Dirk founded Tapete Records in 2002, now one of Germanys finest Indie Labels.
Bands and Artists such as The Horror The Horror (Sweden), Maplewood (US), Downpilot (US), Ezio (UK), Niels Frevert (Germany), Anajo (Germany), The Grand Opening (Sweden) and many more have found a home with Tapete.
Dirk’s music is also released via Tapete. His latest work is called „Our Favorite City“.
The album was recorded at Lee Russel’s Dulcitone Studio in Ringstead, Kettering U.K.
A very special place indeed, Lee bought the local village chapel and built a totally amazing studio filled with outrageously cool vintage gear (amps, mics, guitars, pianos, harmoniums, etc. etc)...all set up and ready to go.
Dirk, Lee and drummer Lars Plogschties got all 12 songs for „Our Favorite City“ on tape in 10 days.
Thematically, "Our Favorite City" goes something like this:
„here's a day in the life in a town pretty like the one I grew up in. songs about people trying to make some kind of living working the nightshift, others on commuter trains wondering whatever happend to their lives, high-school homecoming queens up and gone, drama class dropouts, puppy love faded with the years, broken promises, barroom banter and time lost. like a fabric unwinding, silently breathing....“
Dirk tours Solo and with his band. A great entertainer, this is one show that is not to be missed.
Top Of The World
Dirk Darmstaedter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and your conscience is lost in deep recall
when the towers of song have all been sung
and you're left in the darkness on our own
So gather round cause at the top
no you cant just stop
stop to catch your breath
and all your pretty plans that you used to call your own
they're going overboard never heard or never known
cause baby at the top, no we cant just stop stop
people fall behind yes it's cruel to be kind
when you're looking from the top top
top of the world, top top of the world
So you've ordered and payed for all you can
but the creatures won't stop from crashing in
when you've had so much fun but you can't control
all the madness it's coming to take its toll
So gather round cause at the top, no you cant just stop
stop stop to catch your breath
when it's best to keep the path
and all your pretty plans that you used to call your own
they're going overboard never heard or never known
cause baby at the top, no we cant just stop stop
people fall behind you know its cruel to be kind
when you're looking from the top top
top of the world, top top of the world
"Top of the World" by Dirk Darmstaedter is a song that explores the complexities and challenges of being on top and achieving success. The lyrics depict a person who has reached a high point in their life, both figuratively and metaphorically, but is faced with various obstacles and pressures.
The opening lines, "When the world's firing cannonballs and your conscience is lost in deep recall," suggest that despite being at the pinnacle of success, the person feels overwhelmed by external pressures and is grappling with their own inner conflicts. The reference to the "towers of song" being sung and ending, and being left in darkness alone, reinforces the idea of reaching a point where everything that once seemed attainable or meaningful has been achieved, leaving a sense of emptiness or isolation.
The chorus emphasizes the notion that at the top, there is no time to stop or take a break. The lyrics caution against complacency and stress the importance of persistently moving forward, even when others may fall behind. The line "all your pretty plans that you used to call your own, they're going overboard never heard or never known" suggests that the person's original aspirations or dreams may become overshadowed or lost in the pursuit of success.
In the second verse, the lyrics allude to the idea that even when one has seemingly achieved it all, there are still challenges that arise and threaten one's sense of control. The line "when you've had so much fun but you can't control all the madness" showcases the struggle of maintaining a sense of stability and order in the face of chaos.
Overall, "Top of the World" portrays the complexity and difficulties of success, highlighting the pressures to keep pushing forward, the sacrifices made along the way, and the constant need to navigate obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
When the world's firing cannonballs
When you are faced with overwhelming challenges and difficulties
and your conscience is lost in deep recall
and you are troubled by your past actions and decisions
when the towers of song have all been sung
when all the great achievements in music have been accomplished
and you're left in the darkness on our own
and you feel alone and lost in the midst of it all
So gather round cause at the top
Therefore, come together because when you're at the peak of success
no you cant just stop
you cannot simply pause or give up
stop to catch your breath
take a break to relax and rejuvenate
when it's best to keep the path
when it is crucial to stay on track
and all your pretty plans that you used to call your own
and all the beautiful aspirations you once considered yours
they're going overboard never heard or never known
they are being disregarded and overlooked, unheard and unknown
cause baby at the top, no we cant just stop stop
because, my dear, when you reach the pinnacle, you must not give up abruptly
people fall behind yes it's cruel to be kind
others may lag behind, and it may seem harsh, but sometimes being kind means making tough choices
when you're looking from the top top
when you are viewing the world from the highest point
top of the world, top top of the world
at the apex of success, at the very top of your achievements
So you've ordered and payed for all you can
So you have done everything possible and expended great effort
but the creatures won't stop from crashing in
but the forces of chaos and uncertainty persistently invade
when you've had so much fun but you can't control
when you have enjoyed life immensely but are unable to regulate
all the madness it's coming to take its toll
the chaos is starting to negatively impact you
stop stop to catch your breath
do not pause to take a rest
people fall behind you know its cruel to be kind
people may be left behind, and although it seems harsh, kindness sometimes requires making difficult choices
when you're looking from the top top
when you are viewing the world from the highest point
top of the world, top top of the world
at the apex of success, at the very top of your achievements
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dirk Darmstaedter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind