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.
Good Day
The Dresden Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't wanna hear about how I am getting on
With all the things that I can get done
The sun is in the sky and I am by my lonesome
So you don't wanna hear about my good day?
You have better things to do than to hear me say
God, it's been a lovely day, everything's been going my way
So you don't wanna hear about my good friends
You don't have the guts to take the truth or consequence
Success is in the eye of the beholder
And it's looking even better over your cold shoulder
I'm not suggesting you get to line me up for questioning
But Jesus think about the bridges you are burning and I'm betting
That even though you knew it from the start
You'd rather be a bitch than be an ordinary broken heart
So go ahead and talk about your bad day
I want all the details of the pain and misery
That you are inflicting on the others
I consider them my sisters and I want their numbers
God, it's been a lovely day, everything's been going my way
I took up croquet today, I'm on fire
I picked up the pieces of my broken ego
I have finally made my peace as far as you and me go
But I'd love to have you up to see the place
I'd like to do more than survive, I'd like to rub it in your face
Hey, it's been a lovely day, everything is going my way
I had so much fun today and I'm on fire
God, it's been a lovely day every thing's been going my way
Ever since you went away, hey, I'm on fire
I'm on fire, I'm on fire, I'm on
I'm on fire, I'm on fire
I'm on fire, I'm on
So you don't wanna hear about my good day?
The Dresden Dolls' song "Good Day" opens with Amanda Palmer questioning if the listener is interested in hearing about her successes and how things are going well for her. It is clear that the song is directed towards someone who would rather hear about negative events rather than positive ones. Despite the fact that she is alone, Amanda feels content with what she has accomplished so far. She then references the beautiful weather, hinting that she considers it a good day. The lyrics in the chorus further reinforce this as Amanda jabs at the listener for not caring about her good day.
In the second verse, Amanda mentions her friends and how their idea of success may differ from others. She emphasizes that the eye of the beholder determines success and that it seems to be distant from the listener. Amanda suggests that the listener is burning bridges with her and others which will eventually leave them lonely. She ponders why anyone would rather hurt someone than deal with the pain of rejection. In the last verse, Amanda proudly displays how her day is going, mentioning that she played croquet, picked up the broken pieces of her ego and suggestions that she has made peace with anyone who has hurt her. The song ends with an empowering repetition of "I'm on fire," summarizing the triumph of Palmer's day.
Line by Line Meaning
So you don't wanna hear about my good day?
You don't seem interested in hearing about the positive aspects of my life.
You have better things to do than to hear me say
You have more important matters to attend to than listening to me talk about myself.
God, it's been a lovely day, everything's been going my way
Despite any obstacles I may face, my day has been fantastic and everything is working out for me.
I took out the trash today and I'm on fire
Even mundane tasks like taking out the trash can make me feel accomplished and energized.
You don't have the guts to take the truth or consequence
You cannot handle the reality of situations or the repercussions that come with them.
Success is in the eye of the beholder
One's sense of achievement is subjective and based on individual perception.
And it's looking even better over your cold shoulder
You are ignoring or rejecting my accomplishments, but that doesn't diminish their value to me.
But Jesus think about the bridges you are burning and I'm betting
Consider the damage you are causing to your relationships and reputation by your actions.
Even though you knew it from the start
Despite being aware of the consequences, you still act in a negative, hurtful manner.
You'd rather be a bitch than be an ordinary broken heart
You prefer to cause harm and be hurtful than to risk vulnerability and experience heartbreak.
I want all the details of the pain and misery
I am interested in hearing about the negativity in your life and the struggles of those close to me.
That you are inflicting on the others
You are actively causing distress and anguish to those around you.
I consider them my sisters and I want their numbers
I feel a sense of kinship and camaraderie with those close to me, and desire to stay in touch with them.
I picked up the pieces of my broken ego
I have worked to repair the damage done to my self-esteem.
I have finally made my peace as far as you and me go
I have come to terms with our relationship and have found closure on my end.
I'd like to do more than survive, I'd like to rub it in your face
I want to thrive and succeed not just for myself, but to prove you wrong and show you what you missed out on.
Ever since you went away, hey, I'm on fire
Since you have left my life, I have been thriving and feeling full of energy and passion.
I'm on fire, I'm on fire, I'm on
I feel a sense of motivation and enthusiasm in my life.
I'm on fire, I'm on fire
My sense of inspiration and drive is strong and powerful.
I'm on fire, I'm on
I am full of energy and enthusiasm for life.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Amanda Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oldsalts3415
Easily my favourite drummer of all time. Such a banger of a track. Great performance.
@TheBenevolentDictatorship
Right there with you. They just performed at the venue I manage and he’s the best drummer I’ve seen play on that stage. Ridiculous
@glitchtrap7165
My mom always sung this song along with missed me and now I always think of her when I listen
@JonnyZye
Drummer is on POINT! Impressive performance by both.
@gymrachel
My favourite apart from Coin Operated Boy and Missed Me. Amanda Palmer is a great talent, love her music!
@V0lk
dear Roadrunner...I'm an adult fan of Amanda Palmer....I give myself permission to hear "dirty words"
@locrin77
It's not about being an adult, it's not about the fans - it's about the Roadrunner. If they didn't censor this song, it wouldn't get monetized ;)
@auntiepengaherself3597
Fact!!! I'm an old school fan from teen years
@arbiforumnow
SAME!
@docbeetle
Look at Amanda's face at 3:40 when she said "GOD ITS BEEN A LOVELY DAY". That gave me the chills she is such an AMAZING fucking artist It's ridiculous. She saved my fucking life.