Describing themselves as “string-rock”, the band started up in 2009 and quickly took hold of New England’s musical imagination. Playing over 100 shows during their first year of touring, the band created a seamless, exhilarating sound at the intersection of rock, classical, and folk music. Their self-produced six-song EP 1 earned high praise for its craftsmanship and originality, and their brand new subscription album Pilot Machines was released in 2012.
Good Man
Darlingside Lyrics
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Walking like she don't care anyway
Watch her, how she gives herself another day to rest
Say nothing of the trouble she's in
Nothing of the places she's been
Only watch her, how she sets the wind on fire
When she says
A hundred miles below, honey"
And you're out the door
Standing by yourself in the cold
Thinking that you're suddenly too old
To wake up in a story that you never told someone
But still you're in a still-life she's drawn
And it's nothing like the places she's gone
And you're hanging by the line that she's walking on
And she says
"Good man, follow where I go
A hundred miles below, honey
You could be a good man, faithful, on your knees
But I left you hard to please, honey"
And you're out the door
Taking on a free man's appeal
Taking on a better man's feel
Never been a soul didn't make a one-way deal
Brother, make a wise man out of me
Tell me how it ain't how it ought to be
It's just another devil and another deep blue sea…
"Good man, follow where I go
A hundred miles below, honey"
Maybe I could be a good man, faithful, on my knees
But you left me hard to please, honey… and I'm out the door
The song 'Good Man' by Darlingside tells the story of a woman who is leading a man on a dangerous journey, but making him believe it's worth it. The lyrics suggest that she is damaged and may have a troubled past, but the man is so entranced by her that he is willing to follow her anywhere. She is walking with a sense of purpose and confidence, as if the devil himself is afraid of her. The singer watches her curiously, aware of her troubles but unable to resist her allure.
The chorus is directed at the man who is following her, telling him to keep up or be left behind. It seems as though she is testing him, pushing him to his limits to see how far he is willing to go for her. The second verse talks about the man feeling lost and confused, wondering how he ended up in this situation. He's aware of the danger he's in, but he's still hanging on to her every word.
The final verse switches the perspective to the man, who is begging for advice on how to deal with this woman. He knows he's caught in a dangerous situation, but he still wants to go along with her. The chorus repeats, with the woman telling him to follow her or be left behind. The song ends on a note of uncertainty, with the man unsure of what his future holds.
Line by Line Meaning
She's walking like the devil went the other way
She's walking with confidence and without a care in the world
Walking like she don't care anyway
She's walking as if nothing can stop her
Watch her, how she gives herself another day to rest
Notice how she takes time for herself to relax and recharge
Say nothing of the trouble she's in
She keeps her problems to herself
Nothing of the places she's been
She doesn't reveal where she's been or what she's done
Only watch her, how she sets the wind on fire
Observe how she commands attention and exudes energy
When she says
At the point when she speaks
"Good man, follow where I go
She beckons the listener to follow her lead
A hundred miles below, honey"
She's leading him to a lower level or position than she is
And you're out the door
The listener leaves without hesitation
Standing by yourself in the cold
Alone and isolated in a difficult situation
Thinking that you're suddenly too old
Feeling too old to deal with the situation
To wake up in a story that you never told someone
To find yourself in a situation you never expected or thought you would be in
But still you're in a still-life she's drawn
You're in a picture or painting that she's created
And it's nothing like the places she's gone
It's a situation she's familiar with, but you are not
And you're hanging by the line that she's walking on
You're living according to her rules
Taking on a free man's appeal
Assuming the persona of a man who is free to do as he pleases
Taking on a better man's feel
Trying to emulate a better man's qualities
Never been a soul didn't make a one-way deal
Everyone has to make compromises to some extent
Brother, make a wise man out of me
Teach me to be wise and make good decisions
Tell me how it ain't how it ought to be
Explain to me how things should be done, not just how they are
It's just another devil and another deep blue sea…
It's just another difficult situation
"Good man, follow where I go
She once again urges the listener to follow her
A hundred miles below, honey"
She's still leading him to a subordinate position
Maybe I could be a good man, faithful, on my knees
The listener considers changing himself to become a better man
But you left me hard to please, honey… and I'm out the door
The listener feels he can never satisfy her and leaves
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stephanieliebeck5498
Saw these guys years ago on Valentines in Norfolk, CT. Brought my daughter as my date, she was only 8 at the time. She liked them so much I bought her the Cd and she got to meet them. Was a good night!!
@120beers
My wife and I first saw these guys perform a few years ago in, of all places, a women's boutique in Boston. Last year we went to see them here in NYC in a very small and intimate venue. They are without a doubt extremely talented musicians. Go see them if you can. You won't be sorry.
@badkatrising3918
First time I heard this song I stopped what I was doing and just listened. Rarely does that ever happen.
@marcusteblano6376
Definitely one of my favorite Darlingside songs.
@allenbowman6192
I don't understand how this channel isn't huge. You guys get amazing bands. You guys make amazing videos that are mixed amazingly well. This channel needs to blow up.
@OurVinyl
Allen Bowman thank you so much for the kind words. You really made our day. Have you seen the platform we built alongside this? You may really enjoy it if you like some of the artist we feature.
@toddgardner3793
I was going to comment on the mixing as well, you guys have a fantastic sound/video team. Hearing real raw talent on your channel has been SO refreshing. Thank you!
@joshk8599
Can't help but to follow & purchase good tunes
@markazevedo8679
Really nice !
Thanks for posting,
OurVinyl
@MarkDanteTroiano
Absolutely Amazing.