Kennedy studied for a degree in pure music at the National University of Ireland in Maynooth County, Kildare.
He performs live with a full band, including a drummer, bassist, lead guitarist, and violinist.
He is signed to Interscope Records and released a collection of previously released songs, Dermot Kennedy, on 4 January 2019 through Riggins Recording Limited. His debut major-label studio album, Without Fear, was released on 4 October 2019.
Shelter
Dermot Kennedy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'cause that night is cold
It don't deserve such a smile
And it's not enough
For it to show up every once in a while
In the moonlight
I should kiss you at sound
Throw it all down
To kill the guard
Open the gates for feelings unbound
But I've been keeping hope
And I've got a fairytale in my heart
I can cope
And I've been keeping hope
That they had you in mind when namings the rose
No, only know about how I won't be here later
Don't forget about how she had you feeling major
And he tried to write down how he felt about the girl
Kept running out of paper, he'll wait for her
And it's feeling fucking awesome
Be a good man like you taught him
Don't get caught up in caution when love exists
So step inside
'cause that night is cold
It don't deserve such a smile
We'll be alright
I could never lie about caring a lot
The song Shelter by Dermot Kennedy is a beautiful and emotional piece with lyrics that deal with love, hope, and the inevitability of change. The song opens with an invitation to step inside, away from the cold night, and to abandon the pretense of a smile. The singer acknowledges that simply showing up every once in a while is not enough, for love requires more. In the moonlight, he wishes to kiss his beloved and to open the gates for feelings unbound. The reference to killing the guard is symbolic of overcoming fears and obstacles, letting go of doubts and insecurities, and allowing oneself to be vulnerable with another person.
The next lines offer a glimpse into the singer's inner world. He keeps hope alive, believing in a fairy tale love story that he wishes to live. He hopes that his beloved was named after a rose, a symbol of love and passion, which signifies his admiration for her. The following lines reveal that the singer is aware of the transient nature of life and love. He tries to hold onto the memories of his beloved, not forgetting how she made him feel but also recognizing that he won't be there for long. The reference to the man who kept running out of paper while trying to write down his feelings for the girl is a metaphorical representation of the limitations of words and communication in expressing love. Finally, the singer urges the listener to be a good man and not to be afraid to love.
Line by Line Meaning
So step inside
Come closer and let me provide you with a safe haven
'cause that night is cold
Because it's a chilly night outside and you deserve warmth
It don't deserve such a smile
The night is harsh and doesn't warrant your lovely smile
And it's not enough
The current situation needs to improve
For it to show up every once in a while
It's not enough for things to occasionally be good
In the moonlight
Under the romantic moon's glow
I should kiss you at sound
I want to be able to show my love for you whenever I feel it in my heart
Throw it all down
Forget about our worries and just live in the moment
Wouldn't that be cool
It would be amazing if we could be carefree and happy all the time
To kill the guard
To break down barriers and be completely open and vulnerable
Open the gates for feelings unbound
To allow ourselves to feel everything without holding back
But I've been keeping hope
I've been holding onto hope that everything will work out
And I've got a fairytale in my heart
I have a dream-like vision of love and happiness in my heart
I can cope
I can handle whatever comes our way
That they had you in mind when naming the rose
I hope that everything beautiful is made with you in mind
No, only know about how I won't be here later
I only know that I won't be around forever
Don't forget about how she had you feeling major
Remember the times when she made you feel important
And he tried to write down how he felt about the girl
He attempted to express his feelings for her in words
Kept running out of paper, he'll wait for her
He'll keep trying to convey his love even if it's difficult
And it's feeling fucking awesome
It feels absolutely amazing to be in love
Be a good man like you taught him
Be kind and treat others with love and respect
Don't get caught up in caution when love exists
Don't let fear hold you back from experiencing love
We'll be alright
We'll make it through whatever life throws our way
I could never lie about caring a lot
I care deeply for you and could never pretend otherwise
Contributed by Hudson K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BobDrawson
So step inside
'Cause that night is cold, it don't deserve such a smile
It's not enough
For it to show up every once in a while
In the moonlight, I should
Kiss you at Samhain, throw it all down
Wouldn't that be cool?
To kill the guards, open the gates, for feelings unbound
But I've been keeping hope
I've got a fairytale in my heart, I can cope
I've been keeping hope
Bet they had you in mind when naming the rose
Only know 'bout how I won't be here later
Don't forget, 'bout how she had you feeling major
He tried to write down how he felt 'bout the girl
Kept running out of paper. He'll wait for her
He was feeling fucking awesome
Be a good man like you taught him
Don't get caught up in caution when love exists
So step inside
'Cause that night is cold, it don't deserve such a smile
We'll be alright
I could never lie about caring a lot
@amykenny9759
I'm so happy he's got the recognition he deserves but I miss his old music so much it was beautiful
@ibuyfriends4467
Same. I don't like any of his new music, but I do understand that he wants to become more popular / get reach a wider audience.
@lea444
@@ibuyfriends4467 same here!
"kiss me"was the breaking point for me...i thought...please not....but Im happy for his success
@ibuyfriends4467
@@lea444 I honestly liked Giants, Power over Me, but Something to Someone was the one for me.
I hope he reaches a wider audience, but a piece of my hopes that he releases songs like Without Fear, An Evening I Will Not Forget, After Rain, A closeness etc
@lea444
@@ibuyfriends4467 yep! I feel you 100%! And these lyrics... damn!
But you know what..give the album "Sonder" a try! FIirst time hearing I thought "what is this poppy new shit"
But the third time it growed on me and there are few songs like almost the old Dermot! "Something to someone and kiss me I skip of course☺...its not the same feeling like on the Without fear Album but a least you feel something☺
@ibuyfriends4467
@@lea444 I appreciate the advice, but I'll most likely stick to his older music. I still love it.
@paulyV34
his music makes me feel. i honestly don't know how it makes me feel, good or bad, happy or sad, but all i know is that it makes me feel
@Jaduder405
Well said m8
@EMDEEism
I feel you
@marcotobaben
that's the point..it makes and gives you feels you don't know how to define