He has toured extensively since 2008 and has opened for alt-country pioneer Steve Earle, singer-songwriter Josh Ritter and folk rocker M. Ward among others. Pug released his first full-length album, Messenger, in February 2010. In 2010 he also went to the United Kingdom and played the main-stage of the Cambridge Folk Festival. Since that time, he has released two further full-length albums: 'The Great Despiser' in April 2012, and 'Windfall' in March 2015.
Pug released The Flood in Color in July 2019.
www.joepugmusic.com
Speak Plainly Diana
Joe Pug Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's nothin' to understand
Yes there's mysteries in the basement
But there's comic books upstairs
And there's a wreckin' ball in the front yard
But there's blueprints on the couch
Speak plainly to me, Diana
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
There's no safety, Diana
And there's nobody to blame
Even daylight will surprise you
Even dreams will end the same
So when there's too much to remember
And you remember me
Speak plainly to me, Diana
We'll swim into the sea, said
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
No, I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
No, I don't mind ridin' around
Oh come lately, Diana
And quit what's got you down
Steal from the tallest cabinet
And make your favorite sound
And when there's too much to get rid of
And you get rid of me
Speak plainly to me, Diana
There's nothin' you must be, I said
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
I don't mind ridin' around
No, I don't mind ridin' around
The song "Speak Plainly Diana" by Joe Pug is an introspective and poetic piece about the desire to communicate clearly and build a life with someone, despite the uncertainty and chaos of the world. The singer addresses Diana, calling on her to speak plainly and cut through the ambiguity and mystery that surrounds them. He acknowledges that there are mysteries in the world, symbolized by the basement, but also comic books upstairs, which suggests that there are ways to find joy and meaning in spite of the unknown.
The presence of a wrecking ball in the front yard and blueprints on the couch suggest that there are opportunities for growth and change, even in the midst of upheaval. The singer is urging Diana to communicate openly with him and work together to build a house (a symbol for a life) that is rooted in clear communication and meaningful connections.
The singer recognizes that there is no safety in the world and that life can be unpredictable and fleeting. He encourages Diana to remember him even when there is too much to remember and to speak plainly to him when things get overwhelming. The song links communication and building a life together with an openness to the world and an acceptance of its uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
Speak plainly, Diana
Please communicate clearly and simply, Diana
There's nothin' to understand
There is no complication or hidden meaning behind our situation
Yes there's mysteries in the basement
Although there are unknown aspects in our lives
But there's comic books upstairs
There are also simple, enjoyable things in our lives
And there's a wreckin' ball in the front yard
There are things in our lives that may threaten to tear us down
But there's blueprints on the couch
We have plans and ideas to build ourselves up again
There's no safety, Diana
There is no absolute security or assurance in our lives
And there's nobody to blame
No one is at fault for the way things are in our lives
Even daylight will surprise you
Even everyday things may bring unexpected results or surprises
Even dreams will end the same
Even our hopes and aspirations may not always come to fruition
So when there's too much to remember
When life gets overwhelming and difficult to keep track of
And you remember me
Remember to turn to me for support and help
We'll swim into the sea, said
Together, we can face and conquer anything
I don't mind ridin' around
I do not mind going through life's ups and downs with you
Oh come lately, Diana
Come to me with renewed energy and hope, Diana
And quit what's got you down
Let go of what is bringing you down in life
Steal from the tallest cabinet
Take the best and most valuable things in life for yourself
And make your favorite sound
Do something that brings joy and positivity to your life
And when there's too much to get rid of
When life feels suffocating or burdened
And you get rid of me
When you feel like pushing me away or distancing yourself
There's nothin' you must be, I said
You do not have to be or do anything specific, just be yourself
Contributed by Thomas R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.