David's Lyre, alias Paul Dixon (born in London, 8 August 1989), is an Engli… Read Full Bio ↴David's Lyre, alias Paul Dixon (born in London, 8 August 1989), is an English singer and guitarist.
He picked the name David's Lyre during his university studies in Manchester, in reference to the musical skills of the biblical King David with the lyre. As well as playing acoustic and electric guitar, Dixon plays the WEM CopyCat, Autoharp, Marxophone and Omnichord.
He was featured by The Guardian as 'New band of the day' in 2010, by which time he had received attention for cover versions (of Ellie Goulding among others), remixes of other artists – notably, Marina and the Diamonds and Everything Everything – and had himself been remixed by producers The Last Skeptik and JaKwob.
His debut EP release in 2011, In Arms EP, was described as "promising" by BBC reviewer Mike Diver, and drew comparisons with Patrick Wolf for its blend of folk and electronic instruments. A music video was released for "In Arms", using a short film animation which fitted the song.
Dixon had signed a record contract with a major label in 2010, but chose to opt out of the standard business model, allowing the contract to expire at the end of 2011 without releasing an album. Instead, his first full album Picture Of Our Youth was self-released through Bandcamp in February 2012.
Picture Of Our Youth was rated 3.5 out of 5 by musicOMH, which concluded that while it was not "a truly captivating debut, it's still intriguing nonetheless,"and 8/10 by Drowned in Sound, which described David's Lyre as "brilliant".
Dixon announced in January 2012 that Picture Of Our Youth would be his last album issued under the project name David's Lyre, and that his next step would be performing solo on tour with Spector.

The Fall
David's Lyre Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This citadel this heavy name
this stake to which I lay my claim
we're coming down we'll fall again
back to the old road

This is the life we've chosen
Now this space grows colder
This is the life we've chosen

Can't get away from the robes you're clothed in

You've said enough now to be safe
You've seen these lines form across your face
Clutch to youth for your namesake
Caught like a dreamer

This is the life we've chosen
Now this space grows colder
This is the life we've chosen

You'll fight the fall
Holding on for your dear life
Just feel the tension grow
That foreign toil
I wish I could cure the strife
Stop slipping here below

Appearing through my empty gaze
I see this form beyond the haze
Now you're eclipsed by this new day
born to a lover

This is the life we've chosen
Now this space grows colder
This is the life we've chosen

You'll fight the fall
Holding on for your dear life
Just feel the tension grow
That foreign toil

I wish I could cure the strife
Stop slipping here below

Overall Meaning

The first verse of David's Lyre's The Fall describes a symbolic structure or fortress that holds great importance to the singer, perhaps representing a personal or societal belief system that they ascribe to. The use of the word "stake" suggests a deep emotional investment, and the repetition of the phrase "this is the life we've chosen" implies that the singer has willingly made a commitment to this system or ideology. However, the lines "we're coming down we'll fall again / back to the old road" indicate a sense of impending failure or collapse, and a desire to return to a familiar but possibly unsatisfying past.

The second verse shifts to a more personal perspective, potentially addressing a particular individual who feels stuck in their current circumstances. The phrase "Can't get away from the robes you're clothed in" suggests a sense of entrapment or lack of control, as if the person is defined by their outward appearance or societal expectations. The line "Caught like a dreamer" could be interpreted as having a positive or negative connotation - on one hand, it could imply a sense of idealism or creativity, but on the other hand, it could suggest being caught up in unrealistic fantasies.

The chorus repeats the idea that the singer has chosen this particular path or lifestyle, but now feels trapped or disillusioned. The lines "You'll fight the fall / Holding on for your dear life" suggest a struggle to maintain control or stability in the face of potential failure. The rest of the chorus and the repeated outro lines acknowledge the inevitability of change and the uncertainty of the future, expressed with evocative phrases such as "foreign toil" and "slipping here below."

Overall, The Fall seems to be exploring themes of individual choice, societal pressure, and the fear of failure or loss. The use of vivid imagery and repeated phrases creates a sense of emotional intensity, while the ambiguity of certain lines allows for multiple interpretations and personal connections to the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

This citadel this heavy name
This fortress, this name weighted with significance

this stake to which I lay my claim
This symbol to which I assert my ownership

we're coming down we'll fall again
We're descending, returning to where we've been before

back to the old road
Back to the familiar path

This is the life we've chosen
We've made a conscious decision to live this way

Now this space grows colder
The environment around us has become less welcoming

Can't get away from the robes you're clothed in
You can't escape the persona that you've adopted

You've said enough now to be safe
You've talked yourself out of danger

You've seen these lines form across your face
You've witnessed the physical effects of stress on your appearance

Clutch to youth for your namesake
Hold onto your youthful spirit for the sake of your reputation

Caught like a dreamer
Trapped in a state of reverie