There is more than one artist with this name, including:
1) Dimmer was … Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name, including:
1) Dimmer was a New Zealand band active from 2005-2012 centred around Shayne Carter.
2) Dimmer was American drone duo Thomas Dimuzio and Joseph Hammer.

1) Dimmer was a New Zealand band active from 2005-2012 centred around Shayne Carter. The band arose from the ashes of Straitjacket Fits. Their first release was 'Crystalator' which Sub Pop put out as a seven inch. Another single, 'Don't Make Me Buy Out Your Silence' followed on Flying Nun. The first Dimmer album "I Believe You Are A Star" was released in 2001. Their second album, "You've Got To Hear The Music", was released in 2004.

2) Dimmer was American drone duo Thomas Dimuzio and Joseph Hammer.

Cold Water
Dimmer Lyrics

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Score giver
Form rater
Name maker
Note taker
Tell taler
Naysayer

But what have you?

Ever?
Put something better on
Instead of cold water

Game breaker
Gate keeper
Scene broker
Stone turner
A fake spotter
All knower

But what have you?
Ever?
Put something better on
Instead of cold water

Sideliner
Part timer
Bench warmer
Fence sitter
Hair splitter
Cold water
Bench sitter
Hair splitter
Cold water

But what have you?
Ever?
Put something better on
Instead of cold water

But what have you?
Ever?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dimmer's song "Cold Water" explore themes of dissatisfaction, apathy, and the search for something better. The song critiques those who are content to remain on the sidelines of life, whether it be in their personal relationships, careers, or even their own self-improvement. The list of descriptors in the beginning of the song, such as "score giver" and "note taker," seem to refer to a variety of different archetypes or personality types, but the overarching message is that none of these titles matter if the person is not actively trying to improve themselves or their situation.

The repeated refrain of "what have you? ever?" is a rhetorical question that highlights the lack of action or initiative taken by these types of people. The phrase "put something better on" can be interpreted as a call to action, urging listeners to take control of their lives and actively work towards a better future. Interestingly, the title of the song "Cold Water" seems to allude to the idea of a sudden, shocking event that can jolt someone out of their complacency and inspire them to make a change.

Overall, the lyrics of "Cold Water" are a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of apathy and the importance of taking control of one's life. The list of descriptors and the repetition of the refrain create a sense of urgency and emphasize the need for action.

Line by Line Meaning

Score giver
Someone who constantly judges and rates others based on their worth and success.

Form rater
A person who nitpicks and judges others based on their demeanor and etiquette.

Name maker
Someone who fabricates lies and creates labels for individuals to suit their own selfish agenda.

Note taker
A person who uses other people's mistakes and faults as ammunition to bring them down.

Tell taler
Someone who always speaks negatively about other people behind their backs.

Naysayer
A person who always disagrees and criticizes other people's ideas without contributing anything constructive.

But what have you?
The singer is questioning whether the criticizers have anything worthwhile to offer themselves.

Ever?
The artist is asking whether the criticizers have ever attempted to make a positive change instead of just complaining.

Put something better on
The artist is challenging the criticizers to be productive and contribute something positive instead of just being negative.

Instead of cold water
The artist is using the metaphor of 'cold water' to represent the negativity and criticism that the criticizers spew, and is suggesting that they replace it with something better and more positive.

Writer(s): Shayne Peter Carter

Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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