The two forces behind Desertshore begin their version of this re-examination from quite different directions. Chris Connolly is a classically trained pianist who studied with Julian White and Sharon Mann in California. He is also a biochemist graduating from UC Berkeley. Phil Carney’s history is much more from the rock world. He played guitar in San Francisco legends, Red House Painters and later, Sun Kil Moon.
Chris's early influences were atmospheric UK bands, especially from the label 4AD such as Dead Can Dance, The Cocteau Twins and The Cure. Phil’s are once again more from the rock arena but also more structured and song based; as in Bowie, David Sylvian, Alice Cooper and Neil Young. This melding of rock and classical, atmosphere and craft defines Desertshore. Their shared interest in ethereal sounds and the fact that neither was afraid of allowing the music to lead them in whatever harmonic direction seemed right, unites them.
Phil and Chris had been collaborating for a few years before deciding to move to the studio and record the compilation of material that became ‘Drifting Your Majesty’. Other Bay Area musicians such as drummer Dave Muench came in to play on the record, which was recorded at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco with overdubs completed in Alameda, CA. Phil’s band-mate from Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek, co-produced with Desertshore and it was mastered by John Golden.
The result is a superb album of shimmering guitar notes and resonant piano that wanders dreamlike though a series of soundscapes. By the time the listener reaches the title track they are immersed in a tour de force of subtle distortion and noise. Coming off this crest the album slips through a series of changes that include folk, country, Middle Eastern and lounge influences. In fact, the lack of stylistic definition is ‘Drifting Your Majesty’s’ single most defining feature. In the end these are fine musicians extending themselves without regard to the confines of genre and the results are entrancing.
Diana
Desertshore Lyrics
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Watching her drift off to see
I’m staying up, just killing time
Can’t shake it off,
This weight on my mind
Friendships come, and friendships go
Ans some that I gathered, I’d rather not know
…at you, long, long, gone
Diana, come back …
Moving so slow,
That’s dangerous
And …
And under the bridge
Where many young men
Sung his past words… to … broken binds
And I’m still up, 'till the breaking of time
Till the morning falls
Spills on my …
…at you, long, long, gone
Diana, come, come back …
Gone, gone, gone
Diana, Diana, come back …
Gone, gone, gone
Diana.
The lyrics to Desertshore's song Diana describe the feeling of loneliness and a yearning for someone who has left. The singer is watching dramas with his girlfriend, who falls asleep while he remains awake, unable to shake off the weight on his mind. He reflects on friendships that have come and gone, some of which he would rather not have had. The repeated plea for Diana to come back emphasizes the singer's desire for the return of someone he deeply cares about, who has left him feeling alone and in need of support.
The second verse adds to the sense of longing and desperation, with the mention of dangerous movements and broken binds. The reference to young men singing past words under a bridge suggests a sense of community and shared experience, but also a feeling of being trapped or stuck in the same place. The repetition of the phrase "gone, gone, gone" adds to the sense of finality and loss, while the continued plea for Diana to come back is a desperate attempt to hold onto connection and companionship.
Overall, the lyrics of Diana convey a sense of loneliness and isolation, as well as a strong desire for connection and community. The repeated plea for Diana to come back underscores the singer's need for support and companionship, while the references to friendship and shared experience suggest a deeper longing for meaningful connections with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Watching dramas with my girlfriend
I am currently watching a television show with my romantic partner
Watching her drift off to see
She is falling asleep and dreaming while I continue to watch TV
I’m staying up, just killing time
I am awake for no particular reason, simply passing the time
Can’t shake it off,
This weight on my mind
I am struggling with a heavy burden on my thoughts and emotions, unable to release it
Friendships come, and friendships go
And some that I gathered, I’d rather not know
…at you, long, long, gone
I have had many friendships in my life, and sometimes those friendships end badly or with regret, yet as time passes, they become distant memories
Diana, come back …
I am pleading for someone named Diana to return to my life
Moving so slow,
That’s dangerous
And …
My current slow pace is not a desirable situation, and it may lead to risky behavior
And under the bridge
Where many young men
Sung his past words… to … broken binds
Beneath the bridge, a group of men are singing with nostalgic memories of the past, that now hold little meaning or empty promises
And I’m still up, 'till the breaking of time
Till the morning falls
Spills on my …
…at you, long, long, gone
I am awake until an indefinite hour, waiting for the dawn to come, and mourning the loss of someone from my past
Diana, come, come back …
I am still pleading for Diana to return to my side
Gone, gone, gone
Diana, Diana, come back …
Gone, gone, gone
Diana.
The repetition of 'gone' reaffirms that Diana is long gone and the singer's desperate pleas for her return remain unheard
Contributed by Aaron R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.