Their first release was a double-A-side 7" single on Off The Wall (later signed to Peacefrog) that had two tracks: "Twice" and "Test".
Nagano was born and raised in Göteborg to a Japanese father and American mother. She grew up listening to American folk, but always had an affinity for R&B. Keyboardist Wirenstrand spent his childhood in Småland before moving to Göteborg where listened to a lot of Swedish folk music before getting into electronic music. Bodin grew up listening to early hip-hop and jazz. Fredrik was influenced by experimental, noise and electro house.
Nagano and Bodin play live with José González. Bodin also drums with Peps Perrson, a Swedish blues/reggae artist. Swedish electronic jazz duo Koop's albums Waltz for Koop and Koop Islands feature Yukimi Nagano's vocals on several tracks.
The band collaborated with Gorillaz on two tracks ("Empire Ants" and "To Binge") from their 2010 released album, Plastic Beach. Little Dragon also collaborated with Maximum Balloon (the solo project of David Andrew Sitek, producer and member of TV On the Radio), for one track entitled "If You Return". In 2011, the band's collaboration with SBTRKT on "Wildfire" was released as the lead single from his self-titled début LP.
When I Go Out
Little Dragon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I let my armor fall
And when they shout
I walk through the door
The sea's blooming
I need to be gone
Through the tunnel
Hairs not long
Who took the heat
Took the light
From me and my shadow
The lyrics to Little Dragon's song When I Go Out depict the story of someone who wears armor, metaphorically indicating a façade behind which they hide their true self. However, when this person goes out, they let their guard down and reveal their true self to the world. They are willing to face the world as their authentic self without any pretense. Additionally, the lyrics suggest that this person is going through a transitional phase of life, possibly leaving behind the safety of childhood or adolescence and embracing adulthood. There may also be a sense of loss indicated by the line “Who took the heat, took the light from me and my shadow,” indicating that someone or something has taken away their vitality and energy.
The song title, “When I Go Out,” further emphasizes the idea of breaking away from routine and embracing change or a new phase of life. The sea blooming may be a metaphor for new beginnings or opportunities. The tunnel mentioned in the lyrics could symbolize the transition from one phase to another. The lines “Kids are grown, hairs not long” suggest that the person is growing and changing while leaving the past behind.
Line by Line Meaning
When I go out
Whenever I leave my comfort zone
I let my armor fall
I allow myself to become vulnerable
And when they shout
When they express their opinions loudly
I walk through the door
I enter a new experience or perspective
The sea's blooming
My opportunities are expanding
I need to be gone
I need to leave my current situation
Through the tunnel
I must face a challenging path
Kids are grown
My responsibilities have changed
Hairs not long
I've matured and changed since my youth
Who took the heat
Who endured the difficulties
Took the light
Even in the darkness and struggles
From me and my shadow
The hardships affected me and my inner self
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Erik Oskar Bodin, Fredrik Daniel Wallin, Hakan Wirenstrand, Yukimi Eleanora Nagano
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
marct33
I really like this track! It still has the great vocals of Yukimi, but it gives the other members a chance to show off their talent as well.
goatman
Have they ever played this song live? I'm curious
C.R. Castaneda
You never know...I'm sure it would be just as great if not better live. This band is insanely good🤯
They did Wild fire by SBTRK when I saw them 👌🏽
Sleepy John
Something truly original in a world of retro nostalgia disguised as contemporary music.
Mell0w GAM3R
Awesome visuals. I'd really love to see your next projects
Arguh Agonih
amo esto
BustedVinyls
Great album! Currently half way through my first listen. I am a fan fo sho:)
deanwhitbread
I love this band
Nimbereth
One of the best releases of 2011!
tom
IMA HAVE TO COP THIS ALBUM! lol. seriously. this is realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly good.. Little Dragon is beyond legit