It consis… Read Full Bio ↴Don Johnson Big Band is a Finnish hip-hop/electronic band.
It consists of four people: Tommy Lindgren (vocals), Kari Saarilahti (drums, guitar, bass), Johannes Laiho (piano, synthesizer) and Pekka Mikkonen (sax, flute). Despite their name, they are not a big band and although they are quite often classified as hip-hop their unique sound combines hip-hop, electronic, jazz, soul, rock and pop. Among other things.
DJBB is described by many as a superb, energetic live act, but especially their recent albums tend to focus on slower songs that are quite thoughtful. They're usually balanced with some infectous party jams and other types of songs, but despite this their albums are quite cohesive.
The name "Don Johnson Big Band" comes from the actor Don Johnson in the series Miami Vice. It was invented as a joke when they were booking a rehearsal time and were asked for the band's name.
Releases include singles One MC, One Delay (2003), Jah Jah Blow Job (2003), Road (2006), Busy Relaxin' (2006) and Private Intentions (2006), and albums Support de Microphones (2000), Breaking Daylight (2003) and Don Johnson Big Band (2006). The Japanese release of the self titled album contains tracks from both Breaking Daylight and Don Johnson Big Band, but uses the latter's cover art.
These Walls
Don Johnson Big Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why we go and try to build a wall when they can tear it down
Or drill some more, it won't scare them out
For we try to wear them out but can never outlast
The resistance and fight in the bitter outcasts
Only want a fair amount like everyone else does
We don't wanna give it up. It's like they're against us
Relief from above with no mention of crops
They could export for their benefit and hope
If free trade really meant development and growth
But it doesn't, it's a crime in the form of a lesson
We're giving to the poor, and the more we're professing
To support them, the more ridiculous we sound
They're forced to spend with no stimulus around
No billions invested, it kinda makes you wonder
Just watch the telethon, and dial that number
These walls
Are made for climbing across, we all
Free fall when there's a line
To be crossed, be strong
Peace calls
And we can find it
Across these walls
These walls are made for
Climbing across, be strong
Now I insist with the careful precision of a scientist
That you can't rule the people with an iron fist
Or like lion dressed in a lion's clothing
Or a tyrant messed in the head like
Lukashenko or Robert Mugabe
Whether Kosovo or the province of Aceh
The Gaza strip with its modern apartheid
Every massacre is not a hard enough heartache
To intervene in, sometimes it gets too
Inconvenient to pretend to free them
When they end up bleeding or they brave aggrievance
All we really care about are trade agreements
Is it make believe, people suffer in vain
If this playful beat can make enough of a wave
I'm gonna hop on a stage and try to make things even
May not be a great achievement, effort is what counts
Now make an effort and just bounce!
These walls
Are made for climbing across, we all
Free fall when there's a line
To be crossed, be strong
Peace calls
And we can find it
Across these walls
These walls are made for
Climbing across, be strong
Blood covers the ground and colors the soil
For diamonds, for God, and for barrels of oil
Hours of toil in a mine or a sweatshop
Or selling counterfeit bags at a rest stop
The best option for far too many
Is worse than we can fathom or imagine for a penny
Poverty is not a disease, it's a symptom
Their ruin is our doing, ain't no cure unless we link them
These walls
Are made for climbing across, we all
Free fall when there's a line
To be crossed, be strong
Peace calls
And we can find it
Across these walls
These walls are made for
Climbing across, be strong
(2x)
The song "These Walls" by Don Johnson Big Band speaks about the futility of building walls and trying to create division among people when in reality, all we need to do is find ways to come together and overcome the barriers that have been created. The lyrics ask why we try to build walls that can be easily torn down and why we try to wear people out when they have the fight and resistance to keep going. The song speaks against the unfair treatment of those who are considered "outcasts" and just want a fair chance like everybody else. The lyrics also question the effectiveness of foreign aid and free trade agreements that are meant to help the poor but end up exacerbating the problem. Instead, the song suggests that we should focus on linking people together and finding ways to help each other.
The song challenges us to be strong and climb across these walls, to reach out and find peace. The lyrics mention the various atrocities and injustices that are happening around the world, such as the Gaza strip and sweatshops, and reminds us that poverty is not a disease but a symptom of a larger problem. The song advocates for a change in mindset and for people to make an effort to come together and make a difference.
Overall, "These Walls" by Don Johnson Big Band is a powerful and insightful song that challenges us to rethink our approach to divisive issues and reminds us of the importance of unity and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Why we go and try to build a wall when they can tear it down
Why do we attempt to create barriers that are easily destructible?
Or drill some more, it won't scare them out
Increasing violence will not intimidate the opposition.
For we try to wear them out but can never outlast
Attempts to exhaust them are in vain, as they stay determined.
The resistance and fight in the bitter outcasts
Their resilience and combativeness come from feeling marginalized.
Only want a fair amount like everyone else does
They seek equity, similar to everyone else's basic desires.
We don't wanna give it up. It's like they're against us
There's a reluctance to surrender because it feels like they're being opposed.
Pretentious or not, we go lecture and drop
We'll vocalize opinions regardless of seeming ostentatious.
Relief from above with no mention of crops
Providing help that doesn't lead to sustainable and independent growth.
They could export for their benefit and hope
Exportation could result in progress and opportunity for them.
If free trade really meant development and growth
If unrestricted commercial activity genuinely meant advancement.
But it doesn't, it's a crime in the form of a lesson
However, it's not, but rather an unjust message conveyed.
We're giving to the poor, and the more we're professing
Although it's stated that funds are given to those in need, the more we vocalize this message.
To support them, the more ridiculous we sound
The more we say we support them, the more inane it appears.
They're forced to spend with no stimulus around
They're compelled to spend without having any resources to stimulate progress.
No billions invested, it kinda makes you wonder
No significant financial contributions are made, leading to speculation.
Just watch the telethon, and dial that number
Simply observe the televised charity concert and donate by calling the assigned number.
These walls
Referring to the obstacles that divide society.
Are made for climbing across, we all
Walls should be traversable instead of separating us from one another.
Free fall when there's a line
We falter when there is an imaginary boundary to cross.
To be crossed, be strong
Overcoming those boundaries requires strength and perseverance.
Peace calls
Urging individuals to prioritize peace.
And we can find it
Peace can be attained if we work towards it.
Blood covers the ground and colors the soil
The intense violence results in vast amounts of bloodshed.
For diamonds, for God, and for barrels of oil
These senseless wars are fought for precious minerals, religion, or natural resources.
Hours of toil in a mine or a sweatshop
Tiresome labor in mines or factories with unfavorable conditions.
Or selling counterfeit bags at a rest stop
Even selling fraudulent merchandise on the side of the road becomes a livelihood.
The best option for far too many
The only plausible course of action for too many people.
Is worse than we can fathom or imagine for a penny
Their circumstances are unimaginably worse than we can conceive, and this despair sells for next to nothing.
Poverty is not a disease, it's a symptom
Poverty is a manifestation of a more significant issue, not a problem itself.
Their ruin is our doing, ain't no cure unless we link them
Their downfall is a consequence of our actions, connections are required for a solution.
Contributed by Jackson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.