Dan Higgins has since left the band, amicably. He has not been permanently replaced, instead the band have worked with various close friends on their '08 - '09 tours. Currently Marc Sallis is the touring bass player.
Dog Roses
The Duke Spirit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope you stay in charge of it
When nothing's fluid you drink yourself through it
Outside you draw, draw yourself
Feel the breeze, that's a real thing that touches your skin
But memories, well, they're not real
There's nothing there
Now can we visit your old house again?
I feel as though I've left instructions there
Could it be that you were so small that
The garage room, well, they've pulled it down
Oh, nothing's ruined 'cause we still have the picture
Of dog roses and stuff for the pyre
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Hey yeah, have you always slipped backwards?
Just now, I see you always slip backwards
Oh, you will you always slip backwards?
Just now, oh, you always slip
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
There's nothing there
The Duke Spirit's song Dog Roses starts with a message to someone to remain in control of their words. The hope is that they will be able to handle difficult situations without losing control. The second line suggests that when things get difficult, one should resort to drinking to cope. The third line references drawing, which can be interpreted as a form of release during tough moments.
The next stanza talks about the impermanence of memories. While the breeze is a tangible thing that can be felt, memories are not. They are not real, and can easily be altered or forgotten. The chorus then repeats "There's nothing there" which implies feelings of emptiness or lack of substance in certain aspects of life.
The third stanza references visiting an old house and feeling as though something important has been left behind. However, upon return, the garage room, a significant part of the old house, has been pulled down. Despite the loss of the physical space, there is still a picture of dog roses and other items of significance that can be used for the pyre – a potential reference to using these items as fuel to move forward in life.
The final stanza questions whether the person being addressed will continue to slip backwards, implying there may be struggles with addiction or mental health. The song concludes with the chorus repeating "There's nothing there" which could imply a sense of finality, as if acknowledging that nothing can be done to change certain situations.
Line by Line Meaning
I hope you stay in charge of your mouth
I hope you can control your words and thoughts to avoid conflicts or regrets.
When nothing's fluid you drink yourself through it
When everything is stuck in one place, you cope with it by drowning in alcohol or other vices.
Outside you draw, draw yourself
You depict yourself and your life experiences in the art you create, hoping it will bring you closer to the truth about yourself.
Feel the breeze, that's a real thing that touches your skin
You can trust the sensations you feel on your skin, but not necessarily the memories you cherish in your mind.
But memories, well, they're not real
Memories are not always accurate or truthful, as they are influenced by emotions and other factors.
Now can we visit your old house again?
Can we go back to your childhood home, where you may find some answers or inspiration?
I feel as though I've left instructions there
I have a sense that some guidance or insight is waiting for me at your old house.
Could it be that you were so small that
Is it possible that your childhood experiences have shaped who you are today, even if you were too young to fully understand them?
The garage room, well, they've pulled it down
The place where some of your early memories took place is no longer there, physically or otherwise.
Oh, nothing's ruined 'cause we still have the picture
Even if something from the past is gone, there is something left to remind us of it and keep its essence alive.
Of dog roses and stuff for the pyre
A picture of flowers and other items to honor the dead, symbolizing the bittersweet memories of the past.
Hey yeah, have you always slipped backwards?
Have you always struggled to move forward and make progress in your life?
Just now, I see you always slip backwards
I am realizing that you have been stuck in the same place for a long time, unable to move forward.
Oh, you will you always slip backwards?
Are you destined to always fall back into old patterns and habits, or can you break free and start anew?
Just now, oh, you always slip
Right now, I see that you are still struggling to move forward and make positive changes in your life.
There's nothing there
Despite the longing for the past and the hope for the future, the present moment may feel empty, devoid of meaning or purpose.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL LIAM HIGGINS, LIELA ROSEMARY SADIE LOUISE MOSS, LUKE FORD, OLLY BETTS, TOBY BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind