1. an indie folk ba… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least three bands called The Dodos.
1. an indie folk band from San Francisco, CA, United States, formed in 2005
2. a short-lived British punk/rock band that evolved out of Swansea punk band The Urge in 1979
3. a short-lived British rock band that relelased one single in 1967
1. The Dodos are an indie folk band from San Francisco, CA, United States, formed in 2005. Almost all of their albums (except the very first one) are credited to Dodos (without 'The'), but they made their recording début as The Dodos and are listed as such on streaming platforms, which is why most of their scrobbles end up here. The Dodos is the preferred spelling. The band has two core members: Meric Long (vocals, guitar) and Logan Kroeber (drums). They have released eight studio albums since mid-2006: Beware of the Maniacs (2006), Visiter (2008), Time to Die (2009), No Color (2011), Carrier (2013), Individ (2015), Certainty Waves (2018) and Grizzly Peak (2021).
2. Having evolved in late 1979 out of Swansea punk band The Urge, The Dodos were named after the ephedrine-laced asthma tablets, consisting of Dickie Evans (vocals), Phil Roberts (guitar), Anthony Reed (bass) and Steve 'Gagsy' Garland (drums). They contributed a song (1981's 'Blind To Fiction') to a rare compilation called Sex, Violence and the Eternal Truth.
3. The Dodos were a very short-lived British rock band of the late 1960s. They released just one single: 'I Made Up My Mind' b/w 'Can't Make It Out' (Polydor, 1967). Both sides were penned by the band's main songwriter, Alan Hawkshaw.
This Is A Business
The Dodos Lyrics
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common dust,
winds and calms,
can't you hear that they came to us?
oh my god,
giving up,
washed out and folded
when the season ends
and the winter comes
breaking backs to them
is all we really are
to the common truth
or the common use
when the pitch comes in
then the warning comes
this is a business
come on make a difference
show us your instant
money making engine
we have the money
and the people's trust
we don't really need you
but you need us
this is a business
this is the only way of life
this is a business
this is the only way of life
who are you?
Scared to trust?
Throwing bones
at the stones, what you're mad about?
no idea,
indubious,
going in for the kill
when you do think of us
when the season ends
and the winter comes
make elastic bands
all really long
to the common truth
or the common use
when the pitch comes in
then the warning comes
this is a business
come on make a difference
show us your instant
money making engine
get up and believe
you got to perceive you
takes someone to lead
you got to agree too
this is a business
this is the only way of life
this is a business
this is the only way of life
this is a business
come on make a difference
show us your instant
money making engine
we have the money
and the people's trust
we don't really need you
but you need us
this is a business
this is the only way of life
this is a business
this is the only way of life
In This Is A Business, The Dodos appear to be questioning the nature of success and the business world that surrounds it. The opening lines of the song ask "who are you?" and go on to suggest that, if we are honest, we are little more than "common dust," blown around by the winds of fate. However, as the song progresses, the band suggests that, in the world of business, this is not enough. One must be willing to "make a difference" and create an "instant money-making engine" in order to truly succeed.
The lyrics of the song also suggest a darker side to the business world. The lines "we have the money and the people's trust / we don't really need you, but you need us" seem to suggest that the business elite hold all the power and may use it to exploit those who are less fortunate. The references to "breaking backs" and "elastic bands" also suggest a metaphorical sense of hard work and temporary relief, almost like the idea of a "rat race" or never-ending cycle of productivity.
Overall, This Is A Business appears to be a commentary on the ruthless nature of the corporate world and the pressure to constantly be striving for more success. However, it also suggests that this is the only way of life for those who wish to make it in business.
Line by Line Meaning
who are you?
Asking the listener who they are and what they stand for.
common dust,
We are insignificant and ordinary people.
winds and calms,
We are at the mercy of external forces beyond our control.
can't you hear that they came to us?
We are aware that someone has approached us with an offer or proposition.
oh my god,
Exclamation of surprise and bewilderment.
giving up,
Surrendering or resigning oneself to a situation.
washed out and folded
Overwhelmed or defeated by circumstances.
and goal is to know where we are
Trying to understand our position and purpose.
when the season ends
When a phase or period of time comes to an end.
and the winter comes
When things get tough and difficult to endure.
breaking backs to them
They view us as disposable or expendable resources.
is all we really are
Our worth is determined by how much we can produce or accomplish.
to the common truth
A reference to the harsh reality of life that applies to everyone.
or the common use
The norm or expected way of utilizing resources.
when the pitch comes in
When a proposal or deal is presented to us.
then the warning comes
The warning signs become apparent when we are being taken advantage of.
this is a business
The situation at hand requires a serious and professional approach.
come on make a difference
Encouraging the listener to change the situation for the better.
show us your instant
Demonstrate your capability and proficiency immediately.
money making engine
Focus on generating revenue and profits quickly and efficiently.
we have the money
The ones with the financial resources and power.
and the people's trust
The ones who have earned the public's confidence and loyalty.
we don't really need you
Implying that the listener needs them more than they need the listener.
but you need us
Highlighting the power dynamic in the relationship.
Scared to trust?
Questioning whether the listener is afraid to take a risk.
Throwing bones
Engaging in useless or futile attempts.
at the stones, what you're mad about?
Accusing the listener of acting recklessly or irrationally.
no idea,
Admitting to not understanding the situation.
indubious,
Uncertain or doubtful.
going in for the kill
Taking aggressive or ruthless action to achieve success.
when you do think of us
Acknowledging that the situation does involve them in some way.
make elastic bands
Trying to adapt or be flexible in order to survive.
all really long
To the maximum extent or limit possible.
get up and believe
Motivational statement urging the listener to have faith or confidence in themselves.
you got to perceive you
Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness or introspection.
takes someone to lead
Leadership is necessary to achieve success.
you got to agree too
Agreement and cooperation are essential for progress.
this is the only way of life
Implying that this approach or mindset is the only viable option in the situation.
Contributed by Jeremiah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.