The Dream of Evan and Chan
Dntel Lyrics
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The tile floors glistened; I slowly stirred my drink.
And when you started to sing, you spoke with broken speech
That I could not understand, and then you grabbed me tightly.
I won't let go, I won't let go. Even if you say so, oh no.
I've tried and tried with no results. I won't let go, I won't let go.
He then played every song from nineteen ninety three.
Your eyelashes tickled my neck with every nervous blink,
And it was perfect until the telephone started
Ringing ringing ringing ringing ringing off...
The lyrics of Dntel's "The Dream of Evan and Chan" describe a surreal and dreamlike encounter between the singer and a mysterious individual who they cannot understand but feel a strong connection to. The setting is a smoky and shimmering space, possibly a bar or nightclub, with tile floors and a patron singing brokenly. Despite not being able to fully comprehend the individual's language or speech, the singer is entranced by their embrace and refuses to let go, vowing to hold on even if told to let go. As the interaction continues, the individual plays songs from 1993 and the audience applauds, creating a sense of otherworldly perfection. However, the moment is interrupted by the ringing of a telephone, breaking the spell and bringing the dream to an end.
The lyrics suggest a sense of longing for connection and intimacy in a world that can often feel unclear and difficult to navigate. The singer is drawn to the mystery of the individual, and despite not understanding them fully, is deeply affected by their presence. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the challenges of communication and understanding in relationships, with the dreamlike setting adding to the sense of unreality often found in interpersonal interactions.
Line by Line Meaning
It was familiar to me, the smoke too thick to breathe.
The setting was recognizable and the atmosphere was suffocating.
The tile floors glistened; I slowly stirred my drink.
The surroundings were polished and the singer idly played with their beverage.
And when you started to sing, you spoke with broken speech
The person singing had difficulty enunciating their words.
That I could not understand, and then you grabbed me tightly.
The singing became unintelligible and the person singing embraced the artist.
I won't let go, I won't let go. Even if you say so, oh no.
The artist refuses to let go despite any objections.
I've tried and tried with no results. I won't let go, I won't let go.
Attempts to relinquish control have been unsuccessful, and the singer is determined to hold on.
He then played every song from nineteen ninety three.
The DJ played songs from a specific year.
The crowd applauded as he curtsied bashfully.
The audience expressed their approval as the DJ acknowledged them with a bow.
Your eyelashes tickled my neck with every nervous blink,
The artist was physically close to the person they were with, who appeared anxious.
And it was perfect until the telephone started
The moment was idyllic until an interruption occurred.
Ringing ringing ringing ringing ringing off...
The phone was ringing incessantly.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BENJAMIN GIBBARD, JAMES TAMBORELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Slyp
This song is the defining moment of me entering adulthood. I remember being introduced to the Postal Service when I turned 18, and this song was on a custom mix that my best friend burned for me as a farewell gift when I moved far away from him. It was the song that stuck with me the longest and looking back I define my life as before I heard this song and after I heard this song. And I love every emotion that hearing it brings rushing back
Matthew Patterson
Was I your best friend?
cory hall
Fantastic comment! Thanks for sharing that! I just found out about this song, as i was reading about The Postal Service at 5:30am, because i woke up and couldnโt go back to sleep. Lol. The Postal Serviceโs Give Up was that point for me in 2003 at 17.
XPocketMonstersX
Beautifuly said.
Misterrorschach
This is an interesting way to put it. There are few bands that I can say completely changed me. And Jimmy tamborello is 100% one of those artists.
Interesting enough this artists had always been my favorite but after a very bad an extreme dmt trip where I stupidly put dntel on in the background, it put a horrible taste in my mouth and I couldnโt enjoy the music anymore. That was until over a decade later this week when I randomly heard it and had that emotional chill rush over my body. I could enjoy it again. Literally one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Being able to enjoy something I love so much again.
debaser38
This song sounded like nothing else when it came out. I think it's more influential than people give it credit for.
Nina Ross
This song was in the deep depths of my memory and today I randomly remembered it out of nowhere.
chris mcmurry
Nina Ross lol same
gbluecheez
I love when that happens
Celia
Nina Ross me af right now