The band got their name from a suggestion given by a friend, because whenever that friend had dinner at Dave's house he would sit at the kid's table.
Current members
David McWane - Lead vocals, melodica
Ben Basile - Bass
Derek Davis - Drums
Ryan O'Connor - Tenor sax
Alex Stern - Guitar
Riot Girl
Big D And The Kids Table Lyrics
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Well up there on the bar with a
Switch blade pressed against your teeth
Mary what is it you like about me?
Telling all the other girlsnto back off
Or they''ll get beat
We're ditching out
On our shit jobs we think
Yah.
Mary oh Mary
Is born to be a radicall you'll see
A New England riot girl and me
Yes, I like how...
She never needs no help
I like how she always has a snappy line
MAry never takes to much
Just enough to keep her feeling fine
The song "Riot Girl" by Big D and The Kids Table is a tribute to the independent, rebellious, and energetic women who took to the streets to protest against the patriarchy and demand equality in the 1990s. The singer Mary is a symbol of the Riot Girl movement, as she perfectly embodies its essence of empowerment, self-expression, and non-conformity. Mary is portrayed as a confident and fearless woman who loves dancing and defying the norms that limit her freedom.
In the first stanza, Mary is depicted as dancing on top of a bar with a switchblade in her mouth, which is a striking image of her boldness and defiance. She is not afraid to take risks and challenge the status quo, even if it means putting herself in danger. The second stanza reveals Mary's attraction to a man who appreciates her strength and uniqueness, rather than trying to control or belittle her. She warns other girls to stay away from him, as she knows her worth and will not allow anyone to take advantage of her.
The chorus celebrates Mary's identity as a "New England riot girl," which references the feminist punk scene that emerged in the US during the 1990s. Mary and the Riot Girls represent a new wave of feminism that rejects the traditional gender roles and expectations imposed on women. They demand to be heard, seen, and respected as equals in a society that often ignores or silences their voices.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary how do you dance so fun and free?
The singer admires Mary's uninhibited dancing and asks what her secret is.
Well up there on the bar with a Switch blade pressed against your teeth
Mary dances on the bar with a switchblade between her teeth, showing how fearless and badass she is.
Mary what is it you like about me?
The singer asks Mary what qualities she sees in him that she finds appealing.
Telling all the other girlsnto back off Or they'll get beat
Mary is tough and will stand up to anyone who tries to mess with the singer, even if it means resorting to violence.
Yeah go ahead Eric, pour us another drink We're ditching out On our shit jobs we think
The group decides to escape their mundane jobs by getting drunk and having a good time.
Yah. Mary oh Mary Is born to be a radical you'll see A New England riot girl and me
Mary is a rebel who believes in fighting against the status quo, and the singer wants to join her in this mission.
Yes, I like how... She never needs no help I like how she always has a snappy line MAry never takes to much Just enough to keep her feeling fine
The singer appreciates Mary's independence and wit, as well as her ability to have fun without going overboard.
Contributed by Ellie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.