For the entirety of their recording career (1978-1992), Doug & The Slugs consisted of lead vocalist Doug Bennett, guitarists Rick Baker and John Burton, keyboardist Simon Kendall, bassist Steve Bosley and drummer John "Wally" Watson. Most of the Slugs left the band after 1992 (Kendall stayed until 1994); after this time, Bennett toured with an ever-rotating cast of new musicians, still billing the act as Doug & The Slugs.
Drifting Away
Doug and the Slugs Lyrics
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Cognac and Bologna
Drifting Away
There could be countless reasons
Tension rules this house
That it does goes without saying or doubt
You of course claim it's a force that rules from stars far away, I say,
Could be the communists
More likely you and me, just drifting away
I offered small resistance that's a doorway made of glass
Patiently waiting for that stone to be cast
Though my inaction attracted scorn
that morning's quiet fuming
I never talk to you
You don't like being ignored
My thoughts are out that door and drifting away
No I'm not mocking or talking to amuse myself
You've got my number down
You know every one of my names
I think it's plain to see we've drifted away
You could be the Queen of England
and still it'd be the same
Calling it quits can go by so many names
Needing a breather
Relief
A place
Some space to call your own
I've heard 'em all before
I know every one of those lines
So why don't you take what's yours? I'll take what's mine.
and no I'm not mocking or talking to amuse myself
You've got my number down
You know every one of my names
I think it's plain to see we've drifted away
In Doug and the Slugs's song "Drifting Away", the lyrics explore a couple's relationship that has drifted apart. The opening lines state that the tension rules the house and that the cause of it could be countless reasons. The singer suggests that it could be the communists, the RCMP, or many other reasons, but the truth is that the couple is just drifting apart. The singer doesn't put up much resistance to this fact, stating that "my thoughts are out that door and drifting away". The situation is not improving, and despite the couple's effort to find reasons like needing space or relief, it's clear that they've drifted too far apart.
The song highlights the subtle and unspoken tensions that can occur in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that both parties are aware of the drifting and have their own reasons for it. The singer’s subtle resistance and inaction are also evident, and although the couple tries to find reasons for their separation, ultimately, the truth seems to be that they’re just drifting apart. The lyrics convey a sense of sadness and acceptance of the reality of the circumstances. There's a sense of frustration and a lack of communication, all of which create a feeling that it's time to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
There could be countless reasons
There are an infinite number of reasons why we are disconnected.
Tension rules this house
Our home is full of tense and difficult emotions.
That it does goes without saying or doubt
This fact is obvious and unquestionable.
You of course claim it's a force that rules from stars far away, I say,
You believe that our separation is due to some celestial force, but I believe it's more earthly.
Could be the communists
It's possible that external political forces are causing our rift.
Maybe the RCMP
Perhaps government or law enforcement is to blame.
More likely you and me, just drifting away
But it's most probable that our drifting apart is due to our own actions.
I offered small resistance that's a doorway made of glass
I didn't put up much of a fight, like a fragile glass door.
Patiently waiting for that stone to be cast
I'm just waiting for the inevitable attack or criticism.
Though my inaction attracted scorn
But my lack of action was met with disapproval and anger.
that morning's quiet fuming
The anger and resentment simmered beneath the surface that morning.
I never talk to you
I avoid speaking to you.
You don't like being ignored
You feel hurt when I don't acknowledge you.
My thoughts are out that door and drifting away
My mind is elsewhere and not focused on our relationship.
No I'm not mocking or talking to amuse myself
I'm not joking or trying to entertain myself with this conversation.
You've got my number down
You know me well enough to understand my motives and actions.
You know every one of my names
You understand all the different facets of my personality and behavior.
I think it's plain to see we've drifted away
It should be obvious to both of us that we've grown apart.
You could be the Queen of England
Even if you were royalty, our situation wouldn't change.
and still it'd be the same
Our separation would remain the same.
Calling it quits can go by so many names
Breaking up can be described in many different ways.
Needing a breather
Wanting some space or a break from each other.
Relief
Feeling a sense of release or freedom after ending the relationship.
A place
A new physical or emotional space apart from each other.
Some space to call your own
Needing individual space and freedom.
I've heard 'em all before
These reasons or excuses for breaking up are not new to me.
I know every one of those lines
I'm familiar with all the different ways people describe ending a relationship.
So why don't you take what's yours? I'll take what's mine.
If we've grown apart, let's go our separate ways and take ownership of what's important to each of us.
Contributed by Caden M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.