Dave Dobbyn (born January 3, 1957) is a New Zealand award-winning musician,… Read Full Bio ↴Dave Dobbyn (born January 3, 1957) is a New Zealand award-winning musician, singer-songwriter and record producer. In his early career he was a member of rock group Th' Dudes and the main creative force in popsters DD Smash; since then has released the majority of his recordings as a solo act.

His first success came with a band, Th' Dudes, which he formed while still in school. Their hit song "Be Mine Tonight" won single of the year in 1979 in New Zealand, while singles "Walking in Light" and "Bliss" became popular anthems.

After Th' Dudes folded, Dobbyn formed pop group DD Smash. The band's first album Cool Bananas debuted in the New Zealand charts at number one. The band's hit singles included "Devil you Know", "Outlook for Thursday", and the violin-tinged "Whaling".

When DD Smash folded, Dobbyn began a successful solo career, by writing the soundtrack music for the animated feature film Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale in 1986. The film yielded two hit singles: "Oughta Be in Love" and the chart-topping "Slice of Heaven", recorded with the band Herbs. After the release of the film, Slice of Heaven became one of Dobbyn's best-known songs, frequently used in tourism advertisements aired on Australian television that encouraged people to visit New Zealand. As a result, many Australians jokingly referred to the song as the New Zealand National anthem.

At the 2001 New Zealand Music Awards Dobbyn won a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005 and 2006 he won "Songwriter Of The Year" and "Best Male Solo Artist" respectively, both for his work on his 2005 album Available Light

Language
Dave Dobbyn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My hands are tied
Oh I could be a victim
When my tongue won't move
You have tied with your heartstrings

When I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more

I couldn't say a word

My hands truly tied
Yeah I know I'm a prisoner
When my tongue wouldn't move
You have tied with your heartstrings again

And when I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more
I couldn't say a word

When I needed you most
I couldn't find the language
When I needed you more
I couldn't say a word

One day a heap on the ground
Next day I'm so proud
Today I don't know, I don't know
Hey

Your hands are cold
That's why I try to contain you
Now my words are cursed
Ember from the ashes

One day a heap on the ground
Next day I'm so proud
Today, I haven't got a clue
Feels like a river of tears

Today I'm gonna dry these eyes
No
When I needed you more
Couldn't say a word

Couldn't say a word

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dave Dobbyn's song Language describe the struggle of failing to find the right words to express oneself, especially in moments of emotional distress. The singer describes how their hands are tied, making them feel like a victim, and how they feel like a prisoner, unable to communicate what they are feeling. The use of the metaphor of heartstrings being tied emphasizes the emotional connection between the two people involved, and how the singer is unable to break free from it.

The chorus repeats the phrase "When I needed you most, I couldn't find the language; when I needed you more, I couldn't say a word." This repetition highlights the frustration and helplessness the singer feels in their inability to communicate effectively. The final verse describes the singer's attempts to move on from these struggles, but the river of tears flows on. The final words "Couldn't say a word" leave the song unresolved, underscoring the ongoing struggle to communicate.

Line by Line Meaning

My hands are tied
I feel helpless and unable to take action

Oh I could be a victim
I am vulnerable and at risk of harm

When my tongue won't move
I am unable to express myself verbally

You have tied with your heartstrings
Your emotions and actions are controlling me

When I needed you most
During a critical time when I required support

I couldn't find the language
I was unable to articulate my emotions or needs

When I needed you more
During an even more crucial point of need

I couldn't say a word
I was unable to communicate anything

Yeah I know I'm a prisoner
I am trapped and can't break free

Your hands are cold
You are distant and unfeeling

That's why I try to contain you
I attempt to control your reactions and behavior