He always did all this without the help of a record company, but in early 2010 he signed a contract with EMI Group. This contract resulted in the recording of his debut album Dream Parade in Los Angeles. The first single from this album is the song This Town. With this, 3FM immediately chose him as 3FM Serious Talent. Giel Beelen called him the greatest talent of 2011 on March 10, 2011 during the broadcast of De Wereld Draait Door. His first single This Town was named 3FM Megahit on March 27 and Dotan was a guest at Giel Beelen and De Wereld Draait Door.
His debut album Dream Parade was released on May 20 and was immediately named by CD of the week on 3FM and 3voor12. Dotan received positive reactions for his album in magazines such as OOR, Elsevier, Metro and de Volkskrant. His second single Where we belong was linked to Amnesty International's international campaign, which is why he flew to Nigeria to perform for the slums of Port Harcourt. The accompanying clip grew into a YouTube hit with more than 200,000 views.
In the summer of 2011, Dotan appeared at various festivals and was a guest on the larger radio and television programs. Then Dotan started his "Dream Parade Tour" through the big clubs of the Netherlands. Dotan's debut album will also be released in several other countries, of which Israel is the first.
Dotan's unique voice is often compared to Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody.
Dotan reached a milestone by being the first artist in history to remain on the number 1 spot in the Serious Talent charts for more than 5 months. With this he leaves artists such as Caro Emerald, Go Back To The Zoo and Krystl behind. This chart is based on the popularity on the social media of the artists. A nomination for the Serious Talent Award 2011 followed, but during the presentation at Paaspop 2012 it was announced that he did not win this prize.
Dotan went on tour with Gavin Degraw in February, with whom he played in sold-out venues such as the Melkweg and Oosterpoort. Two months later on April 17, 2012, he provided the opening act for Sinéad O'Connor in the main hall of the Paradiso.
In April 2018, after several months of research, Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant revealed that Dotan had enlisted the aid of at least 140 troll accounts to boost his online reputation and following. These accounts disparaged other musicians and made up feel-good stories about chance encounters with fans. de Volkskrant also revealed that Dotan's management had repeatedly tried to alter Dotan's Dutch Wikipedia page. The singer later confirmed the existence of these accounts, apologised, and terminated all his social media activities.
It Gets Better
Dotan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see the pain from yesterday
We try to cover up the past
But tiny secrets still appear
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better with time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
Ohhhh
These lyrics from Dotan's song "It Gets Better" describe the struggle of trying to move past painful experiences and the difficulty in truly letting go of the past. The paper peeling from the walls represents the layers of memories and emotions that resurface despite our attempts to cover them up or forget. The pain from yesterday lingers and manifests in the form of tiny secrets that we try to hide from ourselves and others.
Despite the common adage that time heals all wounds, the lyrics caution against blindly believing that things will automatically get better with time. The singer acknowledges that they, and perhaps those around them, are not truly better even after all this time has passed. This speaks to the complexity of trauma and the long-term effects it can have on individuals and communities, and the need for ongoing support and healing.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and honesty regarding the human experience of pain and healing, and the challenges that come with trying to overcome past wounds.
Line by Line Meaning
This paper peeling off the walls
The physical decay of the environment reflects the emotional deterioration that has occurred.
I see the pain from yesterday
The lingering effects of past traumas are still visible and felt today.
We try to cover up the past
We attempt to hide the pain and heartbreak of the past from ourselves and others.
But tiny secrets still appear
Despite our efforts, the small truths and hidden pains continue to resurface.
So please don't say it gets better,
It's not helpful to minimize or invalidate the struggles and hardships that we face.
it gets better, it gets better with time
Healing and progress can occur over time but it's not a linear or predictable process.
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
The scars and wounds of the past still impact us and it's okay that healing is not an overnight process.
Ohhhh
An emotional and reflective response to the struggles and pain discussed throughout the song.
Writer(s): Dotan Harpenau Copyright: Eatd Publishing
Contributed by Nathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jens Hamer
This paper peeling off the walls
I see the paint from yesteryear
We try to cover up the past
But tiny secrets still appear
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
The kitchen floor is a checkerboard
We tried to end this game for years
the tiles are cracked, the colour's changed
the battleground is all but cleared
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
caught in the cob webs
memories linger in these rooms
under the floorboards
sweeping the stories we outgrew
oehoe
its not a place to call a home
just a place we've been for years
the garden weeds have overgrown
We've overstayed our welcome here
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
it gets better, it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
Kevin Leal
Gracias Por Este Album Te Amo Hermano ❤
Segourney Martopawiro
Pracht van een lied!
Proud to be dutch!
Lester Edrian BA
Its like Dotan is this one quality friend who understands me and I'd like to keep him for myself.
Nuria Martínez
I'm in a bad moment of my life and this music help me, when I listen this songs I feel better, I feel like I can express my feelings...
FinalAffliction
same here c: don't worry everyone has those moment days weeks years... but it gets better
Adina Stefania
how are you? I really hope you're feeling better ^^ take care!
Karen lynne
Nuria Martínez well am trying to heal after I found out my boyfriend is cheating and the lady he is cheating actually texted me and told me how good he is bed and it hurts like crazy coz I invested alot in this relationship.
Jens Hamer
This paper peeling off the walls
I see the paint from yesteryear
We try to cover up the past
But tiny secrets still appear
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
The kitchen floor is a checkerboard
We tried to end this game for years
the tiles are cracked, the colour's changed
the battleground is all but cleared
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
caught in the cob webs
memories linger in these rooms
under the floorboards
sweeping the stories we outgrew
oehoe
its not a place to call a home
just a place we've been for years
the garden weeds have overgrown
We've overstayed our welcome here
So please don't say it gets better,
it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
it gets better, it gets better, it gets better every time
I'm not better, we're not better, even after all this time.
oehoe
Moonlize
love his songs
Anne Pasman
Dit is gewoon prachtig...! ♥♥♥♥