Dukes of Windsor are a five-piece alternative/indie band. Although formed in Melbourne, Australia, they are currently based in Berlin, Germany. They fuse minimalist rhythms, punchy bass-lines, cascading guitar riffs, and glacial synths. Their music is angular and reductive, groovy and melodic, and has been termed the beautiful paradox of “robotic soul”.
The Dukes’ career began with the release of the EP Foxhunt in 2005. Debut album The Others followed in 2006, produced in Melbourne by expatriate American Jonathan Burnside (Faith No More, Nirvana). Extra production, mixing and mastering were provided by hardcore producers Pelle Henricsson and Eskil Lovstrom (Refused - The Shape Of Punk To Come, Poison the Well, Hell is for Heroes) from Tonteknik Studios in Umea, Sweden. After the release of the album, the band embarked on an intensive schedule of touring around Australia. After extensive national radio play, they were showcased as a ‘Next Crop Artist’ by national broadcaster Triple j in November 2006.
In 2007, the remix of their debut single ‘The Others’ was certified Gold in Australia (50,000 copies), was a top 10 Aria single, spent three months at #1 on the Aria Club Chart, and received an Aria Award nomination. The guys also closed out the MTV Australian Music Video Awards ceremony in Sydney that year.
second album 'Minus' was released through Island Records in Australia in late 2008. To record the album, the band reunited with Pelle and Eskil, travelling to Tonteknik Studios in the Swedish winter. The album’s title both represents these sub-zero temperatures, as well as the fresh clinical approach to the album. The stark sound is balanced with warm synth textures and vocals.
After the release of 'Minus', the band took in a string of sell-out gigs in capital cities, as well as completing dates nationally with Sneaky Sound System, Sam Sparro, The Music and The Vines. The band also featured heavily on Australian national broadcaster triple j, with two ‘Number One Most Played’, and television performances on both Rove Live (‘It’s A War’) and The Footy Show (‘Get It’). Three singles were released from 'Minus', including ‘It’s a War’, ‘Get it’ (both 2008), and most recently, ‘Runaway’ (2009). The video clip for ‘Runaway’ was also featured as a ‘Ripe Clip Of The Week’ on national music television channel Channel [V].
Comprising Jack Weaving (vocals) , Oscar Dawson (guitar), Joe Franklin (bass), Scott Targett (keys) and Mirra Seigerman (drums), the band relocated to Berlin, Germany, in December 2009 to continue writing their third full-length album. After signing a management and joint venture deal with local indie label Motor Music, they also released the album 'It's A War', an album comprising the best songs off 'Minus' and 'The Others'.
It's a War
Dukes Of Windsor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Beasts of war
Rule the streets
Fight the law
Little men
Started war
March with us
All for none
And none for all
We fight for love
And never fall
It's a war
Are you men
Of the storm
On the streets
We are born
Little men
This is war
Join with us
Hear the roar
All for none
And none for all
We fight for love
And never fall
It's a war
To the left
To the right
We are sons
Of the night
To the left
To the right
We will march
To the light
All for none
And none for all
We fight for love
And never fall
It's a war
The Dukes of Windsor's song "It's A War" speaks about a society ruled by little men, which symbolizes the power-hungry and greedy leaders who create conflicts and wars. The song paints the picture of the streets ruled by these beasts of war, where people must fight back against the unjust laws imposed upon them. The song's first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with a call to action for people to unite against oppression and injustice. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a war" to emphasize the urgency of the situation.
The second verse of the song expands on the idea of a society born on the streets, where rebellion is a way of life. The "little men" are called out again to join the cause and hear the roar of the people rising up against them. The bridge and third verse speak of the unity and determination required to bring about change. The lyrics urge people to march towards the light, symbolizing a better future for all.
The Dukes of Windsor's "It's A War" is an anthem for people to stand up against injustice and oppression, calling them to take action and fight for a better world. The song conveys the message that no matter how small or powerless individuals might seem, they can come together, fight for love and never fall.
Line by Line Meaning
Little men
Refers to the common folks
Beasts of war
Metaphorically describes the destruction-like tendencies released in any war.
Rule the streets
During war, everything outside one's home territory may become unsafe and prone to being taken over by soldiers.
Fight the law
Refers to the fact that the common folks are often affected by policies and laws that benefit the high-and-mighty.
Little men
Reminds the listener who's being referred to.
Started war
Fingers are pointed at the world leaders who initiated the conflict.
March with us
Joining forces with a group that is united towards a common goal.
Hear us roar
Let the sound of our joint and unified chants be heard.
All for none
The conflict is pointless and has no real benefit for anyone involved - soldiers and civilians alike.
And none for all
Everyone ends up losing, and no one truly wins.
We fight for love
The love for one's country, family, and even humanity drives many to fight.
And never fall
The soldiers' unwavering spirit and perseverance despite the harsh conditions of war. But also, the idea that one must never stop fighting until their goals are met.
It's a war
The idea that the battle being fought is not just a minor conflict, but a large-scale war.
Are you men
Referring to those with courage and willingness to fight for their beliefs.
Of the storm
Referring to those soldiers who bravely weather the worst and keep pushing forward.
On the streets
On the battlefield or out in the open.
We are born
The pursuit of survival that war forces on people can result in them stepping up their game and becoming stronger versions of themselves.
Little men
Back to reminding the common folks of their struggles.
This is war
It's not just a small-scale conflict anymore; a larger war has erupted.
Join with us
The idea of uniting forces and joining like-minded soldiers to be stronger.
Hear the roar
Similar to before, the idea of the unified chants.
To the left
Referring to direction, but also to the idea of different sides of the conflict.
To the right
Same as above.
We are sons
Referring to soldiers who are trying to protect and fight for their country, much like sons who protect and defend their loved ones.
Of the night
The collective, strong, and confident image soldiers can represent, just like the night.
We will march
The determination to keep pushing forward and fighting for their beliefs.
To the light
The goal is to push towards the end of the conflict and emerge victorious.
All for none
Re-emphasizing the futility of the conflict.
And none for all
The idea that a unified group working towards peace and prosperity is always better than a divided and conflict-ridden society.
We fight for love
Love for our country and every person in it, as well as the humanity that binds us together, motivates us.
And never fall
Similar to the previous instance.
It's a war
Reiteration of the idea that this is not just a simple conflict, but rather a brutal war.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CORY LESLIE BLIGHT, JACK WEAVING, JOSEPH PHILLIP FRANKLIN, OSCAR CHEVALLIER DAWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kadir
such an excellent bassline. gonna try and learn it by ear someday. actually, know that I listen harder, it's all excellent. guitar sounds awesome, drums sound awesome and vocals sound awesome. in conclusion: awesome
lisa jacobs
saw them live a few years ago before they got street cred they were brilliant and still are =]
andmcg1
Saw then last night for the second time. Their live performances are awesome!
Elizabeth Murphy
bahaha i love this song.. the beat is so awsome!cant keep it out of my head... especially the words its a war repeated.. love it!
Jasmine
I love this song, and the film clip :)
Chiamaria
Timeless song if you asks me.
whiterfred
Such a good song.
Nicole
I'm going to have a snowball fight while wearing military uniforms and blasting this song.
L0Z
I still love this song lol
Jigmsful
Hit #60 in Australia (Australian Chart Book) in 2008