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.
Sing
The Dresden Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Back in the day it just went without saying at all
All the world's history gradually dying of shock
There is this thing that's like talking except you don't talk
You sing
You sing
Sing for the bartender sing for the janitor sing
Sing for the children shooting the children sing
Sing for the teachers who told you that you couldn't sing
Just sing
There is this thing keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked
It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance
After the show you can not sing wherever you want
But for now let's just pretend we're all gonna get bombed
So sing
Sing cause it's obvious sing for the astronauts sing
Sing for the president sing for the terrorists sing
Sing for the soccer team sing for the janjaweed sing
Sing for the kid with the phone who refuses to sing
Just sing
Life is no cabaret
We don't care what you say
We're inviting you anyway
You motherfuckers you'll sing someday
The Dresden Dolls’ song “Sing” is a powerful anthem that encourages people to keep their voices heard through song, despite the obstacles and fears that may prevent them from doing so. The opening lines introduce a concept that is difficult to define: “There is this thing that’s like touching except you don't touch. Back in the day it just went without saying at all.” This mysterious concept is later revealed to be singing, which the song promotes as a powerful tool for expression and resistance. The lyrics also touch on the historical significance of singing, with “all the world's history gradually dying of shock” due to the power of songs throughout history.
The song then transitions to a call to action for singing, highlighting the multiple reasons why people should sing for different causes and people. The list ranges from singing for the bartender and the janitor, to singing for cameras and animals, and even for the children shooting the children. The song acknowledges the many things that can make people afraid to sing or speak up, with the lines “There is this thing keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked. It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance.” Despite this fear, the song encourages people to embrace their voice and sing anyway.
Overall, “Sing” is an empowering song that uses the act of singing as a metaphor for standing up for oneself and others. The lyrics show how music has the power to unite people and inspire change, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
There is this thing that's like touching except you don't touch
Referring to the emotional connection created through music, which can be felt deeply by listeners without physical touch.
Back in the day it just went without saying at all
Music used to be more widely appreciated and celebrated without being questioned or criticized as it often is now.
All the world's history gradually dying of shock
People are often surprised or shocked by the powerful impact of music on society and culture throughout history, which can be seen as a fading memory in contemporary times.
There is this thing that's like talking except you don't talk
Music is a form of expression that can convey messages and emotions without direct verbal communication.
You sing
The act of singing is a powerful way to communicate feelings and connect with others on a deeper level.
Sing for the bartender sing for the janitor sing
Encouraging listeners to sing for everyone, regardless of their profession or social status, to recognize the universal power of music.
Sing for the cameras sing for the animals sing
Encouraging listeners to sing for all living things and the world around them, acknowledging the connection between music and nature.
Sing for the children shooting the children sing
Highlighting the tragedy of violence against children and the need for music to unite people against such atrocities.
Sing for the teachers who told you that you couldn't sing
Addressing the discouragement and criticism people often face when pursuing their musical passion, and encouraging them to continue singing despite any negativity.
Just sing
A call to action to embrace the power of music and sing without hesitation or fear.
There is this thing keeping everyone's lungs and lips locked
Fear is preventing people from expressing themselves and connecting with others through music.
It is called fear and it's seeing a great renaissance
Fear of judgment and vulnerability is increasingly becoming a barrier to the open expression of musical talent and emotion.
After the show you can not sing wherever you want
The social norms and expectations towards music can be limiting and prevent people from using music as a form of expression outside of designated performances.
But for now let's just pretend we're all gonna get bombed
An acknowledgement of the urgency and importance of coming together through music, as if faced with a catastrophic event like war.
Sing cause it's obvious sing for the astronauts sing
Highlighting the universal appeal and power of music to reach people from all walks of life, including those in space or in positions of power.
Sing for the president sing for the terrorists sing
Calling for music to bring people with differing beliefs, opinions, and positions together in a universal expression of humanity.
Sing for the soccer team sing for the janjaweed sing
A recognition of the role of music in uniting people from different cultures and backgrounds, in spite of conflicts or differences.
Sing for the kid with the phone who refuses to sing
A call to encourage and inspire people who may feel shy or discouraged from singing, recognizing that everyone has a voice and something to contribute through music.
Just sing
A reminder to embrace the power of music and the human voice, and to use it to connect, inspire, and unite people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Life is no cabaret
A statement that life is not just a show or performance, but a real opportunity to make a profound impact on the world and on those around us.
We don't care what you say
A defiance of those who may criticize or discourage the expression of musical talent and emotion.
We're inviting you anyway
An invitation to embrace the power of music and connect through it, regardless of any negative opinions or obstacles.
You motherfuckers you'll sing someday
A bold statement that music is universal and that everyone will eventually find their voice and use it to connect, inspire, and be heard by others.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Amanda Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dresdyn100
I've loved this song since it was first released. After I arrived home from Afghanistan I'd watch the clip and bawl my eyes out. Thank you Amanda and Brian for getting it.
@smashkin92
You might one of the rare one who REALLY understands "Sing for the president sing for the terrorists, sing"...
@laurenmeintzer6102
I've listened to the Dresden dolls since highschool and Amanda is a queen!!!
@MoonstruckVox
Whenever I'm feeling unconfident about my singing and I get really depressed and just want to give up, I listen to this song.
@bbbushhh
....a bit late but "just sing".....
@beaux5541
Sing please it Is so beautiful as You are, so very BEAUTIFUL
@juliagoodsonmusic
Damn goosebumps. Love when they all sing at the end!! 🥲
@koryfail
This song is so beautiful, I started crying when I listened to it.
@ryeguy48
I usually have to be in a certain kind of mood for a song to make me cry, especially the first time I hear it. The first time I heard this song was just now. I was in a perfectly normal mood, eating breakfast and watching youtube videos. Then I listened to this. Now I'm crying into my cereal. In a good way though!
@TheHappyGoth
Years and years after first hearing this song, I still cry.