Unusual sound, intimate lyrics, melodious music and charismatic appearance … Read Full Bio ↴Unusual sound, intimate lyrics, melodious music and charismatic appearance certainly make the first impression a person gets when it comes to Irish Stew, the band. This is the thing that connects them, after only one listen, with the audience of all generations. Their ability to make even a random passer-by dance on their concerts is a guaranty for great fun over and over again. Firm friendship and special kind of relationship that exists between the band members provide unforgettable atmosphere at their concerts. They have gained many fans by touring all over Serbia. They exchange energy and emotions with them and they always go back.

So Many Words...

From their first performance in June 2003 until the recording of their first album, Irish Stew had been looking for their own style. A few people and a few different instruments passed through the band untill the winning combination at that time was found. Finally, the band's members were Bojan Petrovic (vocals, tin whistle), Nenad Gavrilov (guitar), Ana Mrkobrada (violin), Ivan Djuric (banjo), Aleksandar Gospodinov (bass guitar) and Pavle Medan (drums). Irish Stew changed its members because they were on a search for their musical selves. At first, the band played covers of famous Irish folk songs, as well as The Pogues' covers, but soon after that the creativity and inspiration for making their own music arouse. This period gave birth to the hit songs such as Why, Puzzle of Life, Stout, McGee's Daughter, that, together with 8 other songs, found their place on Irish Stew's debut album So Many Words (2005). The making of the album was a big step forward for the band, in other words, going up onto the next level. Many awards received at numerous demo festivals created great expectations from the band and the album, which were justified and even overcome by the whole edition of the album having been sold out rather quickly - in terms of Serbian marketplace.

Dare To Dream

Making of the second album has put the standards even higher, having in mind the success of the first album that needed to be justified. During this period, Irish Stew left their authentic signature on the music scene in Serbia. Compared to the first album, the band allowed themselves to experiment with other musical genres, but they still kept the beloved Irish influence and true emotion as their creativity’s essence. The lining of the band didn’t change much. There were Bojan Petrovic (vocals, tin whistle), Nenad Gavrilov (guitar), Ana Mrkobrada (violin), Ivan Djuric (banjo), Aleksandar Gospodinov (bass guitar) and Marko Krasnic (drums). Album Dare To Dream was released on 2008 and it featured the song Ditch which was, according to many, the best thing brewed by the band until then.

At the moment, Irish Stew spend most of their time in the studio working on their third album whose release is expected in autumn of 2011. New ideas and inexhaustible inspiration!

Dream Shelf
Irish Stew of Sindidun Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Winter in your coats never seems to cease
They pictured you in summer, and you think you felt the heat
Having all your favorite colors while advertising smiles
But what′s the favorite color of the high blue sky?

Putting words in your mouth, they can say what they want
You're convinced that is true, while they shackle your soul
With pockets full of money, you don′t need the Sun to shine

You're a trunk of a dead-tree, but you think you're really fine

And hanging on a dark road
I always see the light
Carrying dreams in empty pockets
With no home to rest tonight
I drink to shiver sadness
With broken wings to fly
So they can call me drunken bastard
But my heart and soul they cannot deny

Seven days a week you don′t have time to think:
Are you heading for tomorrow? Have your eyes lost their gleam?

Is the smile on your face as happy as it seems?
Does your last tear rest on forgotten shelf of dreams?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Dream Shelf" by Irish Stew of Sindidun convey a sense of disillusionment and questioning of one's true happiness amidst a world filled with materialistic pursuits and societal expectations. The song begins by describing how winter never seems to end, symbolizing a perpetual state of discontentment and longing. The reference to being pictured in summer and feeling the heat implies that the person is constantly being projected an idealized image of happiness, but they question if they truly feel that warmth.

The next stanza explores the idea of others influencing and manipulating the person's thoughts and beliefs. The metaphor of putting words in their mouth suggests that others can control the narrative and make them believe what they want. Despite being shackled by societal pressures and expectations, the person feels a false sense of contentment due to their material possessions and financial success. However, the line "you're a trunk of a dead-tree, but you think you're really fine" reveals the emptiness and superficiality of their existence.

The chorus speaks to the struggle and loneliness faced by the person. They feel alone on a dark road but always have a glimpse of hope represented by the light. Carrying dreams in empty pockets signifies the lack of true fulfillment and a sense of homelessness. Yet, they find solace in seeking temporary escape from their sadness through drinking, even though they may be labeled as a drunken outsider. However, at the core, their heart and soul cannot be denied.

Overall, "Dream Shelf" represents a reflection on the superficiality of materialistic pursuits and societal expectations, urging listeners to question their own happiness and search for true fulfillment and authenticity.

Line by Line Meaning

Winter in your coats never seems to cease
The feeling of coldness and sadness in your life never goes away

They pictured you in summer, and you think you felt the heat
Others may imagine you being happy and content, but deep down you know it's not true

Having all your favorite colors while advertising smiles
Pretending to be happy and put on a facade, even though internally you may be struggling

But what′s the favorite color of the high blue sky?
Questioning the true nature of happiness and what brings genuine joy

Putting words in your mouth, they can say what they want
Others have the power to manipulate and control the narrative about you

You're convinced that is true, while they shackle your soul
Despite being aware of the manipulation, you continue to believe their version and feel trapped

With pockets full of money, you don′t need the Sun to shine
Material wealth may give temporary happiness, but it can't replace true fulfillment and inner light

You're a trunk of a dead-tree, but you think you're really fine
Feeling emotionally drained and lifeless, yet convincing yourself that you're okay

And hanging on a dark road
Feeling lost and uncertain about your path in life

I always see the light
Maintaining hope and optimism despite the challenges

Carrying dreams in empty pockets
Holding onto aspirations and ambitions even when resources and support are lacking

With no home to rest tonight
Feeling homeless and lacking a sense of belonging or stability

I drink to shiver sadness
Using alcohol as a temporary escape from the overwhelming sadness and pain

With broken wings to fly
Despite feeling broken and damaged, still striving for personal growth and freedom

So they can call me drunken bastard
Allowing others to judge and label you, disregarding their opinions

But my heart and soul they cannot deny
Remaining true to yourself and knowing your worth, regardless of others' judgments

Seven days a week you don′t have time to think:
Being constantly busy and overwhelmed, leaving no room for self-reflection

Are you heading for tomorrow? Have your eyes lost their gleam?
Questioning if you are moving towards a better future and if the spark of hope has faded

Is the smile on your face as happy as it seems?
Doubting the authenticity of your own happiness and wondering if it's just a facade

Does your last tear rest on forgotten shelf of dreams?
Reflecting on the pain and disappointment you've experienced, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams

Writer(s): Bojan Z Petrovic

Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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