, Hamilton, Ontario – all of which motivating the trio as they emerged from the secluded lodgings of Algonquin Park and headed back into the studio, barely aware of the surrounding anticipation for their debut album.

An almost eerie level of mystery has built around the band donning such a simple name and even simpler song titles. A contradictory nature begins with the music: whimsical while monumental, traveling between overt classical pop to dream-like ambiance, the band manages to juxtapose sounds and styles without sacrificing personality or coherence, and, perhaps most notably, with uncanny ease.

Sandy Johnston and Billy Holmes, who seem to play anything and everything, are both essential to the band’s sound. Unassuming yet intricate acoustic sections, banjo riffs that will make you smile, driving drum patterns that don’t hide behind unnecessary flash, and well-crafted arrangements that are nearly impossible to fault are just some of their contributions. Mark Dean’s vocals draw the pieces together, and his phrasing and sense of melody on the record is something truly special.

Perhaps the band’s secret is simply how well they complement one another both musically and personally. Mark’s wide-eyed passion, Billy’s reserved thoughtfulness, and Sandy’s genuineness, that is so clearly reflected in his playing, all fuse into harmonious balance on the record. Dark Mean are first and foremost great friends, which is instrumental to them being a great band.

Most notable records have a duality, allowing the listener to grow and evolve with each additional play. Produced by Michael Keire (Apostle of Hustle) and mastered by Brian Lucey (Black Keys), Dark Mean’s self-titled debut is that type of album. It’s a record built over time with precision, patience, and perseverance. It’s a record that stays with you - as a good friend should.

China
Dark Mean Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Seconds after I'm awake,
I can feel my dreams escape
Try to stop them at the gate

But time is real, always late
There I see another sign
All my friends can read my mind
Tell me what I dreamt before

Oh, I wait for

You're so late
You're so late
I'm so late
I'm so late

It's not what's there but only what you see, only
Take us back to somewhere underneath, all this, all this

You're so late
I'm so late
I'm so late

It's not what's there but only what you see, only
Take us back to somewhere underneath, all this

It's not what's there but only what you see
Take us back to somewhere underneath, all this, all this

It's not what's there but only what you see, only
Take us back to somewhere underneath, all this, all this

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dark Mean's song "China" talk about the experiences of the singer upon waking up from a dream. The opening lines of the song mention that the moments after the singer is awake, they can feel their dreams slipping away. The singer tries to stop their dreams from escaping but is ultimately unsuccessful. The theme of time being late or running out is brought up in the second verse of the song, "But time is real, always late." The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and helplessness that comes along with trying to hold onto something that is ultimately fleeting.

The chorus of the song includes the repetition of "You're so late" and "I'm so late." This repetition emphasizes the theme of time and how it is slipping away from the singer. The next lines of the chorus, "It's not what's there but only what you see, only / Take us back to somewhere underneath, all this, all this," hint at the idea that there is more to life than what we see on the surface. The singer wants to go back to a place where everything is simpler, free from the worries that come with living in the present.

Overall, the lyrics to "China" by Dark Mean are a reflection of the human experience of waking up from a dream and trying to hold on to the memories and emotions attached to it. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for a simpler time and a desire to escape the complexities of everyday life.

Line by Line Meaning

Seconds after I'm awake,
Immediately after waking up,

I can feel my dreams escape
I can sense my dreams slipping away,

Try to stop them at the gate
Attempting to prevent them from leaving,

But time is real, always late
Unfortunately, time is a tangible factor that never waits,

There I see another sign
I perceive yet another indication,

All my friends can read my mind
The people around me can understand my thoughts,

Tell me what I dreamt before
Informing me of what I was dreaming about earlier,

Oh, I wait for
Oh, how I long for,

You're so late
You were not prompt,

You're so late
You arrived later than expected,

I'm so late
I am behind schedule,