Razorlight is a four-piece consisting of Borrell (vocals & guitar), Björn Ågren (guitar), Carl Dalemo (bass) and Andy Burrows (drums)
Their debut album, Up All Night, was released on June 28, 2004, reaching number 3 in the UK album charts on 4 July. The critical reception was generally good, receiving good reviews from NME, Q magazine and Billboard, although they were also accused of lack of imagination and unoriginality for allegedly borrowing ideas from other influential bands, notably The Strokes. They appear to polarize opinion. NME wrote that the album: "bristles with passion, energy and, most importantly, amazing songs", while they were described elsewhere as "nearly everything wrong with rock and roll today". Their fans, though, embrace the music for its simple melodies and multi-layered, easy-going compositions.
Frontman Johnny Borrell caused some controversy and surprise when he likened himself to musical legend Bob Dylan, quipping "If Dylan's making the chips then I'm drinking the champagne". This led to suggestions of self-promotion. This statement was taken out of context however as Borrell was comparing his and Dylan's first albums, not their overall career. The band became very popular on the London music scene when they arrived earlier in the year. Large demand caused the band to play extra shows, including a 7,000+ capacity gig at Alexandra Palace. The album was heavily marketed in the UK.
Doin't Go Back To Dalston
Razorlight Lyrics
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You can do anything you want because darling it's your life
But don't go back to Dalston
Don't go up the junction
Don't go round the houses
Well just come back to me
Come back to me
Come back to me
It's a big big world and you can take your time
You've got your friends and I've got mine
Don't go back to Dalston
Don't go up the junction
Don't go round the houses
Well just come back to me
Come back to me
Come back to me
Come back to me
(Oh)
Just come back, come back, come back
Come back, come back, come back [Repeats]
Come back, come back, come back to me
In Razorlight's song 'Don't Go Back To Dalston', we encounter the singer warning his lover about the dangers of re-visiting certain parts of town. The lyrics are metaphorical, with Dalston, the Junction, and the Houses serving as symbols for the singer's intent to keep his lover away from reckless behavior. It's evident from the lyrics that the lover is free to do whatever she wants with her life (because "it's a big big world and you can do what you like"), but she is urged to stay away from the shadowy areas of town that threaten to undo her progress. Instead, she is asked in no uncertain terms to "just come back" to the singer, who wants her to stay safe and protected.
The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they seem to suggest a concern about gentrification and the displacement of working-class communities in London. Dalston, in particular, has seen rapid changes in its demographics in recent times, with many residents priced-out of their homes and forced to move elsewhere. The singer's message of caution could be seen as a plea for his lover to stay away from the dark side of gentrification, which erodes community spirit and threatens the very people who make up that community. At a broader level, the song could be seen as advocating for the protection of marginalized groups and the need to resist gentrification, which dislocates people and communities.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a big big world and you can do what you like
You have the freedom to pursue any path in life that you desire.
You can do anything you want because darling it's your life
You have the power to make your own choices because it's your life.
But don't go back to Dalston
Avoid returning to Dalston, a place that brings back bad memories or represents past mistakes.
Don't go up the junction
Avoid getting stuck or lost at the junction, which could represent a crossroads or a difficult decision.
Don't go round the houses
Don't beat around the bush or take a long, indirect route to reach a destination or goal.
Well just come back to me
Instead, return to me, the one who understands and loves you.
Come back to me
Reaffirmation that the singer desires their loved one to return to them.
It's a big big world and you can take your time
Take as much time as you need exploring what the world has to offer.
You've got your friends and I've got mine
We both have our own social circles, and it's okay to have time apart to spend with them.
(Oh)
An interjection that expresses strong emotion or emphasis.
Just come back, come back, come back
The singer repeats their request for their loved one to come back to them, emphasizing its importance.
Come back, come back, come back to me
Reaffirmation that the artist desires their loved one to return to them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNNY BORRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind