Morris, Davies, and Mayland met in 2020 in London before starting university and decided to form a band after attending gigs together in London. Their original name The Dinner Party was changed to avoid confusion with the Dinner Party hip hop supergroup.
After signing with Island Records, they released their debut single Nothing Matters on 19 April 2023. During the summer of 2023, the band supported Florence + the Machine, and played several festivals in the UK, Ireland, and Europe including Glastonbury and Latitude.
On Your Side
The Last Dinner Party Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forgive me father, won't you take it back?
That we were lovers
Bodies touching on park benches
Stray dogs watching
It disgusts me now
I wish I didn't want you
This blood on my face
Where you teeth sunk in
Bite me again
When it's 4 AM
And your heart is breaking
I will hold your hands
To stop them from shaking
If it takes all night
I will be on your side
Back to the olive mount you lead me to
The wind was blinding so I clung to you
And you smiled so sweetly
As you threw me
Down the rocks into the seaweed
You thought that I could fly
I wish I didn't want you
Wish I could do without this blood
On my face, where your teeth sunk in
Bite me again
When it's 4 AM
And your heart is breaking
I will hold your hands
To stop them from shaking
If it takes all night
I will be on your side
When you're lying here, I believe you love me
You can hold my hair back when you kiss me
If you stay all night, I will be on your side
When it's 4 AM
And your heart is breaking
I will hold your hands
To stop them from shaking
If it takes all night
I will be on your side
In "On Your Side" by The Last Dinner Party, the singer reflects on a past relationship while grappling with conflicting emotions and a sense of regret. The opening lines convey a desire to move forward and not dwell on the past, but the singer also seeks forgiveness and longs to erase the memory of their past intimacy. The reference to lovers touching on park benches juxtaposed with stray dogs observing implies a sense of shame and disgust the singer now feels towards those moments.
The chorus expresses a conflicted longing for the person they are addressing. The singer wishes they didn't want them, that they could live without their presence, but the lingering effect of the past is visually represented by the blood on their face, symbolizing the emotional wounds left by this person. The repeated imagery of biting and teeth sinking in suggests a metaphorical consumption or control, implying a volatile and potentially abusive dynamic.
The second verse continues with a vivid flashback to a particular location, called the olive mount, where the wind hindered their sight and they sought refuge in the person's presence. The contrast between the tender smile and the act of throwing the singer down the rocks into seaweed suggests betrayal and a disregard for their well-being. The reference to thinking that the singer could fly hints at the manipulation or false promises made by the person, further complicating the emotions involved.
The bridge reinforces the singer's willingness to support and be there for the person despite the pain they may be feeling. The mention of holding hands to stop them from shaking implies emotional vulnerability and a promise to provide comfort during difficult times. The repeated assurance of being on their side throughout the night signifies a steadfast commitment to support, even when it requires an extended effort.
Overall, "On Your Side" explores the complexities of a past relationship, mixing emotions of longing, regret, disgust, and a desire to offer support. It delves into a tumultuous dynamic that has left emotional scars, but also reveals the singer's willingness to be there for the person despite the pain they have caused. The lyrics invite the listener to reflect on past relationships, the power dynamics within them, and the emotional journey of healing and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I'm better off not looking back
I understand that it's beneficial for me to not dwell on the past
Forgive me father, won't you take it back?
I'm seeking forgiveness and hoping for a reversal of the situation
That we were lovers
That we were once in a romantic relationship
Bodies touching on park benches
Our physical closeness in public spaces, specifically park benches
Stray dogs watching
Observing eyes of stray dogs witnessing our interactions
It disgusts me now
Now, it repulses and repels me
I wish I didn't want you
I desire to not have feelings for you anymore
Wish I could do without
I desire to be able to live without
This blood on my face
The evidence of physical harm I have endured
Where your teeth sunk in
The location where you bit into me
Bite me again
Inflict pain upon me once more
When it's 4 AM
During the early hours of the morning
And your heart is breaking
When you're experiencing emotional distress
I will hold your hands
I will offer comfort and support by holding your hands
To stop them from shaking
To prevent them from trembling due to fear or anxiety
If it takes all night
Even if it requires the entire night
I will be on your side
I will be there to support and stand by you
Back to the olive mount you lead me to
Returning to the place you guided me towards, known as the olive mount
The wind was blinding so I clung to you
The strong wind was disorienting, causing me to hold onto you tightly
And you smiled so sweetly
You displayed a pleasant and affectionate smile
As you threw me
But then you unexpectedly threw me
Down the rocks into the seaweed
Tumbling down the rocks and landing among the seaweed
You thought that I could fly
You believed that I had the ability to defy gravity and soar
When you're lying here, I believe you love me
When we're in this intimate and vulnerable position, I have faith in your love for me
You can hold my hair back when you kiss me
While kissing, you can gently hold back my hair to create a more intimate connection
If you stay all night, I will be on your side
If you choose to remain with me throughout the entire night, I will offer my unwavering support
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abigail Morris, Aurora Nishevci, Emily Roberts, Georgia Davies, Lizzie Mayland, Rhys Downing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stewebster
I was one of the camera guys for your hyde park gig. After you finished I immediately googled you all. Sadly, no results showed up. Its took nearly a year and I can finally say I can listen to the song that's been stuck in my head for a year. Great going and only the best for you all!
@ziyanda_theartist
That's so awesome!!!
@supervillainnova8352
That’s too cool!!! I can’t get it out of my head either. It’s addicting. Lol😊
@PeachPepsi
Wait Hyde Park in Boston or NY?
@PeachPepsi
Just noticed they are UK based so I am assuming London 😅Typical New England of me
@sally6074
Excellent.
@oliviakaserman1007
I don’t think you understand how much I need more of this music
@charlottemulryne
I've been so confused about where it all is and apparently they're pretty exclusively a live band! Isn't that interesting? I hope they release more songs but I appreciate that they're creating something amazing in real life - instead of continually working on pristine production, autotune and studio recording, they are out there playing live! I've heard they're going to be at the Electric Picnic music festival as well which is really cool!
@coralinelebaron896
I do.
@tashedmonds4191
I love this I love this I love this