The origin of the name of the band is related on their website. The tongue-in-cheek back-story recounts a historically questionable ancestral story beginning in 16th century Sweden. Supposedly, ancestors of the band members performed orchestral works in defiance of the ruling church at the time (possibly in reference to the newly installed protestant Lutheran national church, in power during the mid and late 16th century). The orchestra was forced to go into hiding, performing in secret, with the assistance of oppressed peasants during the era. After years of performing for the pleasure of these peasants, the story claims that the church put a bounty on the performers' lives, and that this bounty was so high that the orchestra knew they would soon be captured, and thus chose to play a spectacular final show before becoming martyred to the church.
While this account is historically unsupported it does provide a backdrop to DSO's eclectic musical style
Members[*]Daniel Håkansson – guitars, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Pontus Mantefors – guitars, effects, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Andy Johansson – bass,vocals (since 2003)
[*]Johannes Bergion – cello, vocals (since 2003)
[*]Martin Isaksson – trumpet, vocals (since 2009)
[*]Daniel Hedin – trombone, vocals (since 2009)
[*]Johan Norbäck – drums (since 2012)
[*]Kristin Evegård – vocals (since 2014)
Former Members[*]Andreas Halvardsson – drums (2003–2010)
[*]Petter Karlsson – drums (2010-2012)
[*]Annlouice Loegdlund – vocals (2003-2014)
A Tap Dancer's Dilemma
Diablo Swing Orchestra Lyrics
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We hear them roar
They'll bring the end upon us
And we will have no mercy no more
Then you'll search for your soul salvation
Our hands are bound
We cry out for direction
But only those truly lost can be found
Why won't you
Save them, oh let me save you
Heal them, I can heal you
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
Why won't you save them, oh let me save you
Heal them, I can heal you
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
In the final hour, you can cleanse your souls
By whispering Hallelujah
Now raise your hands, give praise to him
By singing Hallelujah
Saved from the cold, 'cause I can do without you getting praise where I go
There's a truth to be told, and I don't want them to go
Why won't you
Save them, oh I want to save you
Heal them, let me release you
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
Why won't you save them, I will redeem you
Heal them, if you hear my praise
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
Saved from the cold, 'cause I can do without you getting praise where I go
There's a truth to be told
But I don't want you to go
Pale from the fall, if that's your excuse then you'll never be called
There's a truth to be told
I just don't want it to show
Why won't you
Save them, I want to save you
Heal them, I can heal you
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
Why won't you save them, mark my words
Heal them, I'll bless your souls
Make them closer to your heart
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
The lyrics of Diablo Swing Orchestra's song "A Tap Dancer's Dilemma" depict a sense of urgency and desperation towards salvation. The imagery of impending doom is mentioned through the line "I see them days are coming, we hear them roar," indicating that danger is approaching. The plea for salvation is mentioned throughout the song, with a suggestion of redemption through the repetition of the lines "Why won't you save them/" and "Make them closer to your heart."
The song seems to suggest that the way towards redemption lies in faith and praise. The mention of cleansing the soul by whispering "Hallelujah" and giving praise to God by raising hands and singing "Hallelujah" implies a religious element to the song. The line "there's a truth to be told" suggests that the singer knows the way to salvation but wants the people to come to this truth willingly.
The song conveys a sense of tension through the heavy use of instruments, the intense vocals, and the urgency in the lyrics. Ultimately, "A Tap Dancer's Dilemma" seems to ask the listener to seek redemption before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
I see them days are coming
I am aware that difficult times are on their way
We hear them roar
We can hear the destructive force approaching
They'll bring the end upon us
It will be the catalyst for our downfall
And we will have no mercy no more
We will be unable to show any compassion
Then you'll search for your soul salvation
You will seek absolution for your actions
Our hands are bound
We are unable to act
We cry out for direction
We are lost and in need of guidance
But only those truly lost can be found
Only those who are completely lost can be saved
Why won't you Save them, oh let me save you
Why won't you let me help you help others?
Heal them, I can heal you
Let me heal you, so that you can heal others
Make them closer to your heart
Bring them into your inner circle
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
We cannot stand idly by and watch everything fall apart
In the final hour, you can cleanse your souls
At the last possible moment, you can purify yourself
By whispering Hallelujah
By uttering a cry of praise to heaven
Now raise your hands, give praise to him
Express your devotion through physical motion and verbal worship
By singing Hallelujah
By joyfully vocalizing gratitude and reverence
Saved from the cold, 'cause I can do without you getting praise where I go
I can save myself, and do not need others to give me credit
There's a truth to be told, and I don't want them to go
There is a fact that needs to be shared, but I do not want people to suffer
Pale from the fall, if that's your excuse then you'll never be called
If you make excuses for your weakness, you will not be able to rise to the challenge
Why won't you save them, mark my words
Listen to me, I know what needs to be done to help others
Heal them, I'll bless your souls
Allow me to heal others, and you will be rewarded with spiritual benefits
Make them closer to your heart
Form a deeper connection with those around you
We can't just watch these walls come tumbling down
We must take action to prevent everything from falling apart
Contributed by Max E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.