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
If Only You
Mando Diao Lyrics
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If you set the twilight reeling
I've got 15 cents is that alright with you?
No you didn't want that, bad
And your dad is rich but your brother's poor
And your children sing come on (come on)
Join my circle now make me a man, but always remember this
If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon)
At the wrong time (don't think that I will come back soon)
If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon)
At the wrong time (don't think that I will come back)
Driving your car at Baker Street
It's a sin to go on uppers
You've got a new TV and a heart of gold
But you're not allowed to smile
And your dad is rich but your brother's poor
And your children sing come on (come on)
Join my circle now make me a man, but always remember this
[Chorus]
If I leave you
If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon)
At the wrong time (I've got nothing left to come back to)
If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon)
At the wrong time (I've got nothing left to come back to)
If I leave you (I don't want to be a part of you)
If I leave you (no, I don't want to be a part of you)
If I leave you (I don't want to be a part of you)
Your Mama will die at the wrong time
The lyrics of Mando Diao's song "If I Leave You" are cryptic and open to interpretation. However, one possible interpretation is that it is a reflection on a complicated relationship that has reached its breaking point. The song seems to be about the singer's realization that he cannot continue on with the relationship any longer, as it has become too painful and unbearable. He also seems to be aware that leaving at this time may not be the best decision, but it is necessary for his own well-being.
The lyrics mention burning a fiddle, which could be a metaphor for ending a relationship, as well as references to drug use and material possessions. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of leaving at the right time and not looking back. In the final line, the lyrics take a darker turn with the mention of the singer's mother dying at the wrong time. This line could be interpreted as a warning about the consequences of leaving, or simply a reflection on the cyclical nature of life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Burning your fiddle that's an easy job
Destroying something that holds value to you is simple
If you set the twilight reeling
If you spin out of control
I've got 15 cents is that alright with you?
I only have a little money, is that enough for you?
No you didn't want that, bad
No, that's not what you wanted, it's bad
And your dad is rich but your brother's poor
Your father has money but your brother does not
And your children sing come on (come on)
Your children urge you to join in
Join my circle now make me a man, but always remember this
Be a part of my group and help me become a man, but don't forget this
[Chorus] If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon) At the wrong time (don't think that I will come back soon) If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon) At the wrong time (don't think that I will come back)
I might leave you soon and if I do, don't expect me to come back, especially not at a bad time
Driving your car at Baker Street
Driving around aimlessly
It's a sin to go on uppers
Taking stimulants is wrong
You've got a new TV and a heart of gold
You have new possessions and a kind heart
But you're not allowed to smile
You're not free to express happiness
If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon) At the wrong time (I've got nothing left to come back to) If I leave you (and I think I'm gonna leave you soon) At the wrong time (I've got nothing left to come back to) If I leave you (I don't want to be a part of you) If I leave you (no, I don't want to be a part of you) If I leave you (I don't want to be a part of you) Your Mama will die at the wrong time
If I leave you, I don't want to be a part of you anymore, even if it means something bad might happen, like your mother dying at the wrong time
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BJORN DIXGARD, GUSTAF NOREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind