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Spotlight
Dave Matthews Band Lyrics


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In the spotlight life is so peachy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Wouldnt you like to retire with a million?

A million beating hearts behind brick and cold steel piping
Fighting for the top, fighting for the room to be bench park sleepers
Like cold blanket bedless babies
Here this must stop, here I cannot stay
Big city, black city rises up around me, steal my soul away
Big city, black city rise and take me over, steal my soul away

But out, out in the world, the night it falls
It falls much harder than I recall
Out in the world, the sirens calls from every corner to say

In the spotlight life is so peachy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Unless youre in the spotlight for reason, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Caught for stealing somebodys riches, no, no, no, no
Wouldnt you like to retire with a million bucks? yeah

Came here from a small town
Seen my dreams here in the big cities
How disappointing, here i cannot stay
Big city, black city rise and take me over, steal my soul away
Big city, black city rising all around me, steal my soul away

But out, out in the world, the night it falls
It falls much harder than I recall
Out in the world the sirens call from every corner, they say

In the spotlight life is so peachy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Unless youre in the spotlight for reason, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Caught for stealing somebodys riches, no, no, no, no
Wouldnt you like to retire with a million bucks? yeah

Big city, black city rise and take me over, steal my soul away
Big city, black city rising all around me, steal my soul away
But out, out in the world, the night it falls
It falls much harder than I recall
Out in the world the sirens call from every corner, they say

In the spotlight life is so peachy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Unless youre in the spotlight for reason, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Caught for stealing somebodys riches, no, no, no, no
Wouldnt you like to retire with a million bucks? yeah

Overall Meaning

The first verse of "Spotlight" by Dave Matthews describes how life is so "peachy" for those in the spotlight, suggesting that fame and wealth can make everything seem perfect. The line "Wouldn't you like to retire with a million?" further emphasizes this idea of the American Dream, where money and material possessions equate to happiness and success.


However, the song takes a darker turn in the second verse as Matthews highlights the harsh reality of life for those living in poverty and struggling to survive. The image of "brick and cold steel piping" and "bench park sleepers" paints a picture of homelessness and despair. The lyrics "here this must stop, here I cannot stay" suggest a desire for change and a need to escape from the city, which is portrayed as dark and suffocating.


As the song progresses, Matthews contrasts the idea of the spotlight with the harshness of the world outside it. The chorus repeatedly asks, "In the spotlight life is so peachy, unless you're in the spotlight for a reason"; highlighting the cost and consequences of fame, both good and bad, and the harsh realities of life outside of it. The repeated line "big city, black city rise and take me over, steal my soul away" emphasizes the loss of oneself and the struggle to maintain one's identity within the city.


Overall, "Spotlight" is a commentary on the harsh realities of life and the desire to escape to a simpler, happier existence. It contrasts the idea of fame and richness with the harsh reality of poverty and homelessness, depicting the struggle to maintain one's identity and soul amidst the chaos of the city.


Line by Line Meaning

In the spotlight life is so peachy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Life looks perfect when everyone is watching and admiring you.


Wouldn't you like to retire with a million?
Don't you want to have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life?


A million beating hearts behind brick and cold steel piping
The city is full of people struggling to make a living and survive.


Fighting for the top, fighting for the room to be bench park sleepers
People are fighting for basic needs such as a place to sleep and be safe.


Like cold blanket bedless babies
People are living in harsh conditions, similar to babies left without warmth or comfort.


Here this must stop, here I cannot stay
The situation is too overwhelming and must be changed or escaped from.


Big city, black city rises up around me, steal my soul away
The city is taking over and consuming everything, including the individual's spirit or essence.


But out, out in the world, the night it falls / It falls much harder than I recall / Out in the world, the sirens calls from every corner to say
Once outside of the spotlight and in the real world, it is much harder and dangerous with danger and warning signs coming from every direction.


Unless you're in the spotlight for a reason, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah / Caught for stealing somebody's riches, no, no, no, no
Being in the spotlight is not always positive or earned, and those who cheat or steal to get there will be punished.


Came here from a small town / Seen my dreams here in the big cities / How disappointing, here I cannot stay
The promise of success in the city is not what was imagined, and the individual must leave and find another way.


Big city, black city rise and take me over, steal my soul away
The city is suffocating and draining the individual of their spirit or identity.




Contributed by Daniel L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Lauren Foley

I have watched him live for over 30 times now and have never heard him play this song. This is one of my all time favorite songs and I wish I could hear him sing it again. Especially now when this song is so relevant with what is happening in the world.

Josh Cantrell

@William McMillan bullshit

William McMillan

he plays it now and then ....more then

Mark Zoller

Before the legends were made. Amazing that this song only has a couple hundred views on it. And yes, to answer Dave's question: Yes, I'd I would like to retire with a million bucks.

hoggenstein

Why dont they play this anymore? This was retired years ago,

Andres Gonzales

Dave hates it

Avi Horowitz

Dave's hair....ohmygosh

William McMillan

he shaved his hair off 4 a halloween show//here at the floodzone and it never came back strong

William McMillan

dave smokes it//my bro/ thanks

Alex Magers

daves like 20

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