The Dickies' style was campy and humorous with obvious influences from the Ramones. They were extremely popular in the UK and had a top 10 hit with "Banana Splits (Tra La La Song)" in 1979; oddly enough, many of their lyrics were about aspects of Southern California life not easily decipherable to those unfamiliar with the region, in songs like "Waterslide", "I'm A Chollo", "Manny, Moe and Jack", and "(I'm Stuck in a Pagoda with) Tricia Toyota", which is about a local TV news anchorwoman.
Drug problems slowed them down considerably in the 1980s, but they have continued playing and recording sporadically to the present day. In 1988 they did the theme music for the cult classic movie Killer Klowns from Outer Space.
Former Dickies guitarist Steven Fryette, who laughingly claims to have been one of the few who "survived" being in The Dickies, now designs and manufactures guitar amplifiers from his FRYETTE Amplification studios in Burbank, California. His FRYETTE (formerly VHT) amps are known worldwide, and have been used by many of today's top Heavy Metal and Rock touring acts, including Helmet, Danzig, Prong, Children Of Bodom, and many others.
Nights In White Satin
The Dickies Lyrics
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Never reaching the end
Letters I've written him
Never meaning to send
Beauty I've always missed
With these eyes before
Just what the truth is
I can't say anymore
'cause I love you yes I love you...
Gazing at people
Some hand in hand
Just what I'm going through
They can't understand
Some try to tell me
Thoughts they cannot defend
Just what you want to be
You will be in the end
The Dickies's cover of "Nights in White Satin" is a punk rock interpretation of The Moody Blues's melancholic ballad. The lyrics portray a complex emotional struggle between unrequited love and confusion. The opening lines of "Nights in White Satin / Never reaching the end" evoke a sense of endlessness, perhaps suggesting the singer's inability to escape their love's grip. The next lines, "Letters I've written him / Never meaning to send," reveal the singer's reluctance to disclose their true feelings. This is further complicated by the lines "Beauty I've always missed / With these eyes before," indicating a regret for missed opportunities. The singer then admits that they can no longer discern the truth.
The next part of the lyrics switches perspective, depicting the singer observing people "hand in hand," wondering if they "understand" the singer's plight. When others try to offer advice or reassurance, they can't "defend" it, because the singer's love is too intense and difficult to comprehend. The final lyric, "Just what you want to be / You will be in the end" may be an existential comment, suggesting that we all inexorably become what we desire, even if it brings us pain.
Line by Line Meaning
Nights in white satin
A description of a luxurious and exquisite reality.
Never reaching the end
A statement about the never-ending nature of this experience.
Letters I've written him
An admission of yearning for someone that the author is missing.
Never meaning to send
A confession that these letters are not intended to be sent, but instead provide a therapeutic release for the author.
Beauty I've always missed
An acknowledgement of the author's longing for beauty and the inability to attain it.
With these eyes before
A reflection on past experiences and how they have shaped the author's perspective.
Just what the truth is
An acknowledgement of uncertainty regarding personal truths.
I can't say anymore
An expression of inability to further articulate personal truths.
'cause I love you yes I love you...
A sudden and passionate declaration of love for someone.
Gazing at people
A description of observing others.
Some hand in hand
Noticing some couples holding hands.
Just what I'm going through
An acknowledgement of personal struggles.
They can't understand
An acknowledgement that others cannot fully comprehend the author's struggles.
Some try to tell me
Recognition that others are trying to offer advice.
Thoughts they cannot defend
Realization that this advice may not be fully thought out or applicable to the author's situation.
Just what you want to be
An assertion that individuals have the power to become what they desire.
You will be in the end
A statement of assurance that one's desires will manifest eventually.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Justin Hayward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind