"Who are Britain's most important guita… Read Full Bio ↴Dum Dums; A Brief History...
"Who are Britain's most important guitar band ? JJ72? Coldplay? Muse? But look at that list and tell me whether those bands are really changing peoples lives? Because, believe it or not, Dum Dums are. ...where others preach to the converted, they are leading an increasingly significant segment of the pop massive up the dark slopes of indie" - MELODY MAKER
From their formation in 1997 to their farewell show in August 2001, Dum Dums went from early years of intensive gigging around the UK toilet circuit to rock stardom and chart success. Their one and only album, "It goes without saying", recorded with producer Steve Power (Feeder, Robbie Williams, Babybird, Blur) was the "Ferris Bueller" for its generation. Sonically influenced by other British bands such as the Police and the Jam, it spoke of dead end jobs, the pressures of finding your own way, and struck a chord in the hearts of anyone faced with having to decide what to do with their lives.
Released at a time when radio was saturated with manufactured pop acts, Dum Dums were one of the few British guitar bands to breakthrough in 2000, having four chart hits in and around the official top 20, a hit album, and a constant residency on MTV, VH1, and CD:UK. They sold out tours in the UK and abroad, had top 20 chart success in Japan and a major record deal with MCA in the USA.
But still none of this accounts for their continuing popularity. Three years after the band parted ways, the Dum Dums website still attracts thousands of hits weekly from all over the world. The message bored(sic) is a thriving community active 24 hours a day. There is at least one Dum Dums cover band, many reports of bands starting because of them, and record companies have even manufactured acts to be new versions of the Dum Dums - ironically one of the things the band railed against.
Teen Sensations
Dum Dums Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I don't get out of bed and go to work?
Does it really matter, does it really, really matter,
I've been working for a jerk and it's driving me berserk.
I've been doing the job of a chimpanzee,
For nigh on 23 years,
I don't know the guy who sits next to me,
Spoke, spoke, spoke spoke spoke.
Farewell you teen sensations,
I think we've had more than our time,
Down with the new revolution,
They'll cut you down in your prime.
Accepting mediocrity easier than it used to be,
Is it such a calamity to forfeit your autonomy,
You resign your destiny, we'll provide security,
We have the seniority so shut up and talk louder.
I've been doing the job of a chimpanzee,
For nigh on 23 years,
Selecting the national football team,
I'm your bloke, bloke, top bloke,
Bloke, bloke, bloke bloke.
Farewell you teen sensations,
I think we've had more than our time,
Down with the new revolution,
They'll cut you down in your prime.
Farewell you teen sensations,
I think we've had more than our time,
Down with the new revolution,
They'll cut you down in your prime.
Woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo,
Woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo.
Farewell you teen sensations,
I think we've had more than our time,
Down with the new revolution,
They'll cut you down in your prime,
They'll cut you down in your prime.
They'll cut you down in your prime.
They'll cut you down in your prime.
They'll cut you down in your prime.
The lyrics of "Teen Sensations" by Dum Dums mainly talk about the dissatisfaction of someone working in a job that they hate. The first verse begins with questioning the importance of going to work when the job is being completed for a boss causing frustration. The singer has been in the same job for over 23 years and feels like they are just going through the motions. The second verse talks about how the singer has been doing a job as simple as picking the national football team despite their potential and qualifications. The chorus of the song says goodbye to the "teen sensations" and signals the end of their time, which appears to represent their youth and dreams.
The lyrics compare the youthfulness of the "teen sensations" with the monotony of everyday life. The chorus has a melancholic feel to it and could symbolize the end of something. The lyrics express a longing to leave a dull, unfulfilling job and potentially start on the path toward something greater.
Line by Line Meaning
Does it really matter, does it really, really matter,
Is it truly important if I don't go to work and continue to work for an awful boss?
I've been doing the job of a chimpanzee,
I have been performing a mindless job for 23 years.
Farewell you teen sensations,
Goodbye to the young, lively people who once were.
Accepting mediocrity easier than it used to be,
It's simple to accept being average nowadays.
You resign your destiny, we'll provide security,
You give up your future, and we give you safety.
I'm your bloke, bloke, top bloke,
I'm your guy, your top choice.
Woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo woah ooo,
Instrumental
Down with the new revolution,
Against the latest movement for change.
They'll cut you down in your prime.
They'll stop you in the prime of your life.
Contributed by Levi A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.