Dirty Pretty Things played their first shows in October 2005 in Italy and France.
Initially, the choice of name caused some troubles. A four-piece band from Salisbury had been playing as "Dirty Pretty Things" since early January of 2005, claiming to have already copyrighted the name in the UK; the two groups ended up coming to an agreement over the name. An Australian band had also been playing under that name since 2003, though since opted to change it.
Dirty Pretty Things began recording their first album in Los Angeles, California, with high-profile producer Dave Sardy (producer of the Oasis album Don't Believe the Truth), and in Glasgow, Scotland with producer Tony Doogan.
The first track of the band's to be released on the CD format was "You Fucking Love It" which was made available on a free CD with the April 1, 2006 issue of NME entitled "NME and MTV2 present Best Newbands Showcase 2006".
The band's debut album, entitled Waterloo to Anywhere, was released on May 8, 2006 reaching #3 on the music charts and receiving critical approval. The first single (and first official band release) from the album, "Bang Bang, You're Dead", was released on April 24, 2006 and reached #5 in the singles chart in its first week of sales. The second single was "Deadwood", released on 10 July 2006 and got to #20 in the singles chart.
They toured extensively in the UK during the first half of 2006. Their setlist has comprised most of the songs from the debut album and selected b-sides, along with a few Libertines songs (usually "Death on the Stairs", "France", and "I Get Along"). They played their first American show at the SXSW festival in Texas. They played several festivals in the UK in the summer of 2006, including the Isle of Wight Festival, Wireless Festival, T in the Park, and they played at the Irish festival Oxegen.
'Wondering' was the third single released from Waterloo to Anywhere on September 25, 2006 and reached #34.
On a holiday in Taipei, Carl broke his collarbone (he had fallen from a motorbike during a drinking session), thus giving the impression that DPT would have to cancel a North American tour. However, the band recruited The Paddingtons Josh Hubbard to deputise for Barât on guitar.
On 16th October 2006 the band released a DVD 'Puffing On a Coffin Nail' featuring over 2 and a half hours of concert footage and documentaries.
On 25th October 2006 Carl appeared as a special guest at Paul Weller's set during the Electric Proms, duetting on Peacock Suite and In the City.
The band's second album "Romance At Short Notice" is set for release on the 30th June 2008.
The Band Split On Ist Oct 2008 Saying "It is with some sadness we announce the farewell of the Dirty Pretty Things," It's been a glorious three years which we all would gladly live out again, but it is time for us to try new things"
You can visit their Official Website.
Come Closer
Dirty Pretty Things Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As boredom kills like cancer
We need dreams
For the romancers
And I'm looking to you
Well, the life's so lonely
I need my one and only
Come on and show me
Now, I'm looking to you
Well, come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer, come closer
My resistance is low
Come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer, come closer
I'm not letting you go
Had love and I set it free
But it never came back to me
Now the skies have gone ugly
From Bolton to rugby
As I'm looking for you
Oh come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer, come closer
My resistance is low
Don't pay mind to them
You're most beautiful when you don't bother
So just let it go
Hit the piper, I'll feed the rat
And I won't mind, I won't mind
Smash the campus and burn the maps
I guess we'll be fine
You loved and you are able
Shall we write that on your grave
Come closer, come closer
Come closer, come closer, come closer
My resistance is low
Don't pay mind to them
You're most beautiful when you don't bother
So just let it go
The lyrics of Dirty Pretty Things' "Come Closer" are about the search for love and companionship in a world that can be lonely and isolating. The opening lines "Hails to the chancers / As boredom kills like cancer" suggest that taking risks and pursuing dreams is necessary to combat the suffocating monotony of everyday life. The singer then addresses a potential romantic partner by saying "We need dreams / For the romancers / And I'm looking to you."
The chorus urges this person to "come closer" and to ignore any doubts or insecurities. The line "My resistance is low" implies that the singer is vulnerable and in need of connection. There is a sense of urgency and desperation in the repetition of the "come closer" refrain, as if the singer is pleading with someone not to leave.
The second half of the song takes a more chaotic turn, with references to burning maps and smashing campuses. It is possible that these lyrics are an expression of frustration with a society that values conformity over individualism. The final lines, "You loved and you are able / Shall we write that on your grave," could be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to embrace love and passion before it is too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Hails to the chancers
Let's recognize and give credit to those taking chances
As boredom kills like cancer
Boredom can be just as destructive as cancer
We need dreams
We require aspirations that inspire and motivate us
For the romancers
For those who are dreamy and sentimental
And I'm looking to you
I am seeking for someone to help me fulfill my dreams
Well, the life's so lonely
Life can be a lonesome journey
I need my one and only
I need someone special in my life
If you know love
If you feel love in your heart
Come on and show me
Demonstrate and teach me how to love
Now, I'm looking to you
Currently, I'm searching for that person to love
Come closer, come closer
Move nearer to me, be closer to me
My resistance is low
I am vulnerable and open to you
Don't pay mind to them
Don't worry about what others think
You're most beautiful when you don't bother
When you are being yourself and not trying too hard, you are at your most attractive
So just let it go
Don't hold back or overthink, just be free and natural
Had love and I set it free
I once loved someone and let them go
But it never came back to me
Unfortunately, they did not return my love
Now the skies have gone ugly
The world doesn't seem as beautiful anymore
From Bolton to rugby
From one place to another
As I'm looking for you
As I search for the one I'll love
Hit the piper, I'll feed the rat
Do what you want, even if it's self-destructive
And I won't mind, I won't mind
I won't care about the consequences
Smash the campus and burn the maps
Destroy what's before you, forge your own path
I guess we'll be fine
Things will work themselves out
You loved and you are able
You are capable of loving
Shall we write that on your grave
Perhaps we should commemorate that on your tombstone
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTHONY ROSSOMANDO, CARL BARAT, DAVID HAMMOND, GARY POWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind