In 2004, the group graduated from college and moved into an apartment in Brooklyn with an aggressive, hirsute landlord named Baki. Shortly thereafter, Daniel joined the group Grizzly Bear and began playing guitar and singing with them (he went on to write a goodly portion of their sophomore album, Yellow House). Fred tried to escape his boring magazine job by going on tour opening up for the band Subtle, but the tour was cancelled when Subtle's bus crashed, tragically injuring keyboardist Dax Pierson. DOE was on something of a hiatus. Then in 2005, a British label re-released their debut album in Europe under a different title, and the group began working on new material. This time around, the music featured little-to-no electronic embellishments and was inspired by Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Paul Williams, and Paul McCartney. On October 7, 2008 they released their follow-up, In Ear Park, on 4AD.
Daniel plays guitar, bass, piano, drums, cello, and sings. He majored in Linguistics. His grandfather, Robert Rossen, directed the critically acclaimed movies All the Kings Men and The Hustler. Fred plays drums and various random instruments. He majored in Art History. His father, Martin Nicolaus, wrote the definitive translation of Karl Marx's Gundrisse.
www.departmentofeagles.com
Department of Eagles went on to join Grizzly Bear with their recording of 2009 LP 'Veckatimist'
Family Romance
Department of Eagles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To let down your hair
It’s nobody’s business
And nobody cares
I would know
I would know
Ask our neighbors
I would know
In spite of the weather
We can have a good time
We can go out for dinner
You can make up your mind
But you don’t have to close your eyes
The way you used to do
Every time you change your look
You feel like someone new
So put on your makeup
And get the car
It’s take such a long (long) time
To drive that far
I would know
I would know
Ask our neighbors
I would know
Ask our neighbors
I would know
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
I would know
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
I would know
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
Ask our neighbors
I would know
The lyrics of "Family Romance" by Department of Eagles explore the idea of personal freedom and the importance of letting loose and enjoying life. The song starts by emphasizing that there is every good reason to let down your hair and not worry about what others think. The singer insists that it is nobody's business how we choose to live our lives as nobody really cares. The repetition of "I would know" and "ask our neighbors" suggests that the singer has a firsthand experience and has gained valuable insight.
The second verse suggests that in spite of the bad weather, we can still have a good time by going out for dinner and making our own choices. The singer encourages the listener not to close their eyes and cling to the past but to embrace change and put on makeup, get in the car, and drive out to new adventures. The reference to feeling like someone new is a reminder of the transformative power of new experiences and how we change and grow with each one.
Overall, the lyrics of "Family Romance" are about living life on our own terms, not being afraid of change and embracing the freedom that comes with it. It is a song that encourages the listener to let go of the past, take risks, and enjoy the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
There's every good reason
We have ample justification
To let down your hair
To relax and have fun
It's nobody's business
Our activities are private
And nobody cares
No one is concerned with what we do
I would know
I have experience with this situation
Ask our neighbors
They can attest to what I'm saying
In spite of the weather
Despite unfavorable conditions
We can have a good time
We can enjoy ourselves
We can go out for dinner
We can dine at a restaurant
You can make up your mind
You can decide what you want to do
But you don't have to close your eyes
You don't need to ignore reality
The way you used to do
Like you did in the past
Every time you change your look
Each time you alter your appearance
You feel like someone new
You have a sense of transformation
So put on your makeup
Apply cosmetic products
And get the car
Retrieve the vehicle
It's take such a long (long) time
The journey is quite lengthy
To drive that far
To travel that distance
Ask our neighbors
They can verify what I'm stating
Ask our neighbors
They have insight regarding this situation
Ask our neighbors
They have relevant information
I would know
I have firsthand experience with this
Ask our neighbors
They can vouch for me
Ask our neighbors
They know what I'm talking about
Ask our neighbors
They can confirm my statements
I would know
I'm familiar with this
Ask our neighbors
They will tell you that I'm right
Ask our neighbors
They have relevant knowledge
Ask our neighbors
They will corroborate my story
I would know
I have direct experience with this
Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@samcasey5247
Amazing Production value, beautiful music wish i could have seen you live. One of my all time favourite bands helped influenced many of my songs in 2011.
@mcrockdriguez9019
Excelente portada..!
@wingdsabrtoothdpanda
They way he sings <3
@Melodyyrdz
Can't love Daniel Rosen more than I do already
@doctorsleepcoloma93
para una linda pelicula estaria hermosa esta cancion. muy linda de todas formas.!
@shiobuzz3724
underrated
@shelby4132
my favorite
@emilygothert5804
Love it ❤
@Duchovnymusic
At 2:41, there are two claps that aren't repeated as a pattern anywhere else in the song, which I find interesting.
@zoolookers
+Duchovnymusic Maybe it's a reference to physical abuse