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)
Zodiac Virtues
Diablo Swing Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not your turn though I feel it's getting closer
Fall back in line and please retreat for another hour, for another week
Turn inside to reach out, sense you close yet you're out of my sight
Now open up and in one last try won't you give me something to remember you by
I'll feed you lies like the truth shall set us free
Try to see not to believe the shaded truth of you
Hope things might turn, I’m all but clear
My mind at ease in spite of what I hear
I’m hiding in shades where peace is to be found
The faceless just waiting for you to succumb
Those we don't speak of now, those who dress in sweeping white
Now embrace the future you'll be the first to meet
And then you'll better wait there for me
I'll feed you lies like the truth shall set us free
Try to see not to believe the shaded truth of you
Please don't follow me into the sun
The lyrics of Zodiac Virtues by Diablo Swing Orchestra can be interpreted in a few different ways depending on the listener's perspective, but one possible meaning is that the song is about feeling lost or confused and looking for guidance or a sense of purpose. The first verse describes a sense of waiting for something to happen or for a change to occur, while feeling disconnected or separated from someone or something important. The line "I'll feed you lies like the truth shall set us free" suggests a feeling of cynicism or doubt towards the idea of finding simple answers or easy solutions to complex problems.
The chorus seems to caution against blindly following someone or something without questioning it, and warns against the dangers of being drawn towards bright and tempting things that might not be good for us in the long run. The second verse introduces the idea of finding solace or sanctuary in the shadows or the unknown, and touches on the idea of death or the afterlife as a possible source of peace or resolution. The final lines of the song suggest a willingness to wait for something better or more meaningful to come along, even if it takes time.
Overall, Zodiac Virtues can be seen as a song about searching for meaning and grappling with uncertainty and doubt, while trying to hold onto a sense of hope and possibility.
Line by Line Meaning
You try to wake up from your daze
You make an effort to snap out of your stupor
It's not your turn though I feel it's getting closer
While it's not yet your time, you believe it could be soon
Fall back in line and please retreat for another hour, for another week
Get back to your routine and wait patiently for your chance
Turn inside to reach out, sense you close yet you're out of my sight
Look within yourself to connect with someone who seems distant
Now open up and in one last try won't you give me something to remember you by
As a last effort, reveal something about yourself that I will cherish
I'll feed you lies like the truth shall set us free
I will deceive you with false hopes of liberation
Try to see not to believe the shaded truth of you
Avoid seeing the dark realities of yourself
Please don't follow me into the sun
Don't join me in the blinding light of false hope
Hope things might turn, I’m all but clear
I am uncertain if things will improve, though I hold onto some hope
My mind at ease in spite of what I hear
Despite the troubling news I hear, my mind is at peace
I’m hiding in shades where peace is to be found
I seek refuge in the calmness of obscurity
The faceless just waiting for you to succumb
Anonymous figures are eager for you to give in to despair
Those we don't speak of now, those who dress in sweeping white
We refrain from mentioning those who are associated with purity
Now embrace the future you'll be the first to meet
Accept the unknown fate that you will encounter before anyone else
And then you'll better wait there for me
Stay there and wait for me to join you
Contributed by Nora J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.