The roots of Mando Diao date back to 1995 when Björn Dixgård was a member of a band called Butler. Band members came and went; four years later, the remaining line-up chose to proceed more seriously in their musical efforts. Björn Dixgård and Gustaf Norén locked themselves up in a summer house and spent six months writing songs. The now-renamed band, along with Samuel Giers and Carl-Johan Fogelklou, made their first public performances in the clubs of their hometown Borlänge in 1999. A local writer described them in an article as the best unsigned band he had ever seen. This was soon followed by a record deal with EMI Sweden. In 2002 their first album Bring 'em In was released in Sweden. It contains early demo versions of their songs, partly recorded in the basement of keyboarder Daniel Haglund who left the band later in 2003. In 2003 the album was released internationally, along with their debut single Sheepdog. In 2004, Mats Bjorke officially joined the band to replace Haglund's departure. In the same year, the band is hailed enthusiastically by the music press as one of the most sanguine newcomer bands of the year. The album Hurricane Bar was released in 2005. Their third album, released in Europe and Japan in September, 2006 is called Ode To Ochrasy, which the band say has a "darker" feel, and features the single Long Before Rock 'n' Roll. To promote the release of the album, the band toured Germany, supported by Razorlight and Johnossi. They also supported Dirty pretty things on their tour in England. The album was a big success and they won many prizes in their home country Sweden. Ode To Ochrasy was released in spring 2007 in US and Mando Diao toured the US to promote it.
The band released a new album titled "Never Seen The Light Of Day" on October 24th 2007.
The band supported The Bravery on their 2005 tour, along with Los Angeles band The Colour.
Their songs Down in the Past and The Wildfire (If It Was True) feature on the EA Sports games NHL 2006 and NHL 08 respectively, whilst God Knows features on FIFA 06.
www.mandodiao.com
And I Don't Know
Mando Diao Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He preached specificted dates
and threw his clothes to charity
to collect them on sunday
embaressed by his nude
give him all his right parading the streets
And I don't know, Yeah I don't know where he's going
But I've got news for thoose who pray
Lady was a robber,
she sailed the thirteen seas
And fooling the authoroties?
Wandering 'bout her revol,
never feared the man
Superlady, superhero indeed
And I don't know,
Yeah I don't know where she's going
But I've got news for thoose who pray
Maniac to you, rolling in and out
Never less to give, Yeah never less to give
The lyrics to Mando Diao's "And I Don't Know" appear to be describing two individuals, "Jokeman" and "Lady." These individuals appear to be somewhat unconventional and rebellious, each defying societal expectations in their own way. Jokeman is described as a baby who preaches specific dates and gives away his clothes to charity, only to collect them again on Sunday. He seems to be embarrassed by his nudity, but is nonetheless determined to parade through the streets. Lady, on the other hand, is a robber who sails the seas and fools the authorities. She is described as a "superhero," never fearing anyone.
Despite their unconventional behavior, the lyrics seem to suggest that Jokeman and Lady are entitled to their civil rights and to live their lives as they see fit. The line "Civil is his right, civil is his mainSTREET" appears to be a nod to the idea that every individual has the right to live freely and express themselves without fear of persecution.
Overall, the lyrics to "And I Don't Know" seem to celebrate the idea of individuality and freedom, even in the face of societal pressures and expectations. It's a bold and uplifting message that encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities and reject conformity.
Line by Line Meaning
Jokeman was a baby
A man named Jokeman was once a child
He preached specificated dates
Jokeman spoke of exact dates
And threw his clothes to charity
Jokeman gave away his clothes to those in need
To collect them on Sunday
He gathered his clothes back on Sundays
Embarrassed by his nude
Jokeman felt ashamed without clothes on
Give him all his right parading the streets
Jokeman was allowed to walk around freely
And I don't know, Yeah I don't know where he's going
The singer is unsure of Jokeman's destination
But I've got news for those who pray
The artist has important information for those who pray
Civil is his right, civil is his mainSTREET
Jokeman has the right to civility in any street he walks on
Lady was a robber, she sailed the thirteen seas
There was a woman who robbed and sailed across 13 seas
And fooling the authorities?
She managed to deceive the authorities
Wandering 'bout her revolt, never feared the man
She roamed around with her rebellion without any fear of authority
Superlady, superhero indeed
She was like a superhero
And I don't know, Yeah I don't know where she's going
The singer is unsure of where she is headed
But I've got news for those who pray
The singer has something to share with those who pray
Maniac to you, rolling in and out
She may appear wild and crazy to some
Never less to give, Yeah never less to give
Yet she always has something to offer, and that likely won't diminish
Contributed by Nathaniel W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.