Fred Cole has engineered most of the band's recordings and mastered them on a mono lathe that was used for The Kingsmen's version of "Louie Louie."
Their early records, such as In the Graveyard, were released on the Tombstone Records label, named for the musical equipment store Fred and Toody operated at the time. Soon they caught the attention of the German label Music Maniac, and toured Europe successfully. Not until the mid-nineties did they tour the United States. Much of their following is in Europe.
A U.S. filmmaking team (Kate Fix and Jason Summers) produced a 2004 documentary, Unknown Passage: The Dead Moon Story, which played in independent theaters around the U.S., New Zealand, and Melbourne International Film Fest, and might be offered with the upcoming Dead Moon box set on Sub Pop Records. Dead Moon has recorded for labels such as Empty Records, but most releases are on Music Maniac abroad and Tombstone in the U.S. The Tombstone label has also provided cheap mastering and duplication for other bands, serving more as a cooperative than a promotional vehicle.
Fred and Toody are in their sixties. They currently own the Tombstone General Store in Clackamas, Oregon, and are building a shopping center nearby.
Pearl Jam often covers the song It's OK.
In December 2006 they retired:
2006-12-13 - AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DEAD MOON
After 20 yrs, Dead Moon is retiring. It has been a journey we will always treasure and feel that a worldwide family has emerged in its place. Dead Moon became much bigger than the band itself, it became a DIY underground hopeful for a lot of people. The candle is still burning!
--Fred Cole
(from http://www.subpop.com)
2007-05-18 PIERCED ARROWS
For the first time in a long time, Fred and Toody Cole were nervous. Six months after the breakup of their legendary garage-rock outfit, Dead Moon, the Coles were about to debut a new group—something they haven’t had to do for 20 years. And their new trio, Pierced Arrows, had only six practices under its belt at showtime.
http://localcut.wweek.com/2007/05/23/pierced-arrows-at-ash-street-saloon-may-18-2007/
Don't Burn the Fires
Dead Moon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I's tried to fit in where I didn't belong
Wearing their clothes, playing their games
Being a part of that urban decay
Don't burn the fires, I'm never coming home
When the morning sky was cold and grey
I could hear the whispers of my own mistakes
No one seemed to care that much
So don't burn the fires, I'm never coming home
And when I'd reached my destination
I thought someday I might return
Cause deep inside was the need
To feel the home fires burn
But a faltering voice merely whispered
My name as if we'd never expected to
Hear it again, and my heart grew
Cold to that indifferent sound
As I slowly laid the receiver down
The lyrics of Dead Moon's song "Don't Burn the Fires" present the story of someone who has run away from their hometown, feeling like they never belonged there in the first place. This person had tried to fit in by wearing the same clothes as everyone else and playing the same games, but they still felt like an outsider in the midst of urban decay. Despite their decision to leave, there is still a part of them that wants to come back home and experience the warmth of the home fires. However, as they ponder the idea of returning, they realize that their past mistakes have made it impossible for them to just pick up where they left off. They realize that they have become a stranger to the place that they once called home.
The lyrics of "Don't Burn the Fires" carry a lot of emotional weight, as they explore the themes of identity, belonging, and regret. The singer of the song is presented as someone who is both sympathetic and flawed, as they struggle to find their place in the world. The lyrics are particularly effective in conveying the sense of isolation and detachment that the singer feels, as they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.
Overall, "Don't Burn the Fires" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that offers a powerful commentary on the human experience. By examining the themes of identity, belonging, and regret, Dead Moon has crafted a timeless classic that speaks to listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
Running away, I knew I was wrong
Leaving the situation was not the right decision, and it was realized.
I's tried to fit in where I didn't belong
The person attempted to blend into a group that they did not integrate well with.
Wearing their clothes, playing their games
The individual tried to conform to the norms and values of the group they were attempting to fit in with.
Being a part of that urban decay
Becoming tangled up in negative aspects of urban life.
Don't burn the fires, I'm never coming home
The person is requesting that no one wait or look for them as they have no intention of coming back.
When the morning sky was cold and grey
The day began on a dreary note.
I could hear the whispers of my own mistakes
The individual recognizes the impact of their past actions and the wrongness of their choices.
Those warning eyes, that final touch
There were people close to the individual who doubted or warned them about their decision before they left.
No one seemed to care that much
Those who were concerned for the person's well-being were ignored or their opinions were disregarded.
So don't burn the fires, I'm never coming home
Once again the individual reiterates that they have no plans to return.
And when I'd reached my destination
When they finally arrived where they were going.
I thought someday I might return
They had considered the possibility of coming back one day.
Cause deep inside was the need
There was an underlying desire to return home.
To feel the home fires burn
The warmth and comfort of being back in their familiar surroundings is what they yearned for.
But a faltering voice merely whispered
The outcome was not what they expected, and the response they received was not reassuring.
My name as if we'd never expected to
The person was addressed as though their return was not anticipated.
Hear it again, and my heart grew
The individual was disheartened by the unwelcoming response they received.
Cold to that indifferent sound
They were not comforted by the apathetic tone of the person's voice who had responded to them.
As I slowly laid the receiver down
The person ended the conversation and disconnected themselves from the situation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alpiko
Running away, I knew I was wrong
I'd tried to fit in where I didn't belong
Wearing their clothes, playing their games
Being a part of that urban decay
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
When the morning sky was cold and grey
I could hear the whispers of my own mistakes
Those warning eyes, that final touch
No one seemed to care that much
So don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
And when I'd reached my destination
I thought someday I might return
Cause deep inside was the need
To feel the home fires burn
But a faltering voice merely whispered
My name as if we'd never expected to
Hear it again, and my heart grew
Cold to that indifferent sound
As I slowly laid the receiver down
[Chorus x 2]
So don't burn the fire
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
I'm never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never, never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
Never coming home
John Speth
I consider myself lucky to have seen Dead Moon at least a half dozen times in Portland over many years. RIP Andrew and now Fred. Fare thee well.
TheFunkyKingston
Masterpiece!!!!
Alpiko
Running away, I knew I was wrong
I'd tried to fit in where I didn't belong
Wearing their clothes, playing their games
Being a part of that urban decay
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
When the morning sky was cold and grey
I could hear the whispers of my own mistakes
Those warning eyes, that final touch
No one seemed to care that much
So don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
Don't burn the fire
I'm never coming home
And when I'd reached my destination
I thought someday I might return
Cause deep inside was the need
To feel the home fires burn
But a faltering voice merely whispered
My name as if we'd never expected to
Hear it again, and my heart grew
Cold to that indifferent sound
As I slowly laid the receiver down
[Chorus x 2]
So don't burn the fire
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
I'm never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never, never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Never coming home
(Don' burn the fires)
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
Don't burn the fires
Never coming home
Janet Crisp
RIP Andrew. Gone too soon.
Nona Carrasco
RIP Fred Cole
Dalaker Daniel
richard hananeia lucky you to start with DM my girlfriend promoted their Europian Tours mid end 80's. 58years from Motorcity Stiutgart - listen to the pierced arrows
Krister Andersson
awesome =)
Alex Ander
Masterpiece ..bllllaahhhh
Herbert Brown
<3
scream62
dead moon are 1 of us !!