Consisting of two siblings and two close school friends, the hardworking quartet from Leeds released their EP, LUCKY ONES, which Record of the Day has called “big, bold and even, at times, heroic…both inspiring and anthemic,”adding “[The Dunwells] have the tenacity and spirit to become a very big band.”
Indeed, that tenacity and spirit have brought the band members a long way since their school days. Joe Dunwell and his elder brother Dave grew up in a musical household and fondly recall flipping through their dad’s Bob Dylan and Beatles records, as well as hearing their mum singing along to Motown. Bassist Rob Clayton has been Dave’s best friend since childhood—in fact it was the Dunwell brothers’ dad who taught Rob how to play bass. Drummer Adam Taylor met Joe at college, where they bonded over their love of music. Joe explains, “When you put us together, our music becomes bigger than the four of us. There are moments when it stops being about how to put a song together, and we get a sudden feeling that something magical is happening around us.”
The Dunwells’ songwriting has grown over the years since school, enriched by extensive US and UK touring in support of the band’s 2013 debut, Blind Sighted Faith. “There were so many euphoric moments on tour, and we’ve tried to capture those feelings in the new songs,” says Dave. Those memorable moments included an appearance on Late Night With Jay Leno and performances at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Fest and the Bonnaroo Festival, as well as sold out shows across the UK.
Helping The Dunwells capture their best ideas on the new songs were producer Stephen Harris (U2, Kaiser Chiefs and The Wombats), songwriters Blair MacKichan (Sia) and James Flannigan (Kodaline), and Manny Marroquin (Kanye West, Rihanna, Pink), who mixed title track “Lucky Ones.” After being on tour for such a long stretch of time, the band had a renewed sense of self, which inspired much of their writing for this new EP. “Being away from home re-affirmed our identity,” remembers Dave. This sentiment was reinforced in Harris’ studio, an hour north of Leeds. “We felt at home there,” recalls Joe. “That northern feel was important. Not because we’re ‘a northern band,’ but there’s something about Stephen’s production that gives our songs a sense of place.” That strong sense of local pride shines through in songs like “Lucky Ones,” whose sentiment is universal but which is underpinned by a very English-strutting sound. “It’s about saying ‘Yeah, we are the lucky ones, come over here and look at us,’” explains Dave. “It’s not arrogance, but a reminder of how lucky we all are to be alive and how great life can be.”
Diamonds
The Dunwells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sold his soul for a freight train rolling on
He tipped his had to the times he's had
And the memories pass praise time is moving on
He's moving on
He's a blue-eyed boy with jet black hair and white wash jeans
And he believes he's moving o-on, o-on
He's moving on
Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes
Diamonds in his eyes
Dollar signs
Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes
Diamonds in his eyes
Dollar signs
He walks his boots and he always new
When they'd play that tune he'd be moving on
When the trust is gone at the break of dawn
He hears that song he new his time had come
He's moving on
He's a blue-eyed boy (blue-eyes boy)
With jet black hair (jet black hair)
And white wash jeans (white wash jeans)
And he believes he's moving o-on, o-on
He's moving on
Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes
Diamonds in his eyes
Dollar signs
Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes
Diamonds in his eyes
Dollar signs
Bottom of the bottle
We all fall down, all fall down
Bottom of the bottle
We all fall down, all fall down
Bottom of the bottle
We all fall down, all fall down
Bottom of the bottle
We all fall down, all fall down
Diamonds (bottom of the bottle), diamonds in his eyes
(We all fall down, all fall down)
Diamonds in his eyes
(Bottom of the bottle)
Dollar signs
We all fall down, all fall down
Diamonds (bottom of the bottle), diamonds in his eyes
(We all fall down, all fall down)
Diamonds in his eyes
(Bottom of the bottle)
Dollar signs
We all fall down, all fall down
Diamonds (bottom of the bottle), diamonds in his eyes
(We all fall down, all fall down)
Diamonds in his eyes
(Bottom of the bottle)
Dollar signs
We all fall down, all fall down
Diamonds (bottom of the bottle), diamonds in his eyes
(We all fall down, all fall down)
Diamonds in his eyes
(Bottom of the bottle)
Dollar signs
We all fall down, all fall down
The song "Diamonds" by The Dunwells is an emotional and reflective piece about the struggles of letting go of the past and moving forward. The singer of the song has left everything behind, his home and his soul, to wander the open road. He tips his hat to the memories that he has had but recognizes that time is moving on and he must do the same. The chorus "Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes, dollar signs" is a reference to the price that we pay for our decisions and our choices, a reminder that every action has a consequence. The character is constantly being pulled back by his memories and nostalgia, represented by the recurring line "bottom of the bottle, we all fall down" which alludes to his struggles with addiction.
The lyrics paint a picture of a character that is both hopeful and jaded, ready to embrace the future yet haunted by the past. The imagery used in the song is a metaphor for the character's struggle to move on from his past life. The jet black hair and white wash jeans represent the contrasting elements of light and darkness, hope and despair, that are present in his life. The diamonds in his eyes represent the dreams and aspirations that he still holds on to, even as he is pulled back by his addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
He swapped his home for the open road and he
He left his home to travel and explore, giving up on the settled life he had before.
Sold his soul for a freight train rolling on
He sacrificed everything for the freedom of moving on, taking up any job that keeps him going.
He tipped his hat to the times he's had
He remembers the good old times and acknowledges their importance.
And the memories pass praise time is moving on
Although memories are special, they must not hold him back from exploring further.
He's moving on
His journey continues and he must keep going, never stopping to settle down.
He's a blue-eyed boy with jet black hair and white wash jeans
He has a unique look that sets him apart from others.
And he believes he's moving o-on, o-on
He has faith in his journey and that he will keep moving forward.
Diamonds, diamonds in his eyes
He has a vision of luxury and success that drives him.
Diamonds in his eyes
He has high aspirations and desires wealth and prosperity.
Dollar signs
His ultimate goal is to be financially stable and achieve his dreams.
He walks his boots and he always knew
He has experience in traveling and keeps ready for the next adventure.
When they'd play that tune he'd be moving on
Certain tunes remind him to continue exploring life and not to settle down too long.
When the trust is gone at the break of dawn
When he loses his trust in something, he must leave and start afresh.
He hears that song he new his time had come
When he hears the right music, he knows it's time to move to next adventure.
Bottom of the bottle
He has reached the lowest point in his life, that he may relate to others.
We all fall down, all fall down
Everyone has their own journey, with their own lows and setbacks.
Diamonds (bottom of the bottle), diamonds in his eyes
Even in the lowest of times, he still holds onto his hopes and dreams.
Dollar signs
He never loses his focus on what he wants to achieve for himself.
We all fall down, all fall down
Adversity is something everyone has faced or will face eventually.
Writer(s): David Dunwell
Contributed by Lucas N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Diane Kitsi
Fabulous lads. Love it. xxxx
Elaine Dickinson
Love it
GINA ÉTÉ
Wow, great song!
The Dunwells
GINA ÉTÉ thank you very much 💎
Brian Hugh
Blimey! That's ace! 😎
徐扬
Love
Ash Howey
Is this the sequel to Don’t Give Up?