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.
Sheila
Daryll-Ann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I try to hang on, believe me
Can't get over you - no way
Sheila, she kills me
The days have grown longer
I wait for a sign - an answer
It's the blood in her eyes
You have you're anger
It poisons your mind - slowly
But I know she'll be mine
Sheila, she loves me
Sheila, she loves me
Sheila, she loves me
I'm open to reason
The lyrics to Daryll-Ann's song "Sheila" tell the story of a man who is struggling to come to terms with his feelings for Sheila. He knows that he should let go of his love for her, but he can't bring himself to do it. The opening lines, "I'm open to reason, I try to hang on, believe me," suggest that he wants to move on, but he is not sure how to do it.
Despite his efforts to move on, the singer is still deeply in love with Sheila. The lines "Can't get over you - no way, Sheila, she kills me" illustrate the intensity of his feelings. Sheila has a hold on him that he can't break, and her presence is causing him pain. Even the passing of time, which is reflected in the lines "the days have grown longer, I wait for a sign - an answer," has not lessened his love for her.
Despite the turmoil she causes him, the singer believes that Sheila loves him back. The lines "I know she'll be mine, Sheila, she loves me" suggest that he is willing to hold on to this belief, even if it is not entirely grounded in reality. The song captures the complexity of love and the struggle to let go of someone who has a hold on your heart.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm open to reason
I am willing to listen to others' perspectives and consider changing my own views.
I try to hang on, believe me
I make an effort to stay strong and persevere despite difficult circumstances.
Can't get over you - no way
I am unable to move on from my feelings for someone and it seems impossible to do so.
Sheila, she kills me
My intense emotions for Sheila are overwhelming and causing me pain.
The days have grown longer
Time seems to be moving slower and the wait for something to happen feels unbearable.
I wait for a sign - an answer
I am hopeful for a clear indication or resolution to my situation.
It's the blood in her eyes
There is a passionate intensity behind Sheila's gaze that draws me in and makes me unable to resist her.
Sheila, she kills me
My attraction to Sheila is so strong that it feels dangerous and potentially destructive to my emotional wellbeing.
You have you're anger
You are carrying around unresolved feelings of anger that are affecting your thoughts and behavior.
It poisons your mind - slowly
The anger you hold onto is gradually taking a toll on your mental health and wellbeing.
But I know she'll be mine
Despite any obstacles or challenges, I have a strong conviction that Sheila and I will end up together.
Sheila, she loves me
I feel confident that Sheila returns my feelings and loves me back.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MELVIN JR. RILEY, GORDON STROZIER, GERALD ANDRE VALENTINE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind