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.
The Leaves
Daryll-Ann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's make a photograph
I travelled six days on a row
To find the world the same
Weekends out and weekends in
Oh, I can't take no more
I thought a girl inside your face
All the leaves are falling down
Let's make a photograph
I travelled six days on a row
To find the world the same
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
God has point a gun in my heart
The lyrics to Daryll-Ann's song "The Leaves" seem to be reflective and full of melancholy. The repeated phrase "all the leaves are falling down, let's make a photograph" is reminiscent of how we capture moments in time, knowing they will inevitably pass. The singer reflects on their own journey, having traveled for six days to try and find a world that remains the same, implying a sense of dissatisfaction or longing for something that is unchanging.
The second verse suggests that the singer is tired of their current routine, with "weekends out and weekends in" becoming monotonous. They speak of an unrequited love or desire, believing that a girl could make the seasons turn. This line is interesting as it suggests that the singer is looking for something or someone to bring about a change in their life.
The final verse is the most cryptic, with the repeated phrase "God has point a gun in my heart" leaving room for interpretation. It could signify a crisis of faith, a feeling of being trapped or fearful, or a sense of surrender to a higher power or fate. Overall, the lyrics of "The Leaves" are introspective and contemplative, with a sense of longing and uncertainty that many listeners can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
All the leaves are falling down
The singer observes the leaves falling from the trees.
Let's make a photograph
The singer wants to capture the moment in a photo.
I travelled six days on a row
The singer has been travelling for six consecutive days.
To find the world the same
Despite travelling, the world remains unchanged.
Weekends out and weekends in
The artist is tired of the repetitive weekend routine.
Oh, I can't take no more
The singer has reached their limit and cannot take it anymore.
I thought a girl inside your face
The singer thought they saw a girl's face reflecting in someone else's face.
Could make seasons turn
They believed this could bring about a significant and transformative change.
God has point a gun in my heart
The artist feels a sense of danger or threat that affects them deeply.
God has point a gun in my heart
This line is repeated to emphasize the intensity of the feeling.
God has point a gun in my heart
Repeated again to reiterate the threat that the singer feels.
God has point a gun in my heart
This line is repeated six times in total to suggest the gravity and weight of the situation.
Contributed by Bella K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.