The band, which con… Read Full Bio ↴Duels are a five piece band from Leeds, England.
The band, which consists of core members Jim and Jon Foulger (guitar and vocals respectively), drummer James Kirkbright and bassist Jon Maher, have recently been joined by ¡Forward, Russia! guitarist Whiskas. Additional Duels members include, or have included, Katherine Botterill on keyboards and backing vocals and violinist Lesley Turner.
They create dark and often anthemic new-wave pop with sinister undercurrents to craft a unique, vibrant sound, while recalling legendary artists such as Wilco, Robert Wyatt, David Bowie and Pulp along the way.
Their first album, 'The Bright Lights & What I Should Have Learned' was released in August 2006 to widespread critical acclaim and after extensive touring, Duels commenced work on their second full-length release, the self-produced 'The Barbarians Move In'.
Recorded in a converted barn on the North Sea Coast and showcasing a darker, more organic sound, Jon Foulger suggested the album is about "nature fighting back". It was digitally released via duelsmusic.com on Valentine's Day 2008, with a UK physical release on This Is Fake DIY Records on April 28th.
The band are currently working on their third full-length album, details of which can be found on www.duelsmusic.co.uk
Duels have opened for Kaiser Chiefs and former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon, and have toured the UK and Europe with The Rakes.The band played the Radio1/NME Stage at the Leeds/Reading Festivals and opened the main stage at T In The Park in 2006.
Perimeter Fence
Duels Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your mother got her teeth fixed but still said the same things
Nothing's going to change, is it?
Your father still watches the same shows and laughs at the same jokes
And all around you hums and sings
Sits still, stands up, the phone it rings
Inside you're turning cartwheels
You press your nose against the walls
And walk the perimeter fence
You have a tight grip, at least you thought you did
You can see good in all this
But you are starting to lose focus
So tell them all your grand ideas
The ones you've been planning for all these years
These are not idle schemes
These are hopes and these are dreams
And all around you hums and sings
Sits still, stands up, the phone still rings
Inside you're turning cartwheels
In there, you are alive
You press your nose against the walls and walk the perimeter fence
The morning comes around again
And slowly lights your simple pen
A truly modern fortress
You think, "These walls will never hold us"
You press your nose against them all
And walk the perimeter fence, walk the perimeter fence
But there's no holes in this crude defence
Just tiny cracks that are acting as vents
And outside looking in - surely others like you?
The lyrics of Perimeter Fence by Duels describe a sense of stagnation and repetition. Despite changes in appearance, the people around the singer behave the same and have the same opinions. The singer, however, is alive with grand ideas and dreams, but they are starting to lose focus. They compare themselves to a fortress, walking the perimeter fence and pressing their nose against the walls, but they realize there are tiny cracks that act as vents, allowing others to see in. The song ends with the suggestion that there may be others like the singer, searching for a way out of their stagnant lives.
The lyrics of Perimeter Fence are relatable to many people who feel trapped in their daily routine, yearning for something more. The duality of the fortress, with its sense of security and confinement, mirrors the feeling of being comfortable and scared to leave one's comfort zone. The use of cartwheels and pressing one's nose against the wall creates a childlike image of exploration and curiosity, contrasting with the reality of being trapped.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing ever changed, did it?
You've noticed that things in your life never seem to change.
Your mother got her teeth fixed but still said the same things
Your mother may have had cosmetic work done, but her personality and behavior remained the same.
Nothing's going to change, is it?
You've given up hope that things will ever change.
Your father still watches the same shows and laughs at the same jokes
Your father has habits and preferences that have remained unchanged.
And all around you hums and sings
The world around you is buzzing with activity.
Sits still, stands up, the phone it rings
People and technology are in constant motion.
Inside you're turning cartwheels
You feel excited and energized.
In there, you are alive
You feel alive inside, full of potential and possibilities.
You press your nose against the walls
You're trying to get closer, to understand things better.
And walk the perimeter fence
You're exploring the boundaries, testing the limits.
You have a tight grip, at least you thought you did
You thought you were in control, but maybe you're not as sure now.
You can see good in all this
You're an optimist, looking for the best in situations.
But you are starting to lose focus
You're struggling to maintain your clarity and composure.
So tell them all your grand ideas
You have big plans and aspirations that you want to share with others.
The ones you've been planning for all these years
These goals have been on your mind for a long time.
These are not idle schemes
Your plans are serious and well thought out.
These are hopes and these are dreams
You're dreaming of a better future, and these goals represent your hope for achieving it.
The morning comes around again
A new day has begun, full of promise and potential.
And slowly lights your simple pen
You're inspired to take action and start writing down your ideas and plans.
A truly modern fortress
You're building something strong, something that can stand up to the challenges of the modern world.
You think, "These walls will never hold us"
You feel invincible, like nothing can stand in your way.
But there's no holes in this crude defence
Your plans may have some flaws or weaknesses.
Just tiny cracks that are acting as vents
There are small openings that allow for breathing room, but they also leave room for errors or vulnerabilities.
And outside looking in - surely others like you?
You wonder if there are other people out there who share your dreams and goals, who see the world the way that you do.
Contributed by Amelia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.