Since forming in Brighton in 2008, Esben and the Witch have had just a few releases behind them including "Lucia, at the Precipice" from February 2010 - and have had positive press support from NME, Pitchfork Media and The Guardian, plus experience of concerts alongside Warpaint, The xx, Wild Beasts, Foals and The Big Pink.
In May 2010 the band contributed to the London edition of The Creators Project, warping one of 33's tracks, "Corridors", into an eighteen-minute soundscape to soundtrack artist Karl Sadler's lit forest installation.
On October 19th 2010 it was revealed that the band were nominated for a Q Award as "next big thing", pipped to the post by Clare Maguire at the Awards on October 25. The following day Matador Records announced the band's debut album Violet Cries is to be released in January/February 2011.
The band were included in the BBC Sound of 2011 poll long-list, announced December 7th.
Dig Your Fingers In
Esben and the Witch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the rocks jut and the banks block, but the river it goes right on
Slog through skirt hitched knee-deep in mud
We'll be there covered in earth, 'cause we're the people who live and we will...
Dig your fingers in
The wind rose swirling and lashed its frenzied whip
The rumble a rattle of everything shaking apart
And in the middle of this trembling world she turned to me and said don't sway...
So the storm fell soaking and slammed its mighty head
A ragged squall that lights the sky and drowns the earth
Keep steady set hard; let your hands grow calm and cool
And lift your glass your fists to whatever lies on the road she said...
The song "Dig Your Fingers In" by Esben and the Witch seems to be about perseverance, resilience and determination in difficult times. The first stanza describes the onset of a storm and the chaos it brings, but despite everything crumbling and breaking apart, the river, a symbol of life, keeps on flowing. The chorus then follows with the line "Dig your fingers in", which can be interpreted as a call to action to hold on tight and fight through the obstacles. The second stanza continues with the storm metaphor, and the singer of the song is advised to remain steady and strong even amidst the turmoil. The song seems to be promoting a message of strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and that even when everything feels like it's crumbling around us, we can still fight and persevere.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dig Your Fingers In" could be seen as a metaphor for life, and how even though we may face countless obstacles, we can still stand strong and fight on. The song's simple, raw and repetitive melody complements the lyrics and the message of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
As the clouds drew, so the rains came turning the dust to dirt
With the formation of the clouds, the rains came and transformed the dust into dirt.
And the rocks jut and the banks block, but the river it goes right on
Though the rocks and banks hinder the river, it continues to flow and progress.
Slog through skirt hitched knee-deep in mud
Walking through the mud, lift up your skirt and hike up your knees for easier movement.
We'll be there covered in earth, 'cause we're the people who live and we will...
We will be there among the earth, for we are resilient people who will continue to survive.
Dig your fingers in
Dig your fingers into the earth, hold on tight, and persevere through any obstacles.
The wind rose swirling and lashed its frenzied whip
The wind grew stronger, swirling around and striking with its wild force.
Its coil a gyre and we were in the eye
We found ourselves in the center of the wind's circular motion.
The rumble a rattle of everything shaking apart
The thunder was shaking everything to its core, causing a chaotic sound.
And in the middle of this trembling world she turned to me and said don't sway...
When everything around us was trembling, she looked at me and said to remain strong and steady.
So the storm fell soaking and slammed its mighty head
The storm poured down, drenching everything and striking with full force.
A ragged squall that lights the sky and drowns the earth
Lightning lit up the sky, accompanied by rain that submerged everything.
Keep steady set hard; let your hands grow calm and cool
Remain sturdy and focused, despite the chaos around you, and let your hands stay calm and collected.
And lift your glass your fists to whatever lies on the road she said...
Raise your glass and your fists to anything that is on your path, no matter the challenge.
Contributed by Mila I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.