After a few singles and an EP on some independent labels, the group signed in 2004 with Louisville Records , a Berlin indie label , and has released so far three full-length albums and various singles .
(Currently the band is unsigned after Louisville Records announced bankrupt in March 2010.)
Live shows have always been an important part of the band’s activity, both as opening act (Kissogram have opened gigs for Peaches, Franz Ferdinand and other artists) and as main act.
In 2008, drummer Joe Dilworth joined the band.
Kissogram’s music has been labelled through years in many ways , and it’s difficult to exactly insert it in a single genre because their sound influences come from many different styles, but we could mainly describe it as a synth pop / electro rock with a markedly vintage ‘80s touch.
Official site : www.kissogram.de.
Prominent Man
Kissogram Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where the yellow wallpaper used to fall from the wall
He wore a golden watch which said quarter to twelve
He said, "I need some dust on my Dior, Gucci, Chanel"
Tonight a glass of wine will stick in his hand
He'll look at greasy artists and then later he'll dance
Tryin' to look bored with a glance at his friends
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be bad than a prominent man
Six o' clock in the morning and I got him on my back
Smelling like pineapple and breathing down my neck
Telling me that the minister's daughter lies in his bed
Well, well, well, you can't always want what you get
He says, "You guys always need some money, don't you?
How about painting my walls in light blue?"
I say, "No, Mr Philistine", and he goes home again
Writing in his diary, he's depressive again
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be mad than a prominent man
Prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be mad than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I'd rather be glad
The song "Prominent Man" by Kissogram tells the story of a man who moves to a place where the singer had lived ten years ago. He is described as wearing a golden watch and wanting dust on his designer clothes. He spends his nights drinking wine, watching artists and dancing, trying to look bored with his friends. He is wealthy and has enough money in his pockets to flaunt. However, the singer emphasizes that he would rather be dead or bad than be a prominent man.
The second verse describes the man's behavior in more detail. He is described as smelling like pineapple and breathing down the singer's neck, and he talks about the minister's daughter who lies in his bed. He asks the singer's group for help in painting his walls in light blue, but the singer refuses, calling him a Philistine. The man goes home alone and writes in his diary.
The song is a criticism of a specific type of person- someone who has money and status but lacks depth and character. The lyrics of the song suggest that the singer would rather be true to themselves than conform to society's standards of success. The repetition of the chorus stresses the importance of this message.
Line by Line Meaning
He moved to the place where we were ten years ago
He relocated to the place where we used to reside ten years ago
Where the yellow wallpaper used to fall from the wall
Where the walls were unappealing and the yellow wallpaper peeled away
He wore a golden watch which said quarter to twelve
He accessorized with a golden timepiece that showed it was nearly midnight
He said, "I need some dust on my Dior, Gucci, Chanel"
He remarked that his designer attire would look better with some dirt on it
Tonight a glass of wine will stick in his hand
He will hold a glass of wine all night
He'll look at greasy artists and then later he'll dance
He will observe scruffy artists and later dance himself
Tryin' to look bored with a glance at his friends
Attempting to appear uninterested while making eye contact with pals
For sure he's still got enough cash in his pants
He undoubtedly still has a substantial amount of money on his person
Six o' clock in the morning and I got him on my back
At six in the morning, he is burdening me with his presence
Smelling like pineapple and breathing down my neck
He reeks of pineapple and is uncomfortably close to me
Telling me that the minister's daughter lies in his bed
He is bragging about having the minister's daughter in his bed
Well, well, well, you can't always want what you get
Sometimes you may be disappointed with what you receive despite your desires
He says, "You guys always need some money, don't you?
He alleges that we consistently require money for one thing or another
How about painting my walls in light blue?"
He suggests that we paint his walls a specific shade of blue
I say, "No, Mr Philistine", and he goes home again
I decline and he departs back to his dwelling
Writing in his diary, he's depressive again
He is once again feeling low and jotting down his emotions in a diary
I'd rather be dead than a prominent man
I would prefer to be deceased than to hold a position of high status
I'd rather be bad than a prominent man
I would rather be viewed as an inferior person than a well-known figure
I'd rather be mad than a prominent man
I would rather be considered insane than to possess a position of high status
I'd rather be glad
I would prefer to be joyful
Writer(s): Jonas Poppe Copyright: Emi Music Publishing Germany Gmbh, Louisville Publishing
Contributed by Aaliyah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MikiHeidrup
Saw these guys warm up for Franz Ferdinand in Denmark. First time I've ever been as impressed with the warm-up band, as the band announced to play. Bought their CD after the concert. Great band, and amazing track!
96oliverl
the only good german indie band...