David & The Citiz… Read Full Bio ↴David & The Citizens is a band from Malmö, Sweden.
David & The Citizens were:
David Fridlund - Vocals, electric guitar
Conny Fridh - Bass, backing vocals
Magnus Bjerkert - Trumpet, organ, piano, guitar
John Bjerkert - Drums, backing vocals
They released their third full-length "Stop The Tape! Stop The Tape!" in August 2006. In February, 2007, on the cusp of a major tour and their first US appearances, all the members of the band (except Fridlund) quit.
There have been rumours that D&TC are finished. However, in his blog, David claims that these are false.
On the 17 December 2007 David & the Citizens released an EP called "I Saw My Reflection And I Didn't Recognize Myself" with four new songs. The EP is free for downloading at the web page and some pictures and the lyrics are included. The listeners have the option to pay for the EP if they are willing to and instructions are included in the EP. David also assures that the band still exists and "will be around till the day I decide to quit. And that day is yet to come."
Absent Mind
David & The Citizens Lyrics
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Pretty or frightening
I need to feel like there's something happening
I follow people from the balcony
I am a fly on the wall and you can't see me
Tell me words, tell me words, say anything
Take off your armor and show me a plan
Tell me words, tell me words
You used to have many
Now they're as rare as snow in this city
Tell me something, honey
False or true
You know I'd listen to anything from you
So tell me words, tell me words
Draw me a picture, show me a map
All this time, I've had an absent mind
Is it true, what they say?
There's no night and there's no day
Just a red line connecting the dots
Between what you've got
And what you have not...
Tell me words, tell me words
Heavy or lightweight
I don't care, just say something
My hands are pretty, my hands are dirt
My hands are empty, oh give me words
I might fall down and I might stick around
But in between these images, before it gets worse
Tell me words
'Cause my hands are pretty, my hands are dirt
My hands are empty, oh give me words...
The song "Absent Mind" by David & The Citizens is a plea for communication and connection in a seemingly disconnected world. The singer is searching for meaning and purpose in life, and they feel lost and alone without the guidance of others. They implore others to speak to them, to share their thoughts and feelings, and to provide direction. The metaphor of "pretty or frightening" words highlights the importance of authenticity, as the singer is open to hearing both positive and negative sentiments. This openness reveals vulnerability, as the singer admits they have "two empty hands" and an "absent mind".
The chorus repeats the request for words, emphasizing that the singer is hungry for communication and eager to engage with others. They long for a plan, a picture or a map – anything to help them navigate the confusion of life. The final verse introduces a sense of existential uncertainty, as the singer questions the nature of reality and the meaning of achievement. The ending refrain of "my hands are pretty, my hands are dirt" suggests a desire for both beauty and substance in life, and underscores the vulnerability, yearning, and honesty expressed throughout the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me words, tell me words
The singer seeks communication and a desire for information from others.
Pretty or frightening
The singer expresses a willingness to hear anything, regardless of its quality.
I need to feel like there's something happening
The singer desires an understanding of what goes on around them.
I follow people from the balcony
The artist watches others from a distance.
I am a fly on the wall and you can't see me
The artist feels invisible and tends to blend in with their surroundings.
Say anything, false or true
The singer is open to words of any quality or accuracy.
You used to have many, now they're as rare as snow in this city
The singer notes a lack of communication from someone they know well.
Tell me something, honey
The artist requests information from a loved one.
You know I'd listen to anything from you
The artist values the opinion of the person they are talking to.
Draw me a picture, show me a map
The artist desires concrete explanations or guidance.
All this time, I've had an absent mind
The singer acknowledges not being present or attentive in mind.
Is it true, what they say? There's no night and there's no day
The artist expresses disbelief in something he has heard.
Just a red line connecting the dots, between what you've got, and what you have not...
The singer is referring to life and how everything is connected.
Heavy or lightweight, I don't care, just say something
The singer wishes to hear words regardless of its degree of importance.
My hands are pretty, my hands are dirt, my hands are empty, oh give me words
The singer acknowledges the state of their hands and uses this as a metaphor for the same state of mind.
I might fall down and I might stick around, but in between these images, before it gets worse, tell me words
The artist wishes to avoid an unpleasant fate by asking for communication or advice
'Cause my hands are pretty, my hands are dirt, my hands are empty, oh give me words...
The artist repeats the metaphor, emphasizing the importance of words in their search for understanding.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CONNY ANDREAS FRIDH, DAVID JOHAN FRIDLUND, JOHN STAFFAN BJERKERT, MAGNUS CARL BJERKERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind