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
Turtle Dove
The Duhks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
Went on to Zion, and he did sing
Adam and Eve, oh no
Adam and Eve don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
My name is written on David's line
My name is written on David's line
My name is written on David's line
I'm going to heaven on the wheel of time
Adam and Eve, oh no
Adam and Eve don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
When I get to heaven, I know the rules
When I get to heaven, I know the rules
When I get to heaven, I know the rules
Keep going down to the bathing pool
Adam and Eve, oh no
Adam and Eve don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
Oh no |Adam and Eve, don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
Went on to Zion, and he did sing
Adam and Eve, oh no
Adam and Eve don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
Oh no | Adam and Eve, don't you tell it to me
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
The song "Turtle Dove" by The Duhks is a spiritual song with a focus on the afterlife. The repetition of the phrase "Turtle dove done drooped his wings" suggests the departure of the spirit from the body, with the turtle dove serving as a symbol of the soul ascending to heaven. The lyrics touch on biblical themes, with mentions of Adam and Eve and David's line, and the singer expresses confidence in their ultimate salvation.
The phrase "sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree" is a form of scat singing, used to add a rhythmic element to the song. Despite the mention of some biblical figures, the song is not strictly a religious song, but rather a spiritual one about the journey to the afterlife.
The repetition of the refrain "Adam and Eve, oh no, don't you tell it to me, just meet me at the door" suggests a desire to avoid the judgment and scrutiny of others and instead focus on personal salvation. Overall, "Turtle Dove" is a reflective and contemplative song that speaks to the human quest for understanding and peace in the face of the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Turtle dove done drooped his wings
The turtle dove has given up on life and flown to Zion, where it sings.
Adam and Eve, oh no
I do not want to hear about the fall of man from Adam and Eve.
Adam and Eve don't you tell it to me
Adam and Eve, please do not speak to me about the fall of man.
Just meet me at the door | Don't tell it to me
Just greet me when we meet, but refrain from speaking about the fall of man.
Oh sa sa la do, on sa la sa ree
A wordless refrain, possibly expressing the uncertainty and fear of the unknown.
My name is written on David's line
My name is recorded alongside David's in the lineage of Christ, assuring my place in heaven.
I'm going to heaven on the wheel of time
I will enter heaven when my time comes, as ordained by fate.
When I get to heaven, I know the rules
I have a complete understanding of the customs and practices in heaven.
Keep going down to the bathing pool
Upon arriving in heaven, I will continue along the path to the bathing pool for purification.
Contributed by Audrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.