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
Victoria
Mando Diao Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sex was bad and obscene
And the rich were so mean
Stately homes for the Lords
Croquet lawns, village greens
Victoria was my queen
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
I was born, lucky me
Though I am poor, I am free
When I grow I shall fight
For this land I shall die
Let her sun never set
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, toria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Land of hope and gloria
Land of my Victoria
Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Canada to India
Australia to Cornwall
Singapore to Hong Kong
From the West to the East
From the rich to the poor
Victoria loved them all
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria
Mando Diao's song "Victoria" begins with the lyrics, "Long ago life was clean, sex was bad and obscene, and the rich were so mean." This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a tribute to the reign of Queen Victoria and the British Empire. The song speaks to the era when "stately homes for the Lords" and "croquet lawns, village greens" dotted the countryside, and describes Victoria as "my queen" and "land of hope and gloria."
The song goes on to describe the singer's love of his land, even though he is poor, and his willingness to fight and die for it. The chorus repeats the name "Victoria" several times, with a sense of reverence and adoration. The song also references various locations within the British Empire, from Canada to India, and from Australia to Cornwall. Throughout, the song celebrates the legacy of Victoria and the British Empire.
Overall, "Victoria" is a nostalgic ode to a bygone era, but also a reminder of the complicated legacy of British imperialism. It speaks to the enduring power of symbols and myths, and to the idea that even in the face of change and loss, people can find comfort and meaning in their stories and traditions.
Line by Line Meaning
Long ago life was clean
In the past, society had strict moral codes and life was viewed as pure.
Sex was bad and obscene
Sexuality was considered inappropriate and indecent.
And the rich were so mean
The wealthy class was known for their cruelty towards others.
Stately homes for the Lords
The aristocracy owned grand, regal residences.
Croquet lawns, village greens
The elite socialized on grassy fields for leisurely games.
Victoria was my queen
The singer refers to Queen Victoria, who symbolizes traditional values.
I was born, lucky me
The singer feels fortunate to have been born in his homeland.
In a land that I love
The singer has a deep affection for his country of origin.
Though I am poor, I am free
Despite his social status, the singer values his personal freedoms.
When I grow I shall fight
The singer is willing to defend his country if needed.
For this land I shall die
The singer is deeply passionate and patriotic about his country.
Let her sun never set
The singer wants his country to be powerful and influential all around the world.
Victoria, Victoria, Victoria, 'toria
The repetition of Victoria's name emphasizes the importance of tradition and loyalty to the crown.
Land of hope and gloria
The singer describes his country as a place of optimism and greatness.
Land of my Victoria
The singer personifies the country as a woman he loves.
Canada to India
The singer recognizes the vastness of the British Empire.
Australia to Cornwall
Australia and Cornwall serve as examples of the breadth of the Empire.
Singapore to Hong Kong
The singer highlights strategic locations and important colonies under British control.
From the West to the East
The singer illustrates the vast reach of the British Empire.
From the rich to the poor
The message is that Victoria loved all her subjects, regardless of social class.
Victoria loved them all
The singer portrays Queen Victoria as a benevolent monarch who cared for her people.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: RAYMOND DOUGLAS DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind