The band has released five studio albums: "Brave Worlds" (1987), "Submarine Bells" (1990), "Soft Bomb" (1992), "Sunburnt" (1996), "Silver Bullets" (2015) and "Snow Bound" (2018). The compilation "Kaleidoscope World" (1986) collects most of their single releases and EPs between 1980 and 1986.
The band is best known as apart of the Dunedin Sound style of indie pop music, which coalesced around the Auckland-based label Flying Nun Records. The band originally formed with the lineup of Martin Phillips (vocals, guitar), his sister Rachel Phillips (keyboards), Peter Gutteridge (guitar), Jane Dodd (bass) and Alan Haig (drums). By the time the band released their debut single "Rolling Moon" in 1982, the lineup had changed to Martin Phillips, Rachel Phillips, Terry Moore (bass), and Martyn Bull. The band disbanded when Bull died of leukemia in 1983.
After Martin Phillips reformed The Chills in 1984, the band never again had a constant lineup, with the only two members to last for more than two albums being bassist Justin Harwood and keyboardist Andrew Todd, who were both members of the group from 1986 to 1990. Terry Moore also rejoined the band sporadically between 1984 and 1992. The Chills disbanded in 1993, but reformed once more in 1995. Since then the band has sporadically toured and recorded.
Doledrums
The Chills Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scanning situations vacant
The face in the mirror looks withered and old
My skin is grey - I can't go out - I'm always cold
In the doledrums
On the dole
In the doledrums
On the dole
Drinking lots and taking showers
I no longer dream about the rest of my years
I'll check the letterbox - does anyone care?
In the doledrums
On the dole
In the doledrums
On the dole
But the benefits arrive and life goes on
The benefits arrive and life goes on
The benefits arrive and life goes on and on and on... (etc)
The Chills's song "Doledrums" presents a melancholic portrayal of a person going through a period of unemployment and the struggles that come with it. The first verse paints a picture of a person who has lost motivation and drive for their daily routines. They wake up late and spend most of the day scanning for job opportunities without much luck. The face that looks back at them in the mirror seems drained of energy and their body feels cold and lifeless. The term "doledrums" combines the words "dole," meaning unemployment benefits, and "doldrums," meaning a state of low spirits or feeling down, to describe the person's predicament.
The second verse shows the person struggling with loneliness and a sense of meaninglessness as they spend their days drinking, taking showers, and waiting for something to happen. They no longer dream about their future and their expectations for life have diminished. The line "I'll check the letterbox - does anyone care?" suggests that they may be feeling isolated and forgotten by the world around them. However, the chorus brings a glimmer of hope as the person receives their unemployment benefits and life continues. The repetition of "life goes on" emphasizes the cyclical nature of their situation as they wait for their next paycheck.
Overall, "Doledrums" captures the emotional toll of being unemployed and the struggle to maintain a sense of purpose and hope during a difficult time.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay in bed till much too late
I am lethargic and unmotivated, so I stay in bed long after I should have gotten up
Scanning situations vacant
I am looking for employment opportunities, but there are none available
The face in the mirror looks withered and old
I am feeling worn out and defeated, which is reflected in my appearance
My skin is grey - I can't go out - I'm always cold
I am unwell and lack the energy to leave my home, resulting in constant physical discomfort
In the doledrums
I am in a state of depression and financial hardship because I am unemployed
On the dole
I am relying on government benefits to survive because I am unemployed
Counting down lonely hours
I am bored and isolated, with nothing to do but watch time pass
Drinking lots and taking showers
I self-soothe by drinking and taking frequent showers, trying to feel better
I no longer dream about the rest of my years
I have lost my sense of hope and future, unable to envision anything beyond my current circumstances
I'll check the letterbox - does anyone care?
I feel forgotten and alone, wondering if anyone has reached out to me or sent me anything of value
But the benefits arrive and life goes on
Although my life is difficult, I am able to survive thanks to the government benefits I receive
The benefits arrive and life goes on and on and on... (etc)
Although my circumstances may not be ideal, I am able to persevere and continue living
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MARTIN JOHN JAMES PHILLIPPS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexanderdahoola8188
The benefits arrive and life goes on
@OperationPhantom
on and on and on
@peterbrown6434
Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!
@jamsee1
The Chills have done some great songs down the years... this has to be my favourite though, more than "Heavenly Pop Hit." Though "Heavenly Pop Hit" is amazing also.
@jakehardyyy
love this song, thanks for it martin
@danicans6710
❤
@jamsee1
Brilliant 80's Kiwi Pop song.... in the year i was born :) So good!
@senorbambu
Gorgeous video. Not disgusting at all! Undeniable pop stars.
@bennyshambles
My two and a half year old daughter can sing this entire song and knows the lyrics, so that solidified my opinion that this is the best Chills pop song. I already loved it, but it’s even better being able to sing it with her.
@noisepollution6761
I could've been on the dole