The band's figureheads and main songwriters were Jelle Paulusma (lead vocals) and Anne Soldaat (guitar, vocals). Critics often heard echoes of early Neil Young, Buffalo Springfield and other sixties bands from the American west in Daryll-Ann's particular blend of indie rock.
After an initial EP (Decibel, 1991) and début album (Renko, 1992) on tiny domestic labels, the band drew the attention of Hut, the indie branch of Virgin Records. The I Could Never Love You and Come Around EP's (1993 and 1994, respectively) were praised by critics in Holland and the U.K. The group toured Europe and their first full-length album for Hut, Seaborne West (1995), even saw a U.S. release. It received rave reviews in the U.K. music press.
Due to disappointing sales, however, the band was dropped by Hut and joined the respected Dutch indie label Excelsior Recordings, for which they continued to release albums to huge critical acclaim (but moderate commercial success). A small international cult following continued to follow the band, so that some of their Excelsior releases were also put out internationally.
Daryll-Ann's studio albums for Excelsior Recordings:
Daryll-Ann Weeps (1996)
Happy Traum (1999)
Trailer Tales (2002)
Don't Stop (2003)
Excelsior also released a limited edition live album, entitled DA Live (2000).
The band decided to call it a day in 2004. Frontman Jelle Paulusma resurfaced two years later with his first solo album, using his his family name Paulusma as his moniker, whereas guitarist Anne Soldaat went on to form the band Do The Undo (self-titled début album released in 2007) and subsequently started recording under his own name, Anne Soldaat.
2014 saw Daryll-Ann's eagerly anticipated re-formation: original line-up, no new new material, old songs only. The band's brief reunion and farewell tour of The Netherlands received rave reviews.
On April 24, 2022, the band reunited once again, this time for one night only, to perform at Paradiso during the 25th anniversary party of Excelsior Recordings.
Desmond Don't Go
Daryll-Ann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They'll eat you I know
So please don't go
There's always a break
Around if you make
The world turn slow
They'll eat you I know
So please don't go
Into anyone's heart
And I know where to start
Into anyone's heart
Oh Desmond don't go
It gets harder you know
So please don't go
Sincerely I praise
The whereabout days
The loose control
Oh Desmond don't go
They'll eat you I know
So please don't go
There's always a break
Around if you make
The world turn slow
Into anyone's heart
And I know where to start
Into anyone's heart
Oh Desmond don't go
The song "Desmond Don't Go" by Daryll-Ann is a plea to a person called Desmond, urging him not to leave because he will face danger. The lyrics suggest that there are people who will eat him alive if he goes away, which could mean that they will exploit him or cause him harm. The singer implores Desmond not to venture into anyone's heart, but instead to stay and make the world turn slow. They also express admiration for the time when they were able to lose control, hinting that Desmond's departure will make things much harder.
The song employs a number of metaphors and symbols to convey its message. The idea of eating Desmond suggests that he is vulnerable and that those around him are predatory. The reference to heart suggests that there is an emotional risk involved in Desmond's departure, and that he may be exposed to people's hidden feelings and intentions. The idea of making the world turn slow implies that Desmond has the power to bring about change, but the singer is afraid that he will not be able to wield that power without putting himself in danger.
Line by Line Meaning
Desmond don't go
The singer is pleading with Desmond not to leave.
They'll eat you I know
The singer believes that if Desmond leaves, he will face dangers or consequences.
So please don't go
The singer reiterates the request for Desmond to stay.
There's always a break
The artist acknowledges that there are moments of pause or respite in life.
Around if you make
The artist suggests that these moments of break are available if one creates them.
The world turn slow
The singer implies that taking a break can slow down the pace of life and its demands.
Into anyone's heart
The singer claims to know how to touch people's emotions.
And I know where to start
The artist is confident in their ability to start this emotional connection.
It gets harder you know
The artist acknowledges that life can become more difficult over time.
Sincerely I praise
The artist expresses sincere appreciation.
The whereabout days
The singer appreciates the memories of the past.
The loose control
The artist appreciates the freedom or lack of restriction that may have been present in the past.
Contributed by Jonathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.