When a crowd is singing along with the last chorus after hearing the song for the first time, and Twitter lights up with those same lyrics in the days following a performance, you know it's a song that connects. With poignant yet sing-along-able lyrics and undeniable rock noir musical undertones, Spirits, the first single from The Strumbellasโ forthcoming album, embodies the essence of what has been attracting fans from across North America to this Lindsay, Ontario-bred band.
That journey has been a whirlwind since the release of the bandโs 2012 debut album My Father And The Hunter. The Strumbellas' sound โ haunting lyrics fused with infectious, danceable melodies โ won them both fans and critical recognition. A year later, they followed up with We Still Move On Dance Floors, which earned the band six awards, including a JUNO and Sirius XM
Indie Award, as well as a spot on the Polaris Music Prize Long List. And of course, thereโs been touring. Lots of touring.
In early 2015, the Strumbellas, off the road and ready to go into the studio again, set up shop at downtown Torontoโs Lincoln County Social Club to record the new album with LA Producer/Engineer, Dave Schiffman (Johnny Cash, Haim, Weezer). During three recording sessions during the first half of 2015, Schiffman and the band harnessed a vivid sound that was itchinโ to get out of them. Bigger. Bolder. Beckoning.๏ปฟ
Dog
The Strumbellas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel the wind of the south blowing through the tree
Shaky dreams are killing me
I feel the coals of the fire underneath my feet
I feel the coals of the fire underneath my feet
I'm looking for something, ooh
I'll pick you up
When this road gets too rough
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
I'll be your light when you're stuck in this night
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
You ain't a man if you choose my path
I get scared when I leave like I ain't coming back
Lonely bars in the same old class
Well it's hard when they love you and you can't love them back
Well it's hard when they love you and you can't love them back
I'm looking for something, ooh
Ooh
I'll pick you up
When this road gets too rough
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
I'll be your light when you're stuck in this night
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
Maybe that sun won't shine
Maybe I'm scared to know what I like
Maybe there ain't much time
Maybe I'm here to make you cry
I'll pick you up
When this road gets too rough
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
I'll be your light when you're stuck in this night
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
I'll be your dog
And I'll be your dog
The Strumbellasโ song โDogโ is a heartfelt and earnest ode to loyalty, devotion and companionship. This song is sung in the first person, with the singer describing their own feelings and experiences. The lyrics touch on themes such as self-doubt, fear, loneliness, and the need for support and love. The verses describe the struggles and obstacles of life: dusty headlights, shaky dreams, and hard choices. The singer is looking for something and seems lost and vulnerable. However, the chorus brings a sense of comfort and security, with the promise to be someoneโs light in dark times, to pick them up when they stumble, and to be their loyal and faithful companion, their dog.
The metaphor of the dog that the song uses is powerful and universal. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyalty to their owners, often going to great lengths to protect and comfort them. The song suggests that we all need a โdogโ in our life, someone who will always be there for us, no matter what. The bridge of the song adds a note of uncertainty, acknowledging the possibility of failure and regret, but ultimately reaffirms the singerโs commitment to be there for their loved one, and to be their โdogโ.
Line by Line Meaning
Dusty headlights and I can't see
The singer is in a dark place, both literally and figuratively, and cannot see their way forward.
I feel the wind of the south blowing through the tree
The singer senses change is coming, represented by the wind blowing through the tree from the south.
Shaky dreams are killing me
Anxiety and uncertainty are plaguing the singer in their sleep.
I feel the coals of the fire underneath my feet
The artist feels like they are walking on hot coals, suggesting they are in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.
I'm looking for something, ooh
The artist is seeking a sense of purpose or direction in life.
I'll pick you up
The singer is offering support and comfort to someone who is struggling.
When this road gets too rough
The singer acknowledges that life can be tough and is offering to help when things become difficult.
I'll be your dog
The artist is comparing themselves to a loyal dog, willing to be there and support someone through thick and thin.
I'll be your light when you're stuck in this night
The artist will be a guiding light for someone who is lost and struggling to find their way.
You ain't a man if you choose my path
The artist values independence and the ability to make their own choices, suggesting that following their path requires a strong will.
I get scared when I leave like I ain't coming back
The singer is afraid of leaving something behind and not being able to return to it, suggesting attachment to a person or place.
Lonely bars in the same old class
The artist feels trapped in a monotonous, unfulfilling routine that leads them to places of isolation and loneliness.
Well it's hard when they love you and you can't love them back
The singer is struggling with being unable to reciprocate someone's love, most likely due to their own emotional difficulties.
Maybe that sun won't shine
The singer is uncertain about the future, suggesting that good things may not necessarily come their way.
Maybe I'm scared to know what I like
The singer is afraid to admit their true desires and preferences, suggesting a fear of vulnerability and rejection.
Maybe there ain't much time
The artist is aware of the fleeting nature of time, suggesting a sense of urgency or a desire to make the most of their life.
Maybe I'm here to make you cry
The artist acknowledges that their actions or words may hurt someone else, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jonathan Hembrey, Jeremy Drury, Darryl James, Simon Ward, Isabel Ritchie, Joanne Setterington, David Ritter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jon Block
on We Don't Know
I just saw Strumbellas in concert tonight in Denver. They were so great!! And this song "We Don't Know" moved me to tears. Made me reflect on my life and the uncertainties I'm facing. Being in the energy of this song and really getting the lyrics for the first time filled me with peace and hope.
Victoria Miller
on Spirits
Where did you find their bio?
Angela J Szucs-PagliariniVictoria Miller
on Spirits
if you read their bio, Simon Ward their frontman has an unhealthy fear of dying . he says most of the songs are based on that.
Dalton Bacon James
on Spirits
This sounds like it's about PTSD. Just listen to the lyrics and think about it