Dave subsequently penned a couple of tracks on Depeche Mode's next album, the 2005 effort Playing the Angel. The latter half of 2007 saw the release of his second solo LP, Hourglass, which saw a dirtier, more electronic, groove-orientated sound come through in his solo work. It was decided that he would not tour to promote the album's release, instead concentrating on his day job: the recording of the next Depeche Mode effort, Sounds of the Universe released in April 2009. The album sees more of his songs released under the DM brand, as well as a co-write with main songwriter, Martin L. Gore on the B-side Oh Well.
Kingdom
Dave Gahan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Open the door it's only me
I have that desperate feeling
In trouble is where I'm going to be
I know you hear me knocking
So open the door and set me free
If there's a kingdom beyond it all
Is there a god who loves us all
Do we believe in love at all
I'm still pretending, I'm not a fool
So in your infinite wisdom
Show me how this life should be
With all your love and glory
Doesn't mean that much to me
If there's a kingdom beyond it all
Is there a god who loves us all
Do we believe in love at all
I'm still pretending, I'm not a fool
The opening lines of Dave Gahan's "Kingdom" song suggest a recurring theme of loneliness and desperation. The singer wants to be seen and heard, not to be left alone in the perilous unknown. The singer exhibits vulnerability, requesting someone to open the door, letting him go in believing that trouble is where he's meant to be. Despite the plea for recognition, he remains firm in his assertion that he's not a fool. The lyrics in the verses imply a feeling of frustration and detachment that is often common in people when they feel isolated and ignored.
The chorus of the song tells a story that is equally necessary to understand the meaning of the lyrics. The singer asks if there is a god who loves us all and if people believe in love at all. These questions point to the fact that society is becoming more cynical and doubtful about the world around them. It implies that people have become so selfish that none of them even consider dedicating their lives to something beyond themselves. The theme of emptiness and uncertainty pervades the song, as the questions asked by the singer remain unanswered in the song's lyrics. Ultimately, the song is about searching for purpose and light in the world and the difficulty of finding either.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you feel me coming
Can you sense my presence or anticipate my arrival?
Open the door it's only me
Allow me to enter as I am the one knocking and requesting entry.
I have that desperate feeling
I am experiencing an intense emotion or state of being without a clear resolution.
In trouble is where I'm going to be
I am aware that I am heading towards a difficult or challenging situation.
I know you hear me knocking
I am confident that you are aware of my presence at the door.
So open the door and set me free
Please allow me to enter and be released from my current situation.
If there's a kingdom beyond it all
If there exists a separate realm beyond our own understanding or perception.
Is there a god who loves us all
Is there a higher being who has affection or compassion for all humanity?
Do we believe in love at all
Are we capable of accepting or experiencing love?
I'm still pretending, I'm not a fool
I am deceiving myself by not acknowledging my own foolishness.
So in your infinite wisdom
Addressing an authority or higher power with unlimited knowledge and understanding.
Show me how this life should be
Please guide or instruct me on the proper course of my life.
With all your love and glory
Using adoration and splendor as qualities to address the higher power.
Doesn't mean that much to me
Expressing indifference or a lack of significance towards the attributes of the higher power.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: CHRISTIAN EIGNER, ANDREW CHARLES PHILLPOTT, DAVID GAHAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind