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.
Winners
Little Dragon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Red carpets ready to roll
Cameras flash wherever we go
I used to daydream of winning the tournament
Shaking hands with the President
I’d be so bold
Again now
But we’re only just beginning
And I guess it’s alright
May the road be long
Let something drag on
‘Cause it’s feeling so nice
In my vision we were kings
But we own nothing
And I guess it’s alright
May the road be long
Let something drag on
I’ve always been the Queen
Don’t be surprised
Used to dress up all the time
World stopped blind
And my thighs
And they fall flat
We built the kingdom
Of a visible fuse
Only one thing stand true
I’ll the richest, the richest
As long as I have you
In my vision we were winners
But we’re only just beginning
And I guess it’s alright
May the road be long
Let something drag on
‘Cause it’s feeling so nice
In my vision we were kings
But we own nothing
And I guess it’s alright
And the rope ain’t long
Unless something drags on
In my vision we were winners
But we’re only just beginning
In my vision we were kings
But we own nothing
May the road be long
Let something drag on
In my vision we were kings
But we own nothing
May the road be long
Let something drag on
The lyrics of Little Dragon's song Winners are full of imagery of grandeur and aspirations to achieve fame and success. The opening lines suggest a longing to be the center of attention like stars of the show, with red carpets ready to roll and cameras flashing wherever they go. The singer then reminisces about daydreaming of winning the tournament and shaking hands with the President, portraying grandiose ambitions. However, the song takes a more introspective turn as the singer admits that they own nothing, and the journey towards achieving success may be long and winding.
The lyrics create a stark contrast between the singer's fantasy of being a winner and the reality of being at the beginning of their journey. The line "we were only just beginning" suggests that they may have a long way to go, and it may not be an easy journey. However, the singer seems to take comfort in the thought that as long as they have someone supportive by their side, the journey towards success will be worth it.
The verses describe the singer's past and present, where they used to dress up all the time and revel in the admiration of the world, but the world came to a stop. They built their kingdom on a visible fuse, implying that their success was based on a fragile foundation. The chorus then follows, repeating the lines "in my vision we were winners, but we're only just beginning," suggesting that the singer's aspirations are still alive, but they acknowledge the reality of their situation.
Overall, the song is a reflective piece on the aspirations of youth and the realities of the journey towards success. The contrast between grandeur and reality is beautifully portrayed through the lyrics, highlighting that the journey is the most important part.
Line by Line Meaning
Don’t we all want to be the stars of the show
Everyone desires to be the center of attention
Red carpets ready to roll
The perfect stage for our celebrity lifestyles
Cameras flash wherever we go
Our every move on display for the world to see
I used to daydream of winning the tournament
Imagining great victories and accomplishments
Shaking hands with the President
Meeting and being congratulated by those in power
I’d be so bold
Feeling confident and undaunted in my dreams
Again now
Returning to my past ambitions and aspirations
In my vision we were winners
In my ideal world, we achieved great success
But we’re only just beginning
Realizing that we have a long way to go in our journey
And I guess it’s alright
Being content with our current circumstances
May the road be long
Hoping for a fulfilling and adventurous journey ahead
Let something drag on
Allowing enjoyable moments to linger longer than expected
‘Cause it’s feeling so nice
Enjoying and appreciating the present moment
But we own nothing
Acknowledging that we have yet to achieve our goals
I’ve always been the Queen
Referring to oneself as a confident and powerful leader
Don’t be surprised
Others should not be shocked by our self-assuredness
Used to dress up all the time
Enjoying fashion and self-expression through style
World stopped blind
Others being captivated and awed by our beauty and presence
And my thighs
A physical feature of the singer that they appreciate
And they fall flat
Despite society's expectations, the artist embraces their body as it is
We built the kingdom
Together with others, we have created something great
Of a visible fuse
A tangible force that powers and ignites our passions
Only one thing stand true
Despite our aspirations, only one thing is certain
I’ll the richest, the richest
The artist feels rich and fulfilled with the company of their loved ones
As long as I have you
The presence of those we love is what truly makes us feel like winners
And the rope ain’t long
Acknowledging the limited time we have in life
Contributed by Brayden H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Meghan Primosch
I never get tired of her voice
Julián V
3 years later and I still come to watch/listen to this, so good!
Julián V
Still just as good! So sad they never officially released it!
Sergio Banda
What about 3 years after the first 3 years?
max bramwell.
I love this song so much
Goodzillo
Absolute travesty this wasn't on the album proper and was only a b-side. It's by far one of my favorites.
therubyshow1
So good
Gabe Diaz-Barriga
Why doesn't this have more views!?
nicole ray
love love love love
Lindsey Burnside
💛💙💜💚❤