In 1995, The Radio Dept. was formed by Elin Almered and Johan Duncanson (who were old school friends). The name was taken from a gas station/radio repair shop in Lund, Sweden, which had a large sign with the name Radioavdelningen, ("The Radio Department" in Swedish) hanging outside their shop.
Since 1995 members have been coming and going and at some points there has never really been a Radio Department at all.
Martin Carlberg and Johan Duncanson started playing together in 1998 and decided to use the name The Radio Dept. Since then the band has done lots of gigs and lots of recordings. The Radio Dept. recorded 4-tracks in friends' living rooms or at home, in smelly warehouse, in demo studios with blinking fluorescent lightning and at schools.
In the autumn of 2001 Lisa Carlberg and Per Blomgren (Bass & drums respectively), joined the band and they started rehearsing in the way bands so often do. Soon afterwards they were all joined by Daniel Tjader on the keyboards. Their recordings were sent to the music magazine Sonic and got a nice review. They were also on the free CD sampler that comes with the magazine. That's where Labrador Records discovered and learned to love the band. Now they're a part of Swedish indie label, Comings and goings
Original band member, Elin Almered, left the band before the recording of The Radio Dept.'s debut (lesser matters), but still made an appearance singing vocals for "Strange Things Will Happen".
Per Blomgren, Drummer, left the band before the release of Lesser Matters. The band opted instead for digital assistance with regards to drums & percussions for their songs.
Lisa Carlberg, bassist, departed from the Radio Dept soon after the release of "This past week EP". The band no longer felt the need for a member that solely specialized in bass. The band was taking a new direction and preparing for their second album, "Pet Grief", which wouldn't require a member that played bass guitar.
The current line up of the band is:
Johan Duncanson (Guitar & Vocals), Martin Carlberg(Guitar) and Daniel Tjäder (Keyboards & Synth) (2006).
More details can be found on the radio dept. website: theradiodept.com.
Record Labels.
Slottet:
Created in 2001, this is the Radio Dept's original label. Created & managed by the band themselves. They published and distributed their own recordings in order to spread their music to the world.
The "Against The Tide EP" & coveted "Annie Laurie EP" were both released on this label in 2002.
At sporadic moments over the years, whenever the band have wanted to release something quickly or for free, they'd do so through the Slottet label (e.g. bachelor Kisses in 2008).
Labrador :
After the success of the self released records and some glittering reviews in local publications, several major labels came calling. The Radio Dept. rejected most of these offers and instead signed with Labrador records. Although the band don't consider themselves connected ideologically or musically with Labrador and the other bands on the label, they have much respect for the label which has officially become the home of The Radio Dept.
Shelflife records:
Shelflife are an american indie label that operate on a similar philosophy to that of Sarah Records. They select highly innovative, creative & melodic bands and offer them transatlantic distribution. Several labrador bands had achieved success through shelflife, so it seemed an obvious choice to use them again for the distribution of 'Lesser Matters'. No futher Radio Dept records were released through shelflife.
Rex records:
Rex records was an London based experimental indie label started by an ex-XL employee. The aim was to release demos and promote leftfield indie music. Only two Radio Dept. records were released on Rex, Why Won't You Talk About It and the rare Liebling 7".
XL Recordings:
During 2004/05, XL funded, distributed and promoted The Radio Dept.
During this short partnership 4 records were released. Lesser Matters, Where Damage Isn't Already Done, Why Won't You Talk About It? and Ewan. A short european tour was organised for the band as well as lots of press and an appearance on an XL compilation with the likes of Ratatat & MIA.
Track & Field Records:
Track & Field are another London based record label that took a chance on The Radio Dept.
In 2006 Track & Field were employed to distribute Pet Grief in the UK. They also promoted the band and planned for an extensive UK tour. This plan was abandoned and a series of special one-off London shows were organised to supplant the tour.
Pony Canyon:
After years as an experienced distributor of DVD's & kids toys, Pony Canyon, tried their hand at promoting & distributing indie records. So far they've only distributed a special edition of Pet Grief in Japan.
Soundtrack
Three tracks by the Radio Dept. have been featured on the Sophia Coppola's film Marie Antoinette (2006). They are: Pulling our Weight, Keen on Boys, I Don't Like It Like This.
David
The Radio Dept. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but I was on your side
and he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
of being lost inside
he was lost inside
of his mind
just like I've been holding on for all our lives
all our lives
Oh David won't you look into my
He Turned too many heads for one lifetime
he never had to try
and he stained too many beds for one lifetime
but always asking why
always asking why...why
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
Why
Just like I've been doing David all my life
all my life
Oh David, won't you look into my
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
The Radio Dept.'s song David is a melancholic piece that explores the lost feeling of the singer who has been asleep for twenty years with the same emotion. The lyrics suggest that someone was on his side for all these years, maybe a lover or a friend, but the subject was still lost in his mind. The singer compares his story to David's, a man who turned too many heads for one lifetime and never had to try because he was always charming, yet stained too many beds for the same reason he always asked why, questioning the meaning behind his actions and existence. At the core of the lyrics is the desire for human connection and the hope that David will look into the singer's eyes, implying that he is willing to open up and share his feelings with him.
