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.
Umbrella
Dntel Lyrics
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You can turn the city upside down like an umbrella but it won't keep you dry...keep you dry
When you wrap yourself in a highway strip, don't expect anyone from it
All it is is cold cement
You can turn the city upside down like an umbrella, but who knows what you'll find?
[Repeat: x2]
Be careful
If you try
You can turn the city upside down if you want to but it won't keep you dry
(Faintly)Won't keep you dry..it won't...
Dntel's song Umbrella is a melancholic track that delves into the idea of feeling lost and disconnected in a bustling city. The lyrics speak of the futility of trying to control one's surroundings in order to find happiness or solace. The opening lines "You can turn the city upside down if you want to but it won't keep you dry" suggest that even if one were to turn their world upside down, it wouldn't change the reality of their situation. The metaphor of an umbrella is used to further emphasize this point - an umbrella might shield you from the rain, but it cannot shield you from the problems and challenges of life.
The lines "When you wrap yourself in a highway strip, don't expect anyone from it / All it is is cold cement" convey a sense of isolation and detachment. The "highway strip" could represent the fast-paced, impersonal nature of city life - a place where people are constantly moving and rarely take the time to connect with one another. The line "All it is is cold cement" further emphasizes this sense of emptiness, suggesting that the city is simply a physical structure without any real meaning or depth.
Overall, Umbrella is a thought-provoking track that encourages the listener to reflect on the nature of their own surroundings and the role they play in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
You can turn the city upside down if you want to but it won't keep you dry
You may try to find shelter in the city, but it won't provide you a dry place during a storm.
You can turn the city upside down like an umbrella but it won't keep you dry...keep you dry
The city may seem like an umbrella during a storm, but it won't be enough to protect you from getting wet.
When you wrap yourself in a highway strip, don't expect anyone from it
Isolating yourself from society won't make you feel less alone.
All it is is cold cement
The city may seem like a cold, harsh place to live in.
You can turn the city upside down like an umbrella, but who knows what you'll find?
Exploring the city may lead to unexpected discoveries and experiences.
Be careful
Caution must be taken while navigating the city.
If you try
By making an effort, you may be able to find what you are seeking in the city.
Won't keep you dry..it won't...
Repeated emphasis that the city won't protect you from the rain.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SEBASTIAN INGROSSO, STEVE ANGELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind