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
Motown Blood
Mando Diao Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said freeze, I said baby don't wanna freeze
And if it's night or day we don't care if what we get along whatever you do
And it won't be long 'til they get my file and turns it black as black as afternoon
And turns it black as black as afternoon
I said you, I said you and me and her
I said us, I said us makes white a blur
And it won't be long 'til they get my file and turns it black as black as grey
And turns it black as black as grey
I said you, well you do
We don't care if you care for the mob
We don't care if you care for the sub
We don't care if you care for the mud
'Cause we've got Motown blood in our veins
'Cause we've got Motown blood in our veins
I said move, I said baby don't wanna move
I said groove, I said baby don't wanna groove
And if it's night or day we don't care if what we get along whatever you do
And it won't be long 'til they get my file and turns it black as black as afternoon
And turns it black as black as afternoon
I said you, well you do
We don't care
The lyrics to Mando Diao’s song “Motown Blood” are a reflection of the rebel spirit within us. The song seems to be an anthem for those who are determined to live life on their own terms, regardless of what society expects of them. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with lines like “I said go, I said baby don’t wanna go” and “I said freeze, I said baby don’t wanna freeze”. These lines are likely meant to convey the idea of not being controlled by anyone or anything.
The central idea of the chorus is that the singer doesn’t care what people think about them. The lines “We don’t care if you care for the mob, We don’t care if you care for the sub, We don’t care if you care for the mud” suggest that the singer has no interest in society’s approval or disapproval. Instead, the singer is proud of their rebellious spirit, epitomized by the lyrics “Cause we’ve got Motown blood in our veins”.
Overall, the lyrics of "Motown Blood" encourage listeners to embrace their own individuality and to live life by their own rules. The song encourages us to break free from the expectations of society and to embrace our own unique identity.
Line by Line Meaning
I said go, I said baby don't wanna go
I told my partner that I am not interested in going anywhere.
I said freeze, I said baby don't wanna freeze
I told my partner that I am not willing to stand still or be fazed by anything.
And if it's night or day we don't care if what we get along whatever you do
Whether it's nighttime or daytime, we can cooperate even if we have different beliefs.
And it won't be long 'til they get my file and turns it black as black as afternoon
A short while from now, the investigators may find incriminating evidence against me that can make my record look bad.
And turns it black as black as afternoon
The incriminating evidence will make my record look terrible.
I said you, I said you and me and her
I'm referring to the group consisting of you, me, and another person.
I said us, I said us makes white a blur
As a group, our individual perspectives and beliefs become less distinct.
And if it's night or day we don't care if how we get along whatever you say
Regardless of what others may say or think, we can still get along day or night.
And it won't be long 'til they get my file and turns it black as black as grey
Investigations will uncover something that will make my record look questionable or suspect.
And turns it black as black as grey
My past may look tainted or discolored due to the investigations.
I said you, well you do
I'm asking you what you're capable of.
We don't care if you care for the mob
We don't have any concern for people that support criminal behavior.
We don't care if you care for the sub
We don't have any concern for people that support subcultures that go against the norm.
We don't care if you care for the mud
We don't have any concern for people that participate in morally questionable activities.
'Cause we've got Motown blood in our veins
Our dedication to Motown music is strong and intrinsic.
I said move, I said baby don't wanna move
I said that I'm not interested in moving from my current position or situation.
I said groove, I said baby don't wanna groove
I said that I'm not interested in dancing or moving to music.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bjoern Dixgard, Gustaf Noren
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind