They describe their heavily art-damaged and theatrical style as "Brechtian punk cabaret", a phrase invented by Palmer because she was "terrified" that the press would invent a name that "would involve the word 'gothic'," and are part of an underground dark cabaret movement that started gaining momentum in the early 1990s.
Palmer accompanies her confessional story-songs with a thunderous and shimmering piano style that rests on the shoulders of Jerry Lee Lewis and Nina Simone. Viglione's jazz and hardcore-influenced drumming and creative percussion are the perfect foil, providing in turns a delicate cradle of rhythm and a piercing bed of nails onto which Palmer lays her raw, tragicomic lyrics.
The release of their debut album The Dresden Dolls, produced by Martin Bisi (Swans, Sonic Youth), has won the band accolades from both mainstream and underground media, and it appears that the Dolls are poised to transcend cult status and smash all commonly held ideas about what a rock band is supposed to be. Their awe-striking live energy and singular look has earned them opening slots for Nine Inch Nails, Beck, the B-52s, Jane's Addiction, OK Go and Panic! At the Disco, a tour with the Legendary Pink Dots, and a victory in the 2003 WBCN Rock and Roll Rumble.
Their second album Yes, Virginia was released in 2006, eventually followed by a companion record No, Virginia in 2008, which features b-sides and out-takes from the "Yes, Virginia" sessions, as well as a smattering of new tracks.
At the end of summer 2008 they announced a hiatus. The band has made further announcements saying they will reunite when the time is right for both of them, and have stressed they have not broken up.
In September 2008, rumors began to circulate about the future of the whole band. Viglione confirmed that the band is currently on hiatus but emphasized that he and Palmer are on good terms and that they will get together again when it feels right for both of them. In late July and early August 2009, a rumor began to spread that the band was "reuniting for performances in 2010" but Palmer clarified in her blog on August 7: "There's been a ton of press lately re-printing an old quote from an old interview that's now blown up into a full-fledged press rumour that Brian and I have planned Dresden Dolls' shows for 2010. Not true. We aren't planning any shows. Sorry about that, blame the gossip whores."
In 2010, a reunion tour to selected venues in the United States occurred. It started on Halloween in New York City and ended in San Francisco on New Years Eve.
The Dresden Dolls played a show in Mexico City on 9 December 2011. They had a tour of New Zealand and Australia in early 2012, supported by The Jane Austen Argument and The Bedroom Philosopher.
Dirty Business
The Dresden Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We have incorporated.
Place your bets,
We're all so sick of waiting.
Queen takes Jack,
You got me this time,
But I'll get you back.
So pick a number.
To all the ones who tried the most;
Was I supposed to cheer your efforts?
Sorry that I chose so poorly.
Golly gee, am I the poster girl?
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places.
The kind who comes to poker, pockets stuffed with kings and aces.
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining,
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling.
Lift your hats
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs;
They'd make an angel's skin crawl.
If you ask them for assistance,
Theres an even chance
You'll get a number.
To all the girls at pearl, the surly boys who get to masticate them;
I've a prize for each and every one of you, so just be patient.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy, am I the poster girl.
Shes the kind of girl who gets her slings and arrows from the dumpster.
The kind who tells you shes bipolar just to make you trust her.
Shes the kind of girl who leaves out condoms on the bedroom dresser,
Just to make you jealous of the men she fucked before you met her.
To all the ones that thought they knew me best; a test to prove your prowess.
Who was mine in '99? I want last names and current status.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy am I the poster girl for some suburban sickness,
Better keep a healthy distance.
Now it's up to you,
Know what to do,
It's pretty dirty business.
The Dresden Dolls' song Dirty Business is a lyrically dense and intense exploration of power dynamics and manipulation in relationships, both romantic and societal. The song opens with the imagery of a group of people relieved to have finally "incorporated" and "placed their bets" after being tired of waiting. This sets the tone for the rest of the song as a metaphorical game of poker, where power is exchanged and won back. The reference to Queen taking Jack and getting revenge later sets up the idea of a power struggle between two people.
The chorus has a sardonic edge, seemingly cheering on those who have tried the most but also admitting that the singer "chose so poorly." The use of sarcasm is carried over when the song shifts to discussing a girl who looks for love in lonely places and only asks for company when it's raining. This is juxtaposed with her skill at poker and the idea that she brings her own strong cards to the table.
In the second verse, the focus shifts from the singer to "the checkout girls with tattooed backs." They are described in a way that makes their presence uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing, and yet they are the ones who are in a position to help. This sets up the idea that power dynamics can be flipped and manipulated depending on who is involved. The final lines of the chorus, encouraging those who hate the singer to make a toast, highlight this idea of manipulation and control.
Overall, the song Dirty Business presents an unflinching depiction of human interactions as a series of power struggles and manipulations. The singer is not always in control but is always trying to gain an edge, highlighting the fragility of relationships and the trust we place in one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Raise your glass,
Let's celebrate what we have accomplished.
We have incorporated.
We have become a united entity.
Place your bets,
Let's take a risk as we are tired of waiting.
We're all so sick of waiting.
We are tired of being patient and expect results soon.
Queen takes Jack,
She won this round, but we'll get revenge soon.
You got me this time,
You won this time, congratulations.
But I'll get you back.
But I'll be victorious next time.
So pick a number.
Choose a number and take a chance.
To all the ones who tried the most;
This is going out to those who have put in the most effort.
Was I supposed to cheer your efforts?
Are you expecting me to applaud your attempts?
Sorry that I chose so poorly.
I apologize for selecting the wrong option.
Golly gee, am I the poster girl?
Am I the ideal image representing something that's a little messed up?
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places.
She's someone who yearns for affection even in lonely, desolate areas.
The kind who comes to poker, pockets stuffed with kings and aces.
She's the one who shows up to gamble with loaded pockets- full of trump cards.
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining,
She summons you when it's poured outside because it gives her a chance to show she cares.
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling.
She invites you over, so you may sense her helpless state and see how she tries to cope with it.
Lift your hats
Give acknowledgement to something unique.
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs;
To the cashiers with tattoos on their backs,
They'd make an angel's skin crawl.
These clerks are capable of making saints tremble in horror.
If you ask them for assistance,
If you go up to them and need their help,
Theres an even chance
There are 50-50 chances
You'll get a number.
You'll get a random number.
To all the girls at pearl, the surly boys who get to masticate them;
To all the girls at Pearl, and the sullen boys who get to chew on them;
I've a prize for each and every one of you, so just be patient.
I have a present for you all, so please be patient and wait.
To all the ones that thought they knew me best; a test to prove your prowess.
This is for those who believed that they know me best - a chance to test how much they actually know.
Who was mine in '99? I want last names and current status.
I'm asking about someone that was mine in 1999 - I need their last name and current situation.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
You made me believe something for a while, and I was anxious about it.
Boy am I the poster girl for some suburban sickness,
I am probably the most appropriate representation of a disturbing trend that takes place within the suburbs.
Better keep a healthy distance.
It's best if people maintain some distance from me.
Now it's up to you,
Now, it's your call,
Know what to do,
You should know what you're supposed to do.
It's pretty dirty business.
It's an unpleasant and unscrupulous affair.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Amanda Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anest Tsak
Raise your glass
We have incorporated
Place your bets
We're all so sick of waiting
Queen takes jack
You got me this time but i'll get you back
So pick a number
To all the ones who tried the most was i supposed to cheer your efforts
Sorry that i chose so poorly
Golly gee am i the poster girl
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places
The kind who comes to poker pockets stuffed with kings and aces
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling
Lift your hats
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs
They'd make an angels skin crawl
If you ask them for assistance
There's an even chance
You'll get a number
To all the girls at pearl the surly boys who get to masticate them
I've a prize for each and every one of you so just be patient
To all the ones that hated me the most a toast
You really had me
Going for a second i was nervous
Boy am i the poster girl
She's the kind of girl who gets her slings and arrows from the dumpster
The kind who tell you she's bipolar just to make you trust her
She's the kind of girl who leaves out condoms on the bedroom dresser
Just to make you jealous of the men she fucked before you met her
To all the ones who thought they knew me best a test to prove your prowess
Who was mine in '99 i want last names and current status
To all the ones who hated me the most a toast you really had me going for second
I was nervous boy am i the poster girl
For some suburban sickness
Better keep a healthy distance
Now its up to you know what to do
It's pretty dirty business
Ariel Shea
Raise your glass,
We have incorporated.
Place your bets,
We're all so sick of waiting.
Queen takes Jack,
You got me this time,
But I'll get you back.
So pick a number.
To all the ones who tried the most;
Was I supposed to cheer your efforts?
Sorry that I chose so poorly.
Golly gee, am I the poster girl?
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places.
The kind who comes to poker, pockets stuffed with kings and aces.
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining,
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling.
Lift your hats
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs;
They'd make an angel's skin crawl.
If you ask them for assistance,
Theres an even chance
You'll get a number.
To all the girls at pearl, the surly boys who get to masticate them;
I've a prize for each and every one of you, so just be patient.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy, am I the poster girl.
Shes the kind of girl who gets her slings and arrows from the dumpster.
The kind who tells you shes bipolar just to make you trust her.
Shes the kind of girl who leaves out condoms on the bedroom dresser,
Just to make you jealous of the men she fucked before you met her.
To all the ones that thought they knew me best; a test to prove your prowess.
Who was mine in '99? I want last names and current status.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy am I the poster girl for some suburban sickness,
Better keep a healthy distance.
Now it's up to you,
Know what to do,
It's pretty dirty business.
Folasko
She has a strong "i dont give a shit" way of writing. Her choices of words really just got me and i was a fan instantly. She's my hero. Grew up with her music. I just love her works. Her mind.
Somesaymisery
it's been 5+ years since i last heard this song and you know what... it still slaps. love this band.
Matt Layne
She hasn't developed any ego. Her songs are still wonderful, precise and some of the realest things I've ever heard. Perhaps what you really mean is that she's grown above self-loathing and self-hating and has much more confidence in her voice and singing style. She's really grown/growing. That's just my opinion anyway.
Top Hat
Nah. She has an ego.
Anest Tsak
Raise your glass
We have incorporated
Place your bets
We're all so sick of waiting
Queen takes jack
You got me this time but i'll get you back
So pick a number
To all the ones who tried the most was i supposed to cheer your efforts
Sorry that i chose so poorly
Golly gee am i the poster girl
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places
The kind who comes to poker pockets stuffed with kings and aces
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling
Lift your hats
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs
They'd make an angels skin crawl
If you ask them for assistance
There's an even chance
You'll get a number
To all the girls at pearl the surly boys who get to masticate them
I've a prize for each and every one of you so just be patient
To all the ones that hated me the most a toast
You really had me
Going for a second i was nervous
Boy am i the poster girl
She's the kind of girl who gets her slings and arrows from the dumpster
The kind who tell you she's bipolar just to make you trust her
She's the kind of girl who leaves out condoms on the bedroom dresser
Just to make you jealous of the men she fucked before you met her
To all the ones who thought they knew me best a test to prove your prowess
Who was mine in '99 i want last names and current status
To all the ones who hated me the most a toast you really had me going for second
I was nervous boy am i the poster girl
For some suburban sickness
Better keep a healthy distance
Now its up to you know what to do
It's pretty dirty business
Ariel Shea
Raise your glass,
We have incorporated.
Place your bets,
We're all so sick of waiting.
Queen takes Jack,
You got me this time,
But I'll get you back.
So pick a number.
To all the ones who tried the most;
Was I supposed to cheer your efforts?
Sorry that I chose so poorly.
Golly gee, am I the poster girl?
She's the kind of girl who looks for love in all the lonely places.
The kind who comes to poker, pockets stuffed with kings and aces.
She's the kind of girl who only asks you over when its raining,
Just to make you lie there catching water dripping from the ceiling.
Lift your hats
Off to the checkout girls with tattooed backs;
They'd make an angel's skin crawl.
If you ask them for assistance,
Theres an even chance
You'll get a number.
To all the girls at pearl, the surly boys who get to masticate them;
I've a prize for each and every one of you, so just be patient.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy, am I the poster girl.
Shes the kind of girl who gets her slings and arrows from the dumpster.
The kind who tells you shes bipolar just to make you trust her.
Shes the kind of girl who leaves out condoms on the bedroom dresser,
Just to make you jealous of the men she fucked before you met her.
To all the ones that thought they knew me best; a test to prove your prowess.
Who was mine in '99? I want last names and current status.
To all the ones that hated me the most; a toast.
You really had me going for a second, I was nervous.
Boy am I the poster girl for some suburban sickness,
Better keep a healthy distance.
Now it's up to you,
Know what to do,
It's pretty dirty business.
Bavarian Banshee
LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!
e f
I can’t wait to see them on New Year’s!!!!!!
Abe Lincoln Lover
This song is such a JAM
zedata57
Love the song.