One interpretation of the song is that it talks about the human condition of feeling lost, hopeless and searching for purpose. The lyrics convey the pain of the singer who has been holding onto his emotions, unable to share them with anyone, always doing what everybody else expected of him. David, on the other side of the spectrum, lived his life without a care in the world, impressing people with his charm, but simultaneously grappling with the meaning behind his actions. Both characters embody the same feeling of being lost despite their vastly different lives, consumed by their demons, and unable to find a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Asleep for twenty years with this feeling
He has been in a state of emotional dormancy for two decades with a certain feeling.
but I was on your side
However, the singer confides that he has always been there for the subject of the song, providing support throughout this period of emotional inactivity.
and he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
The subject of the song has gone through similar experiences, being in a state of emotional stasis for two decades.
of being lost inside
During this time, he felt directionless and confused about his life goals.
he was lost inside
The subject of the song lost himself inside his own thoughts, consumed by a sense of aimlessness and uncertainty.
of his mind
His confusion and lack of focus were rooted within his own thoughts and psyche.
just like I've been holding on for all our lives
The singer reveals that he has been holding on and waiting for the subject of the song to come to a realization and move forward with his life.
He turned too many heads for one lifetime
The subject of the song was able to turn heads and make an impact, without even trying too hard.
he never had to try
He had a natural charisma that drew attention towards him without any conscious effort.
and he stained too many beds for one lifetime
He had multiple intimate relationships, some of them causing emotional complications or regrets.
but always asking why
He continuously questioned the reasoning behind his decisions and their consequences.
Always asking why...why
The subject of the song had a persistent desire to uncover the meanings behind his life's choices, but found it difficult to attain closure.
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
The singer acknowledges that he too has been questioning his choices but has now reached a point of clarity.
Why
The subject of the song continually questions why things must be so difficult and complex, further reinforcing his sense of confusion and frustration.
Just like I've been doing David all my life
The singer has been struggling with similar feelings for his entire life and is sympathetic towards the subject of the song.
Oh David, won't you look into my eyes
The artist implores the subject of the song to look at him directly, hoping to establish a deeper understanding and connection.
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
This line is repeated to reinforce the message of direct, personal interaction.
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
This line is also repeated, emphasizing the importance of human connection and emotional honesty.
Contributed by Olivia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@gbrs6280
Asleep for twenty years with this feeling
But I was on your side
And he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
Of being lost inside
He was lost inside
Of his mind
Just like I've been holding on for all our lives
All our lives
Oh David won't you look into my
He Turned too many heads for one lifetime
He never had to try
And he stained too many beds for one lifetime
But always asking why
Always asking why... why
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
Why
Just like I've been doing David all my life
All my life
Oh David, won't you look into my
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
@ViviMagri
Asleep for twenty years with this feeling
But I was on your side
And he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
Of being lost inside
He was lost inside
Of his mind
Just like I've been holding on for all our lives
All our lives
Oh david won't you look into my
He turned too many heads for one lifetime
He never had to try
And he stained too many beds for one lifetime
But always asking why
Always asking why...why
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
Why
Just like I've been doing david all my life
All my life
Oh david, won't you look into my
Oh david won't you look into my eyes
Oh david won't you look into my eyes
Oh david won't you look into my eyes
@kayulpuput
Asleep for twenty years with this feeling
But I was on your side
And he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
Of being lost inside
He was lost inside
Of his mind
Just like I've been holding on for all our lives
All our lives
Oh David won't you look into my
He Turned too many heads for one lifetime
He never had to try
And he stained too many beds for one lifetime
But always asking why
Always asking why... why
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
Why
Just like I've been doing David all my life
All my life
Oh David, won't you look into my
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
@paprikafueguitos9106
Es tan heemosa esta canción es alegria nostalgia tristeza y tbm da ganas de bailar jaja la amoooo ❤
@danielaranda2114
I really can´t keep myself from falling in love with the Dept. as long as they continue to pour magic into their music, it's like getting in touch with dreams, why?
@SeanDavidAnderson
These vibes are off the charts!
@jamescatneyarbuckle5390
One of the best songs ever. That's right. Ever.
@AuthenticCelestial
seconded :)
@jbchervin
Your not wrong
@bryansemler6086
@ncndnz/ mkmkk7⁷@
@marias.9472
6 years later and I still agree
@gbrs6280
Asleep for twenty years with this feeling
But I was on your side
And he's spent some 20 years with this feeling
Of being lost inside
He was lost inside
Of his mind
Just like I've been holding on for all our lives
All our lives
Oh David won't you look into my
He Turned too many heads for one lifetime
He never had to try
And he stained too many beds for one lifetime
But always asking why
Always asking why... why
Just like I've been doing up until tonight
Why
Just like I've been doing David all my life
All my life
Oh David, won't you look into my
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
Oh David won't you look into my eyes
@bbrown333
I can't believe it's been this long since this song came out.