He started working as Dntel, pronounced Din-tell, in 1994. A collection of tracks created between 1995-1997 (Early Works For Me If It Works For You) was released on the Phthalo label in 1999, followed by the release of an EP recorded in 1994 (Something Always Goes Wrong) in 2000. After contributing a song to Plug Research's Voices In My Lunchbox compilation he was invited to do a full length for the label, preceded by a 12" EP (Anywhere Anyone).
Dntel released his full-length album Life Is Full Of Possibilities in 2001. The LP featured vocal contributions by many artists, including Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard on the breakout track (This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan, which led to a single in 2002 and later, the formation of the band The Postal Service with Gibbard. With vocals buried in static, cut-up acoustic guitars and sampled symphonies struggling to find somewhere to settle, Life Is Full Of Possibilities reserved Dntel's spot as a pioneer of contemporary glitch, electro-pop, and indietronica.
Tamborello is currently working with The Postal Service and continuing his solo work, including remixes for various artists. As Dntel, he is releasing a compilation, Early Works For Me If It Works For You II, which will feature unfinished instrumental tracks from when he was working on Life Is Full Of Possibilities in 1998-2001, to be released on Phthalo. He released his newest full-length LP, titled "Dumb Luck" on April 24, 2007. "Dumb Luck" is his first LP on Sub Pop records.
Natural Resources
Dntel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bursts of sewing machine gun fire
From your position
Barricaded behind the piano
I return with small arms
Stuttered shots from typewriter keys
Between the volley
The hearts of weary camps
Sing to each other
"However faintly
As we each seek to claim
Disputed territory"
The us beneath the other
The us beneath the other
The us beneath the other
The us beneath the other
The us beneath the other
Which is rich
In natural resources
In natural resources
In natural resources
The lyrics to Dntel's song Natural Resources can be interpreted in several ways. The first few lines describe a firefight, with bursts of gun and typewriter fire. The metaphorical meaning behind this event is unclear, but it could be representative of an argument or conflict between two parties, which is further supported by the lines "Disputed territory."
However, what's interesting is the next few lines that tell how even in the midst of a heated argument, there can be moments of connection and understanding between opposing sides. The hearts of weary camps “sing to each other”, which suggests a sense of empathy and mutual respect, despite their differences. This is emphasized in the repetition of “The us beneath the other” which could signify that there is a deeper unity among us that exists beneath our surface differences.
The final lines of the song then bring some clarity to this metaphor, as it speaks of the "us" beneath the other "rich in natural resources". This line could be interpreted to mean that, despite our differences, we all have something valuable to offer to each other. The natural resources could represent our unique talents or skills, which can enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
The other night, a firefight
Recently, there was a chaotic conflict involving guns and explosions
Bursts of sewing machine gun fire
The gunfire was disruptive and sounded like rapid stitching from a sewing machine
From your position
You were situated somewhere nearby, participating in the violence
Barricaded behind the piano
You used the piano as a shield to protect yourself during the altercation
I return with small arms
I responded with my own weapons, albeit less powerful
Stuttered shots from typewriter keys
My weapon resembled a typewriter and fired in nervous, unsteady movements
And yet in the silence
There was a lull in the fighting
Between the volley
During this temporary cessation
The hearts of weary camps
Despite being on opposing sides, the participants were mentally and emotionally exhausted
Sing to each other
They communicate with one another through song, albeit quietly
"However faintly
As softly as they can
As we each seek to claim
As individuals attempt to attain
Disputed territory"
A region of land that is being argued over by multiple parties
The us beneath the other
The collective group of people fighting beneath the surface level disagreement
The us beneath the other
The shared humanity and interconnectedness between opposing sides
The us beneath the other
The inherent compassion and understanding that exists despite outward aggression
The us beneath the other
The deeper, unspoken unity that transcends division
Which is rich
This underlying connection is valuable
In natural resources
It is a source of great abundance and strength
In natural resources
It provides a wealth of mutual support, love, and empathy
In natural resources
It is a powerful force that can bring people together despite differences
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, BMG Rights Management, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: ANDREW BRODER, JIMMY TAMBORELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind