Dagenham Dave
The Stranglers
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Dave was from out of town Manchester's likely too Had read De Sade to Marx More read than me and you Scaffolding pays good bread It pays for drugs and kicks Dave only had one love Had no real need for chicks Dave was so far ahead But now he's dead I'm not going to cry I bet he hit that water high I guess he lost control And welcomed in the night It was too much for him What were his thoughts that night? The river Thames is cold It keeps on flowing on But it left Dave alone It just kept flowing on There's city sickness here But now he's dead Late night a street in the west of the city There was a place there where he lost himself Strange feelings did he feel there Strange people did he meet there Angry sounds did he hear there Like the howling of bulls I'm not going to cry I bet he hit that water high
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: BRIAN JOHN DUFFY, DAVID GREENFIELD, HUGH ALAN CORNWELL, JEAN JACQUES BURNEL
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Songwriter"Dagenham Dave" is largely associated with Morrissey, who made the song popular. The song is also associated with The Stranglers, an English rock band, who named a different track after the same character.
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Release dateThe song by Morrissey was released on 21st August 1995 as the lead single from his fifth studio album 'Southpaw Grammar'. On the other hand, the version by The Stranglers was released in 1977, on their album 'No More Heroes'.
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Chart PerformanceMorrissey's "Dagenham Dave" debuted at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 21 on the Irish Singles Chart. It had a comparatively lower chart journey as compared to his previous releases.
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LyricsThe exact identity of "Dagenham Dave" in Morrissey's song remains quite an enigma, with the lyrics providing a vague and somewhat melancholy character sketch. The Stranglers' song, on the other hand, was a tribute to their early tour manager whose nickname was "Dagenham Dave".
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Music VideoThe music video of "Dagenham Dave" by Morrissey was directed by James O'Brien which depicts a strange world with circus-like characters, aligning with the peculiar nature of the song.
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Music StyleBoth versions of "Dagenham Dave" showcase the respective unique music styles of the artists - Morrissey's indie pop and The Stranglers' pub rock/new wave sound.
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Critical ReceptionThe song received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its fusion of orchestral pop and rock, whereas others felt it didn't live up to the standard of Morrissey's previous releases.
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Liner NotesA humorous touch in the liner notes of Morrissey's "Southpaw Grammar" album, it references "Dagenham Dave" as the 'hit single' despite it not making a significant impact on the charts.
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Live PerformanceWhile Morrissey regularly performed "Dagenham Dave" during his live shows in 1995 and 1997, The Stranglers also included their own version in their live repertoire.
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Cultural InfluenceThis song has influenced other musicians to adopt the character "Dagenham Dave". For instance, it was used as an alias by David Peacock of Chas & Dave in the 70s. It reflects the cultural recognition of this character in British rock music.
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B-sidesThe B-sides of Morrissey's "Dagenham Dave" include "Nobody Loves Us" and "You Must Please Remember" that were also well-received by fans.
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Citation
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"Dagenham Dave Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30677816/The+Stranglers/Dagenham+Dave>.
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