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.
Ultima Esperanza
The Dresden Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're shooting for love in the dark
Hey boss, you've found her now go instant message
Her name is a pretty good start
Ultima sits in her bedroom in Texas
And waits for her hamsters to touch
She lost her legs in a car crash three years ago
But she is hoping someday
Somebody will take her away
Now that you got her address you can send her
A matching attachment and face
Slick rhododendrons you make out of paper
With flowers that never lose shape
You have a video camera strapped
To your forehead in case she is true
Smiling, rewind as we die in slow motion
As if it's not happening to you
Don't be afraid of the dark ages darling
You may have to wait, your lover is coming
With mixes of Marlyn songs
And pictures she took at the throne
Knowing her name is enough, Ultima
Foxtrotting, globe trotting under your fingertips
Tapping for oil in vain
Surely you won't think to hold that against me
It's such an unusual name
Someone is hoping to find
Her limbs in an auction online
Knowing her name is enough
Ultima Esperanza, Ultima Esperanza
The Dresden Dolls' song "Ultima Esperanza" tells a story of a person who is desperately yearning for love and connection in the digital age. The lyrics depict a scenario where the singer is using their "fancy computer" to find someone they can love. They connect with Ultima, who is confined to her bedroom in Texas after losing her legs in a car crash three years ago. The singer sends her flowers made out of paper, matching attachments and face, videos, and pictures, hoping to make her feel loved and special. Through the lyrics, there is a sense of longing and hope for someone to take Ultima away from her present state of confinement.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the ways technology can connect us, but also leave us feeling disconnected and lonely. It's a reminder that it's not enough to simply connect with someone online, but that true human connection requires physical closeness and a willingness to be vulnerable with one another. The song is a beautiful ballad with haunting vocals and an enchanting piano melody that captures the emotions of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Downloading doves on your fancy computer
You're looking for love in the virtual world
You're shooting for love in the dark
You're trying to find love in the unknown
Hey boss, you've found her now go instant message
Now that you have found her, send her a message quickly
Her name is a pretty good start
Knowing her name is enough to get started
Ultima sits in her bedroom in Texas
A girl named Ultima is living in her bedroom in Texas
And waits for her hamsters to touch
She's waiting for her pet hamsters to come to her
She lost her legs in a car crash three years ago
She became disabled after a car accident three years ago
She doesn't get around much
Her disability made it difficult for her to move around
But she is hoping someday
She remains optimistic and hopeful
Somebody will take her away
She hopes someone will come and take her away from her current condition
Now that you got her address you can send her
You have her address and can now send her a message
A matching attachment and face
Send her a picture that matches her face
Slick rhododendrons you make out of paper
You make paper flowers that are beautiful like rhododendrons
With flowers that never lose shape
The flowers you've made don't deteriorate. They're everlasting
You have a video camera strapped
You're always ready with your video camera
To your forehead in case she is true
You're filming in case she turns out to be real
Smiling, rewind as we die in slow motion
Smiling, we watch the video in slow motion as we imagine this is our own love story
As if it's not happening to you
You're detached from what is happening and it's almost like a dream to you
Don't be afraid of the dark ages darling
Don't be afraid of the unknown, my dear
You may have to wait, your lover is coming
Your lover may not be immediate but they're coming
With mixes of Marlyn songs
Your lover prepares special mixes of Marilyn Monroe songs for you
And pictures she took at the throne
She captures stunning photographs from her travels
Knowing her name is enough, Ultima
Knowing her name is all that you need, Ultima
Foxtrotting, globe trotting under your fingertips
You are able to explore the world through your fingertips
Tapping for oil in vain
You are searching for something that may be impossible to find
Surely you won't think to hold that against me
You won't blame me for my unsuccessful endeavors
It's such an unusual name
Ultima is a unique and uncommon name
Someone is hoping to find
Someone out there is searching for
Her limbs in an auction online
They are searching for Ultima's preserved limbs in an online auction
Ultima Esperanza, Ultima Esperanza
Ultima is the last hope or chance
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Amanda Palmer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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