Dodie recently announced her upcoming album ‘Not For Lack Of Trying’, scheduled for release on the 3^rd of October, which features the new track ‘I Feel Bad For You, Dave’. 

Despite the album’s title, this new single feels effortless. The track relays the almost tragic story of “Dave” and his fruitless attempts to impress, and Kate, who is evidently unimpressed by Dave after finding he is an “asshole online”. The track thus subtly explores modern dating: while Dave “feels a little better” after writing “what no one asked” on the internet, Kate finds the “little fire in her heart” extinguished after doing a little online stalking and discovering who he is when hiding behind a screen. 

Dodie emphasises Dave’s need to advertise his ability to do a “push-up”, highlighting his need to assert his strength and masculinity, as well as how ridiculous this obsession makes him appear. The songwriter reminds us that “it could be better” than this, critiquing Dave’s behaviour, yet the song is far from brutal or serious and is instead whimsical, light-hearted and understated. Being infused with jazz rhythms and simple though gorgeous instrumentals, it is impossible not to dance (and, at times, laugh) along. This upbeat, jazzy and fun tone provides the perfect medium for storytelling, moving the narrative forward with pace as well as slowing down for comedic moments and leaving pauses of incredulity before picking back up and eventually fading out.  

‘I Feel Bad For You, Dave’ therefore subtly but directly mocks masculinity in the online world, telling the evidently entitled man that he deserves sympathy for his tragic and embarrassing behaviour. Alongside other recent tracks such as Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Manchild’ and Laufey’s ‘Tough Luck’, the song follows a trend of female artists playfully but provocatively belittling otherwise egotistical, manly men – it is safe to say most women know at least one “Dave”. 

 

Emily Sanderson 

Image: ‘I Feel Bad For You Dave’ Official Single Cover 

 

 

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