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.
Rich Man
Duncan Fellows Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
at least not like my mother knows.
No I'll find my wealth in something else
like the joy I found in your arms
like the joy I found in your arms
The people round here tell me there's a road to take
One of fear, one of strength
This road I shall not take
This road I shall not take
Often times I worry about where I'll be
when the good Lord comes around and sets me free
Show me what it means to be held
and I will, I will be held
and I will, I will be held
What I found here, what I found here
was an uneasy rest
Strong, like the memory of July
We kissed and I let you down
We kissed and I let you down
And I may never be a rich man
at least not like you know
but I'll find my wealth in something else
like the words you said in July
like the words you said in July
Well I may never be a rich man
at least not like you know
but I'll find my wealth in something else
like the words you said in July
like the words you said in July
Well I may never be a rich man
at least not like you know
but I'll find my wealth in something else
like the words you said in July
like the words you said in July
like the words you said in July
The song "Rich Man" by Duncan Fellows speaks to the idea that wealth and success aren't necessarily measured by financial gain or social status. The lyrics suggest that the singer sees value and richness in experiences and emotions, particularly those that involve love and connection with others. The opening lines set up this idea, with the singer acknowledging that they may never reach the kind of material success that their mother expects, but they find fulfillment elsewhere. This sentiment is reinforced in the chorus, which repeats the idea that wealth can be found in things like joy and kind words shared with someone you love.
The second verse introduces the idea of societal pressure to conform and achieve material success. The singer describes being told that there is a specific road they should take, one that is marked by fear, strength, and certainty. However, the singer decides to reject that path, suggesting that they would rather find their own way to fulfillment. The verse doesn't specify what that alternative path is, but it's implied that it involves a different set of values than the ones highlighted by society.
The final verse takes a more personal turn, with the singer expressing anxiety about what will happen after they die. They hope that, when they meet their maker, they will have lived a life that is defined by connection and love. They take comfort in the memory of a past love, reflecting that even though they let that person down, they still value the words and emotions exchanged in that relationship.
Overall, "Rich Man" is a song that emphasizes the importance of finding individualized paths to happiness and fulfillment. It values experiences over possessions and relationships over social status.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I may never be a rich man
I don't expect to have great wealth.
at least not like my mother knows.
I won't have wealth in the way my mother thinks is important.
No I'll find my wealth in something else
I will value things other than money.
like the joy I found in your arms
Love and happiness will be where I find real wealth.
The people round here tell me there's a road to take
People have told me about a path to success.
One of fear, one of strength
The path is either scary or requires a lot of determination.
of certainty and steady pace
It's a path that is predictable and should be taken consistently.
This road I shall not take
I have decided not to follow that path.
Often times I worry about where I'll be
I'm anxious about my future.
when the good Lord comes around and sets me free
When I die and meet God.
Show me what it means to be held
Help me understand what it feels like to be truly loved and supported.
and I will, I will be held
If you show me what it means to be loved, I will accept it fully.
What I found here, what I found here
What I discovered in this experience.
was an uneasy rest
I rested, but it wasn't completely relaxing.
Strong, like the memory of July
My experience was powerful and significant like a strong memory of a month in the summer.
We kissed and I let you down
I kissed someone and felt like I didn't live up to their expectations.
Well I may never be a rich man
I acknowledge that I won't be wealthy in the traditional sense.
at least not like you know
I won't have the type of wealth that is typically valued.
but I'll find my wealth in something else
I will find richness in other parts of my life.
like the words you said in July
Words of love spoken to me in the summer will provide me with richness.
like the words you said in July
Words of love spoken to me in the summer will provide me with richness.
like the words you said in July
Words of love spoken to me in the summer will provide me with richness.
Contributed by Tyler O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Thomas Wells
I don't want you to feel like I'm degrading this wonderful union but for some reason I feel like I'm the only person on earth who knows of this songs existence. Whenever I look it up this video pops up.
Tabasco Muricano
Dude I was having the same problem, it isn't on spotify anymore either. It's just gone. Beautiful wedding though
Robert Guajardo
Yeah they took down a couple of songs because it wasn’t the sound that they were going for as a band. It’s a shame this was my favorite song by them :/ The bassist David, and singer Colin were some of my youth group leaders throughout high school. Great group of guys
Thomas Wells
I'm really sad especially since it was on a traveling Playlist that I was really fond of.
Ivey Fisher
Sad that I just found this out. I listened to this song with my boyfriend often in college and we loved it - and then one day it was just gone. I tried emailing the band and asking what happened because it’s such a beautiful song. Finally decided to click on this video this morning and this brought back so many memories!
Muzek Smith
same, was going through my old songs on spotify and saw this whole album got removed. This is the only video I can find of the song.