Released: 2016
“Wicked Ones” by Dorothy is a rollicking anthem that’s not for the light-hearted. It’s a song that dives deep into the allure of the rebellious and the unbridled spirit of those who live on the edge. This track is a celebration of the untamed, the ‘wicked ones’, and serves as a defiant call to arms for anyone who’s ever felt a bit devilish under the moonlight.
The opening lines set the stage: “This night ain’t for the faint of heart / For the faint of heart, for the faint of heart”. Straight off the bat, Dorothy is saying, “Look, if you can’t handle a bit of chaos, it’s best you stay home.” It’s clear we’re not talking about a quiet evening in. The phrase “faint of heart” is used to describe those who aren’t daring or bold enough to face potentially wild, heart-racing situations head-on. This song is about a night that’s going to test your limits and maybe even break them.
The lyrics then shift to a more ominous tone with “This night ain’t for the holy man / With the holy plan for the promise land”. Here, Dorothy is throwing some shade at the pious and the righteous, suggesting that their plans for a ‘promise land’ or a morally upright path don’t align with the darker, more primal energies of the night she’s inviting us into. The “evil hand” mentioned next is a metaphorical way of saying that mischief and sinister deeds are afoot – the kind of activities that would raise the dead or, more colloquially, kickstart an epic party only suitable for the mischievous at heart.
Then comes the hook that nails the coffin shut: “Ain’t no sleep when the wicked play / All we do is yodel, ay ayy hoo y hoo”. Forget about rest, this is about revelry. The “yodel” part might throw some for a loop, but here, it’s used to signify letting loose, shouting, and joining in the raucousness of the night. It’s a primal release, a call to the wild side of human nature. The wicked ones don’t seek approval; they’re too busy creating their own thunderous melody.
The repetition of “This night ain’t for the faint of heart” solidifies the song’s central thesis. It’s a mantra for the fearless, a stark reminder that to roll with the wicked ones, you’ve got to leave your apprehensions at the door. And with the line, “‘Cause when the train wreck comes gonna leave them out”, Dorothy hints at the inevitability of chaos. It’s not a matter of if things will get wild, but when. And when they do, the faint of heart will be spectators, not participants.
Finally, the chorus sums it all up: the wicked ones, those rebels and night owls, thrive in the pandemonium. They’re creatures of the night who find solace in the uproar. The repeated phrase, “Ain’t no love when the wicked run,” suggests that within this tumult, traditional notions of care and affection are replaced by a more raw, unfiltered camaraderie. It’s not about gentle love; it’s about a fierce bond forged in the fires of wild nights and shared adventures.
Throughout “Wicked Ones,” Dorothy channels the essence of rock’s rebellion, offering up a thunderous ode to those who cherish the night’s dark, untamed beauty. It’s a rallying cry for the misfits and the outcasts, inviting them to embrace their inner wickedness unabashedly. So, if you’ve ever felt the call of the wild, or the thrill of the night stirring something within, know this—you’re in good company with the wicked ones.
