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.
Rollercoaster
Daryll-Ann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Think you jump any train to fly the plane, you'll make it on your own
The razorblade, my piece of the action, learn to see the glow
Till you're off down the drain your act's the same
You're artificially grown
So slow down
You are what, you're white, you're hip to the bone, you are bound to beat the fuzz
A prick, a hand, my sentiment, slowly, buddy, slow
On the beat of the train hit the brakes again, your head held high you know you will
Fall down
You're right, I'm wrong, I'm out of your mind, I thought I am the one to know
Still you jump any train to fly the plane, I think I know you by now
By now
The lyrics to Daryll-Ann's "Rollercoaster" are full of contradictions and mixed messages. The first verse seems to be a message of reassurance and support, with the singer telling their friend that they will never be lonely as long as they have them. They encourage their friend to take risks and pursue their dreams, saying that they can jump on any train or fly any plane they want and they will make it on their own. However, there are hints of darkness in the lyrics as well, such as the reference to a razorblade and the suggestion that the friend's life is being artificially constructed. The last line of the verse, "So slow down," seems to be a warning or a plea for the friend to be cautious.
The second verse is even more confusing, with the singer seeming to cast doubt on their own abilities and knowledge. They say that their friend is "white" and "hip to the bone," and that they are bound to "beat the fuzz" (presumably a reference to overcoming obstacles). However, they then call their friend a "prick" and tell them to slow down. The lyrics are full of contradictions and shifting perspectives, leaving the listener unsure of what to make of the situation.
Overall, the song seems to be about the ups and downs of friendship, and the complex mix of support and criticism that often characterizes close relationships. The title "Rollercoaster" suggests that the emotions and experiences depicted in the song are intense and unpredictable, just like a ride on a rollercoaster.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey my friend you'll never be lonely, I'm the one to know
I am your trustworthy companion, always here to support you and make you feel less lonely.
Think you jump any train to fly the plane, you'll make it on your own
You are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to, even if it seems impossible at first.
The razorblade, my piece of the action, learn to see the glow
Life can be dangerous and unpredictable, but it's important to find your place in it and appreciate its beauty.
Till you're off down the drain your act's the same, you're artificially grown
Don't lose sight of who you are and what you stand for, even if it seems like the world is changing you into someone else.
So slow down
Take a step back and enjoy the moment, rather than rushing through life without appreciating it.
You are what, you're white, you're hip to the bone, you are bound to beat the fuzz
You are unique and confident in your identity, and no one can stop you from achieving your goals.
You're a rocket in the rain of a cryin' game, the pavement's all you know
Your path in life is full of obstacles and challenges, and sometimes it feels like everyone and everything is against you.
A prick, a hand, my sentiment, slowly, buddy, slow
Life is full of pain and hardships, and sometimes you need to take a moment to process your emotions.
On the beat of the train hit the brakes again, your head held high you know you will
When life throws you a curveball, you must be ready to adapt and make the most of any situation.
Fall down
No matter how confident or successful you may be, you will always face setbacks and failures.
You're right, I'm wrong, I'm out of your mind, I thought I am the one to know
Sometimes, our opinions and perceptions of others can be inaccurate or misguided.
Still you jump any train to fly the plane, I think I know you by now
Despite our differences, I admire your confidence and willingness to take risks in life.
By now
Over time, we develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for those around us, even if it takes a while to get there.
Contributed by Victoria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.