They were joined in 1991, by Wally Ingram and Courtney Audain. Timbuk 3 recorded several albums from 1986 to 1995; their first album, Greetings From Timbuk 3, generated their only chart hit song, "The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades". The song was featured in the 1987 film, My Best Friend is a Vampire.
Also from Greetings From Timbuk 3, "Shame On You" was played during the opening scene of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, released in 1986.
The group broke up in 1995, with the ex-members going on to record other music independently.
Daddy's Down In The Mine
Timbuk 3 Lyrics
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There are treasures down below
And strange glimmers in the shadows
Where the children cannot go
Now I know you miss your daddy
But he's gonna be just fine
Don't worry, little darlin'
Daddy's just down in the mine
There are things that can't be measured
Or touched by tiny hands
There are countless worldly wonders
Not even daddy understands
But if you should have a question
Just drop me a line
I'm never too far away from you
Daddy's just down in the mine
There are jewels in the darkness
There are treasures down below
And strange glimmers in the shadows
Where the children cannot go
Now I know you miss your daddy
But he's gonna be just fine
Don't worry, little darlin'
Daddy's just down in the mine
The Timbuk 3's song "Daddy's Down in the Mine" is a beautiful and touching tribute to fathers who work hard to provide for their families. The lyrics describe how there are treasures and jewels that can only be found in the darkness of the mine, things that are beyond the reach of children. But despite the dangers and unknowns of working in a dark shaft, the father will be just fine. He promises his little one that he is always just a question away and never too far from them. This song is about the sacrifices that fathers make for their families and the importance of what they do to provide for them.
The opening lines describe the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in the mine. The jewels could refer to the literal minerals, but it could also symbolize the father's hard work and dedication to his family. The father is providing for his children in a way that they may not fully understand. The next lines describe how the darkness and dangers of the mine are not for children. Even if they wanted to go into the mine with their dad to see what he does, it's not safe for them to do so. Despite this, the father reassures his little ones that he will be okay. He acknowledges that his children miss him, but he promises them he'll come back to them.
The second stanza talks about how there are things in the world that can't be touched or seen but are still essential. The father may not even fully understand what he's doing and why it's important, but he does it anyway, for his family. If the children have any questions about what their father does, he encourages them to ask him. No matter how far away he is in the mine, he'll always be there for them.
Overall, this song is a beautiful tribute to fathers who work hard to provide for their families. It acknowledges the sacrifices they make and the dangers they face in doing their jobs. It's a reminder that even though fathers may spend long hours away from their families, they're always there in their hearts and minds.
Line by Line Meaning
There are jewels in the darkness
There are valuable things hidden in the unknown and sometimes unsafe areas of life
There are treasures down below
There are valuable things hidden deep within people and situations that aren't always visible to the naked eye
And strange glimmers in the shadows
There are unique and curious aspects of life that may not always be understood, but can be intriguing to explore
Where the children cannot go
Some aspects of life are too dangerous or complex for children to fully comprehend or experience
Now I know you miss your daddy
I understand that you are feeling the absence of your father in your life
But he's gonna be just fine
Your father is safe and will return home to you soon
Don't worry, little darlin'
You don't need to stress or be afraid
Daddy's just down in the mine
Your father is currently at work in a challenging environment, but he is doing what he needs to provide for his family
There are things that can't be measured
Some phenomena in life are beyond our quantifiable understanding
Or touched by tiny hands
Some things are too grand or complex for children to fully comprehend or handle
There are countless worldly wonders
The world is full of amazing, awe-inspiring things to explore and discover
Not even daddy understands
Even adults can be in awe of some of the mysteries that the world holds
But if you should have a question
If you are curious or confused about something, don't hesitate to seek answers
Just drop me a line
You can reach out to me at any time
I'm never too far away from you
I am always available to help you, even when I'm not physically present
Daddy's just down in the mine
I may not be physically present at the moment, but I am doing what I need to support our family
Contributed by Penelope B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.