Doughty's sound is that of muted acoustic guitar rhythms and nasally vocals with impeccable melodies. His lyrics are unique, and he can be described as a master wordsmith. He turned to a new direction for his 2008 album, Golden Delicious. Instead of an acoustic gritty sound, he began using things like electric guitars, stronger vocal backgrounds and even a cello.
Doughty's album, Yes and Also Yes, was released in August 2011. In January 2012, The Book of Drugs, Doughty's memoir about his "ugly, drug-doing years", was published by Da Capo Press. In 2012 Doughty recorded a version of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" for a fund-raising cd titled "Super Hits Of The Seventies" for radio station WFMU. Doughty's album, The Question Jar Show, was released in late January 2012. It is a two disc set containing highlights from his Question Jar tour.
Discography:
Skittish LP (recorded 1996; released 2000)
Smofe + Smang: Live in Minneapolis LP (2002)
Rockity Roll EP (2003)
Skittish / Rockity Roll double LP (2004): A two disc re-release which includes the out-of-print Skittish, the Rockity Roll EP, and five bonus tracks.
Haughty Melodic LP (2005): Doughty's first full-band album, released on May 3, 2005.
The Gambler EP (2005): Six song EP. Title track is a cover of the Kenny Rogers hit.
Golden Delicious (2008)
Sad Man Happy Man (2009)
Yes and Also Yes (2011)
The Question Jar Show (2012)
The Lo-Fi Lodge (2012)
The Flip Is Another Honey (2012)
Official website: www.mikedoughty.com
Diane
Mike Doughty Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I searched you out in every face
On the crowded crooked blue streets
I don't know how you put the ache in me
And I confess I think it's natural
I slept in Memphis and woke up in Nashville tonight
Love you still, love you Diane
Every destination's waiting, Diane
Every destination's waiting
Be beautiful, you got to give it up
Don't stress no more
Don't struggle and speculate
Don't push against your own weight
And I confess I think it's just fine
I'm driving south of the waffle house line
And I made you mine, mine, mine, made you Diane
Every destination's waiting, Diane
Every destination's waiting, Diane
Every destination's waiting, Diane
Every destination's waiting
Every destination's waiting
The song "Diane" by Mike Doughty is a melancholic narrative of a man who had to give up his love, Diane. In the first stanza, the singer describes his pain and sorrow after searching for Diane everywhere but failing to find her. He confesses that the ache he feels for her is natural and profound. Then, in the next few lines, he narrates how he woke up in Nashville after sleeping in Memphis, indicating his travels to find Diane, which have proven futile. He still loves her, even if it seems he can't be with her.
The second stanza provides some life advice for Diane. The singer tells her to give up control and stop stress and speculation. He asks her not to push against her own weight, meaning not to fight against things that are beyond her power. He confesses that he's still in love with Diane and that he's made her his even though she may not be with him. The chorus repeats the phrase "every destination's waiting, Diane." The singer implies that any place he goes to is not complete without Diane by his side. He longs for her companionship and recognizes her importance in his life.
Overall, "Diane" is a poignant and soulful song about love, loss, and longing. The singer's passionate emotions, combined with Doughty's soulful guitar strumming, create a melancholic melody that touches the listener's soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Down and without grace
Starting from a low and hopeless point
Well, I searched you out in every face
Desperately looking for you in every person passing by
On the crowded crooked blue streets
In the midst of confusion and turmoil
I don't know how you put the ache in me
I can't explain how you make me feel so much pain
And I confess I think it's natural
Admitting that it's normal to feel this way
I slept in Memphis and woke up in Nashville tonight
Traveling from one place to another, but can't get you out of my mind
Love you still, love you Diane
Still in love with you, no matter what
Every destination's waiting, Diane
No matter where I go or what I do, you're always on my mind
Be beautiful, you got to give it up
To be truly beautiful, you have to let go
Don't stress no more
Stop worrying
Don't struggle and speculate
Stop fighting and guessing
Don't push against your own weight
Stop trying to carry too much burden yourself
And I confess I think it's just fine
Admitting that it's okay to let go
I'm driving south of the waffle house line
Going even further away from where we used to be
And I made you mine, mine, mine, made you Diane
I claimed you as my own, and you'll always be with me
Every destination's waiting, Diane
No matter where I go or what I do, you're always on my mind
Every destination's waiting, Diane
No matter where I go or what I do, you're always on my mind
Every destination's waiting, Diane
No matter where I go or what I do, you're always on my mind
Every destination's waiting
No matter where I go or what I do, I'll be searching for you
Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.