But when the group trimmed down to five members in 2012, they named the band after Trevino’s house on Duncan Lane and started in a new direction. With the name change, they focused their sound into the expressive indie rock they play today.
Duncan Fellows’ first two EPs track their growth from folky troubadours to indie rockers. “Twelve Months Older” (2013) is five songs of folk rock goodness. Standout tracks like “Arrow” showcase Harman and multi-instrumentalist Margot Stevenson’s natural harmony, while “Stolen Black Cars” speaks like a Springsteen ballad about growing up and getting out. Filled with the energy and fear of young love, blurred highway lines and unknown destinations, this acoustic guitar tune is beautiful in its simplicity.
Deeper and more rock than their previous effort, “Marrow” (2015) expands Duncan Fellows’ sound with early Smashing Pumpkins fuzz and Kings of Leon leads. “Saints” tells a story of growth and discovery, while “New Skins’” upbeat drum brush rhythms, sparse electric guitars and group harmonies float and sparkle. Even with only six songs, “Marrow” is full of variety and range.
Tentatively due for release this summer, Duncan Fellows’ first LP is the next evolution in the band’s sound. Thanks to fan feedback and personal taste, Harman promises the album will be more upbeat and driving than previous records.
“I feel like a lot of the stuff that has influenced us has been the live show setting,” Harman shared. “The more we played, the more we figured out what people liked and what we liked. We also bought electronic instruments, which helps.”
Judging from their live show, they’ve used those fancy electronics well. The newer songs in the set were peppered with electric drum beats, trumpets and huge, room-filling codas. Even the quieter, more contemplative tunes commanded the chatty crowd’s attention.
Dark Eyes
Duncan Fellows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
next time around
keep your word
it's hollow sound
A ripple on the lake in the light of the moon
you killed all the flowers before they bloomed
it fools you
we're farther than we're used to
all I can see is
dark eyes
dark feelings
You'll make good
next time around
I can't
keep your body save your life
howling to yourself
in the still of the night
The cold air
it fools you
we're farther than we're used to
all I can see is
dark eyes
dark feelings
Why can't I follow?
Is it my marrow?
Why can't I follow?
Is it my marrow?
Is it my marrow?
Is it my marrow?
The lyrics of Duncan Fellows’s song “Dark Eyes” convey a message of regret and loss, as well as the realization that certain actions cannot be undone. The opening lines “You’ll make good next time around, keep your word, it’s hollow sound” imply that the singer has made a mistake which they cannot go back and fix. It is an acknowledgement that they will try to do better in future but also a realization that words can ring hollow once the damage has been done.
The following phrase “you killed all the flowers before they bloomed” is a metaphor for the singer taking a chance too soon, before things had properly developed and blossomed, which resulted in the end of the relationship. The repetition of the phrase “Dark Eyes, Dark Feelings” is effective in conveying the sense of gloom and bleakness that the singer is experiencing. The use of the word “marrow” in the final lines of the song is particularly poignant, as it suggests a deep-rooted feeling of inadequacy and failure, as well as a sense of despair.
Overall, “Dark Eyes” is a powerful song that explores the complex emotions associated with lost love and regret. Through its poetic and poignant lyrics, the song manages to convey a sense of longing and despair that is relatable to anyone who has faced a similar situation.
Line by Line Meaning
You'll make good
You'll do better in the future
next time around
In your future endeavors
keep your word
Fulfill your promises
it's hollow sound
Meaningless words
A ripple on the lake in the light of the moon
The serene beauty of nature
you killed all the flowers before they bloomed
The destruction of something before it had the chance to grow and flourish
The cold air
The chilling atmosphere
it fools you
It misleads you
we're farther than we're used to
We are farther away from normalcy
all I can see is
All that's visible to me
dark eyes
Eyes expressing sadness, grief, or despair
dark feelings
Feelings of depression, sadness or despair
I can't
It's beyond my capability
keep your body save your life
Preserve your life
howling to yourself
Screaming or wailing to oneself
in the still of the night
During the silence of the night
Why can't I follow?
Why am I unable to pursue?
Is it my marrow?
Is it something within me?
Contributed by Christian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jackson
on Stolen Black Cars
Chill Thomas. We’ve heard of the song as well