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.
The Perfect Fit
The Dresden Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A robe fit for a prince
I could clothe a continent
But I can't sew a stitch
I can paint my face
And stand very, very still
It's not very practical
I can't change my name
But I could be your type
I can dance and win at games
Like backgammon and life
I used to be the smart one
Sharp as a tack
Funny how that skipping years ahead
Has held me back
I used to be the bright one
Top in my class
Funny what they give you when you
Just learn how to ask
I can write a song
But I can't sing in key
I can play piano
But I never learned to read
I can't trap a mouse
But I can pet a cat
No I'm really serious
I'm really very good at that
I can't fix a car
But I can fix a flat
I could fix a lot of things
But I'd rather not get into that
I used to be the bright one
Smart as a whip
Funny how you slip so far when
Teachers don't keep track of it
I used to be the tight one
The perfect fit
Funny how those compliments can
Make you feel so full of it
I can shuffle, cut and deal
But I can't draw a hand
I can't draw a lot of things
I hope you understand
I'm not exceptionally shy
But I've never had a man
That I could look straight in the eye
And tell my secret plans
I can take a vow
And I can wear a ring
And I can make you promises but
They won't mean a thing
Can't you do it for me?
I'll pay you well
Fuck, I'll pay you anything
If you could end this
Can't you just fix it for me?
It's gone berserk
Fuck, I'll give you anything
If you can make the damn thing work
Can't you just fix it for me?
I'll pay you well
Fuck, I'll pay you anything
If you can end this
Hello, I love you
Will you tell me your name?
Hello, I'm good for nothing
Will you love me just the same?
"The Perfect Fit" by The Dresden Dolls describes a woman's struggles with her own abilities and limitations. The chorus highlights her inability to sew, but her proficiency in other areas such as painting her face, playing piano and dancing. The singer also mentions her ability to write songs but not sing in key, and her inability to trap a mouse but mastery in petting a cat. The song notes how she used to be intelligent and bright but feels limited in her current state. She laments the loss of her former self and expresses a desire for someone to help fix her problems. The final lines reveal her insecurities about love as she questions if someone could love her despite her perceived flaws.
The song provides commentary on the societal expectations placed on individuals and how they can limit one's abilities. The singer feels confined by social expectations, wishing to break free from those limiting beliefs. She laments how others describe her as the "perfect fit" and the "bright one," forcing her to live up to these titles instead of being able to explore other parts of herself. The song ultimately sends the message that one's worth isn't defined by their skills or societal roles.
Line by Line Meaning
Could make a dress
I have the skill to construct an article of clothing
A robe fit for a prince
I have the ability to craft a garment that communicates regality
I could clothe a continent
I possess the potential to provide clothing for an entire landmass
But I can't sew a stitch
However, I am incapable of sewing
I can paint my face
I am capable of applying makeup to my own face
And stand very, very still
And I can remain motionless in doing so
It's not very practical
Though it lacks practical use
But it still pays the bills
This skill more than serves as a means to make a living
I can't change my name
My name cannot be altered
But I could be your type
However, perhaps I am your ideal match
I can dance and win at games
I am capable of winning at games and dancing
Like backgammon and life
Specifically, like backgammon and the game of life itself
I used to be the smart one
At one point, I was recognized for my intelligence
Sharp as a tack
My prompt intellect rivalled a sharp tacking device
Funny how that skipping years ahead
Oddly enough, advancing ahead through schooling
Has held me back
Instead hindered my progress
I used to be the bright one
In the past, I was noted for my intellect
Top in my class
I was once the top student among my peers
Funny what they give you when you
It's strange what one is awarded when
Just learn how to ask
They have only just learned to request it
I can write a song
I am able to compose a song
But I can't sing in key
However, I am incapable of singing in pitch
I can play piano
I possess piano-playing skills
But I never learned to read
Though, I was never formally taught to read sheet music
I can't trap a mouse
I lack the ability to catch a mouse
But I can pet a cat
However, I am capable of petting a cat
No I'm really serious
I am being genuine
I'm really very good at that
I excel at this activity
I can't fix a car
I do not possess the skill to repair automobiles
But I can fix a flat
But I am capable of mending a flat tire
I could fix a lot of things
I have the potential to mend many other objects
But I'd rather not get into that
However, I prefer not to discuss any further similar tasks
I used to be the bright one
I once was the intelligent and bright one
Smart as a whip
As sharp-witted as a cracking whip
Funny how you slip so far when
It's ironic how significantly one could fall when
Teachers don't keep track of it
Educators lose sight of a student's potential when unchecked
I used to be the tight one
In the past, I fit seamlessly into all scenarios
The perfect fit
I was the ultimate match
Funny how those compliments can
Ironically, it's strange how praise
Make you feel so full of it
Can make one feel so self-important
I can shuffle, cut and deal
I am capable of participating in card games
But I can't draw a hand
But I am incapable of obtaining a winning hand
I can't draw a lot of things
There are many objects I am incapable of drawing
I hope you understand
I trust you comprehend my limitations in this arena
I'm not exceptionally shy
I do not have an extremely retiring nature
But I've never had a man
However, I have never been in an intimate relationship
That I could look straight in the eye
One whom I could directly make eye contact with
And tell my secret plans
And share my confidential intentions
I can take a vow
I am able to make a solemn promise
And I can wear a ring
And I can adorn a ring
And I can make you promises but
I have the ability to offer assurances, but
They won't mean a thing
They will be meaningless and not kept
Can't you do it for me?
Is it possible for you to do this for me?
I'll pay you well
I will reward you financially
Fuck, I'll pay you anything
Damn it, I will pay any requested amount
If you could end this
If you are able to resolve this issue
Can't you just fix it for me?
Is it possible for you to repair this for me?
It's gone berserk
It has become uncontrollable and irrational
If you can make the damn thing work
If you have the skill to make this function properly
Hello, I love you
Greetings, my affection exists for you
Will you tell me your name?
May I know your given name?
Hello, I'm good for nothing
Greetings, I am without merit or worth
Will you love me just the same?
Will you still have love or affection for me regardless?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Amanda Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
VAMP
on My Alcoholic Friends
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