Mark and DJ's roots are in R&B, hip hop and gospel having played within the same gospel band for years. Both professional musicians, Mark began teaching Laura how to play bass in the summer of 2009. As such, Laura quickly developed a huge passion for the instrument and the aesthetic it brought to music she loved. Having worked studiously on developing her skills, both Mark and Laura were invited to tour with Ninja Tune's YPPAH supporting Bonobo across his 2010 American tour. The tour galvanised the two of them to start making music together more seriously, sowing the first seeds of Khruangbin, with DJ the natural go to for drums. Having kept in touch, Bonobo included Khruangbin's 'A Calf Born In Winter' on his 2013 'Late Night Tales' compilation. In addition to increasing the Stateside following the band has built, the release has helped Khruangbin in topping both the US & UK 'Last FM' fastest growing artists whilst 'A Calf Born In Winter' continues to be one of the most popular single downloads from the compilation.
Doris
Khruangbin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't close your heavy
Don't close your heavy eyes
Doris (Doris)
You have so much
So much to leave behind
If you travel to the other side
I'll be right here holding your hand
You taught me how to be a real man
I'll be right here holding your hand
You taught me how to be a real man
Yes, you did
Yes, you did
Yes, you did
Maybe I'm selfish
Don't know the pain deep inside
Doris (Doris)
You put up a good
Put up a damn good fight
If you travel to the other side
Doris (Doris)
I'll be right here holding your hand
You taught me how to be a real man
I'll be right here holding your hand
You taught me how to be a real man
Yes, you did
Yes, you did (Doris)
Yes, you did
Yes, you did
Don't you leave
Don't you go, Doris
New Orleans Queen, the legacy
(Doris)
Don't you leave
Don't you go, Doris
New Orleans Queen, the legacy so strong
Don't you leave
Don't you go, Doris
New Orleans Queen, the legacy
(Doris)
Don't you leave
Don't you go, Doris
New Orleans Queen, the legacy so strong
The song "Doris" by Khruangbin is a tribute to the New Orleans-based clarinetist and educator, Doris Fisher, who passed away in 2017. The song opens with the lines "Don't close your heavy, don't close your heavy eyes" which can be interpreted as a plea to not give up on life, as there is "so much to leave behind" if one were to pass away. The lyrics of the song are ultimately uplifting, as they celebrate Fisher's legacy and offer comfort and support to those who are struggling with grief.
The refrain "I'll be right here holding your hand, you taught me how to be a real man" is perhaps the most poignant part of the song, as it underscores the important role that Fisher played in the lives of those who knew her. The song strongly suggests that Fisher was a mentor and a friend to the members of Khruangbin, who acknowledge her as a major influence on their lives and their music.
Overall, "Doris" is a heartfelt tribute to a woman who clearly touched the lives of many people in a profound way. The song is a reminder that even in the face of loss and sadness, there is always hope and the possibility of finding comfort and meaning in the memories of those who have left us.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't close your heavy
Don't shut down emotionally
Don't close your heavy eyes
Don't avoid facing reality
Doris (Doris)
Direct address to the subject of the song
You have so much
You have a lot of life experiences
So much to leave behind
Many important memories to cherish
If you travel to the other side
If you move on to the afterlife
I'll be right here holding your hand
I will support you
You taught me how to be a real man
Your wisdom helped me mature
Yes, you did
Confirming the validity of the previous statement
Maybe I'm selfish
Acknowledging personal flaws
Don't know the pain deep inside
Unaware of what you are going through
You put up a good
You fought hard
Put up a damn good fight
Fought with great endurance
Don't you leave
Request to stay
Don't you go, Doris
Expressing the importance of not leaving
New Orleans Queen, the legacy
Recognizing the importance of the subject's heritage
The legacy so strong
The cultural impact is profound
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Donald Ray Jr. Johnson, Laura Lee Manders, Mark Stefan Speer, Todd Michael Bridges
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
gestureye7x
my grandmother’s name is Doris. she passed away 11.16.2020. she lived in new orleans. so much of this song felt like it was written for her memory. (at least all of those named Doris) Leon’s music alongside with the vibration of Khruangbin embodies all of the feels. chills. this whole EP is lush.
Tar Pet
All honor to our indigenous Doris of the greater americas😘
Acey36
For real tho! My g ma's named Doris too. Bronx born and raised, but would snowbird down in Florida. She passed from covid at 97 years young. From all the grandmother's up in heaven, manifested by this melodic music, they are all saying to their children down on Earth that The Universe Smiles Upon You! ✨
Vera Welch
Such a gorgeous and intimate song. Leon truly embodies the 70’s crooner vibes, and Khruangbin flawlessly captures the sound with a contemporary twist. Quality music
8uercus
LP came in the mail today! Khruangbin is on the "buy everything they put out" list.
neikka franklyn
Oh my gosh...just discovered your music! So beautiful, hauntingly original and I've fallen in love with music again. Mind you I'm 68 y.o. and had kind of given up on finding artists that are as eclectic and talented as this group is! THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU, THANK-YOU!1😀
18th Century Chinese Feudalism
This song is TOUGH. that guitar is ethereal
Gametones
Such a nice vibe. Love it
Zac Martin
Does anyone else sing a third “Doris” before Leon or just me?
westwizzard123
Yo tambien ese