The band's name derives from banjoist Leonard Podolak's earlier band Scruj MacDuhk (pronounced Scrugg MachDuke). MacDuhk was a warrior chieftain who fought with William Wallace, resisting English occupation of Scotland, during the reign of King Edward I. The entire name is a wordplay on the Disney character Scrooge McDuck created by Carl Barks.
In March of 2007 lead singer and budding songwriter Jessee Havey left the band to pursue other interests. Singer Sarah Dugas joined the band in July of 2007 and is on the road with The Duhks.
In late 2007, percussionist Scott Senior left the band to spend more time with his family, as his partner, Tara Beckta, was expecting their second child. Christian Dugas, Sarah's brother and a former bandmate of Leonard Podolak, has since joined The Duhks. Other members are fiddler Tania Elizabeth and guitarist Jordan McConnell.
In October 2007 The Duhks Sustainability Project http://www.greenduhks.com was launched to raise awareness about ways to live a more economically-viable and ecologically-sustainable lifestyle. In April 2008, The Duhks performed a post Earth Day benefit in Nederland, Colorado.
In spring 2016, the band announced that they would no longer be touring. They have not released any new music since 2014.
http://www.duhks.com
Beyond the Blue
The Duhks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, wake me out the blue
One star belongs to you
One star belongs to you
And every breath I take
And every breath I take
Im closer to that place
Im closer to that place
Im closer to that place
Yeah, baby, Im gonna meet you there
On the outskirts of the sky!
Yeah, baby, Im gonna meet you there
And we will fly away!
Oh, wake me out the blue
Oh, wake me out the blue
One star belongs to you
One star belongs to you
This life is but a dream
This life is but a dream
Go gently down the stream!
Go gently down the stream!
Oh, wake me out the blue
Oh, wake me out the blue
One star belongs to you
One star belongs to you
The Duhks's song Beyond the Blue is a beautifully-lyricized story of meeting someone at the outskirts of the sky, beyond the realm of the physical world. The singer in the song is asking to be awakened out of the blue of this life, and for their beloved (represented by one star) to guide them to a place beyond physical boundaries. The repetition of "one star belongs to you" suggests that the singer's beloved is known to them and that there is a connection between them. The confidence expressed in "I'm closer to that place" further emphasizes the idea that the singer is determined to be with their loved one, even if in another realm.
The lyrics "This life is but a dream, go gently down the stream!" suggest a sense of acceptance, almost resignation that life is fleeting and that we must navigate it gently, without resistance. The line, "Go gently down the stream!" can also be interpreted as a metaphor for life, with the stream representing the journey of life, implying that we should live simply and without drama.
In conclusion, Beyond the Blue offers a message of hope and transcendence, encouraging listeners to not be afraid of what lies beyond the physical world and to embrace the idea that love and connection can exist beyond it.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, wake me out the blue
The singer wants to be awakened from the monotonous and mundane routine of life.
Oh, wake me out the blue
The singer emphasizes the urgency to break free from monotony and begin a new adventure.
One star belongs to you
The singer believes that each individual deserves a star that symbolizes their uniqueness and importance.
One star belongs to you
The singer reminds the listener that they are special and have something significant to contribute to the world.
And every breath I take
The singer acknowledges the importance of each moment and how every breath they take brings them closer to their goal.
Im closer to that place
The singer is getting closer to fulfilling their dream, and the goal is within reach.
Im closer to that place
The singer emphasizes their determination to reach their destination despite the challenges and hurdles in their journey.
Im closer to that place
The singer reassures themselves that they are making progress and moving in the right direction.
Im closer to that place
The singer acknowledges that achieving their goal is a gradual process that requires persistence and patience.
Yeah, baby, Im gonna meet you there
The singer expresses their confidence that they will reach their destination and be reunited with their loved ones.
On the outskirts of the sky!
The singer describes their destination as a place beyond the limits of imagination, where anything is possible.
Yeah, baby, Im gonna meet you there
The singer emphasizes their desire to be reunited with their loved ones in this idyllic and enchanting place.
And we will fly away!
The singer imagines a world where they are free from the inhibitions and limitations of life and can soar through the skies with their loved ones.
This life is but a dream
The singer questions the reality of life and emphasizes its fleeting and transient nature.
Go gently down the stream!
The singer encourages the listener to take life as it comes and not rush through it but rather, take it slow and steady.
Oh, wake me out the blue
The singer reiterates their wish to break free from the constraints of life and begin a new adventure.
Oh, wake me out the blue
The Singer emphasizes the importance of awakening from the monotony of life and taking action to make their dreams become a reality.
One star belongs to you
The singer reminds the listener that despite the challenges and hardships of life, they are unique and special, with a star that signifies their value and importance.
One star belongs to you
The singer reiterates that each person has a unique contribution to make to the world and encourages the listener to discover what makes them special.
Writer(s): Gary Nicholson, Beth Chapman
Contributed by Carson N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.