The band is well known for their relatively frequent lineup changes, which, most notably, involves a fluctuating lineup of vocalists, both on tour and on record. Dance Gavin Dance incorporates many different musical genres into their palette, such as math rock, funk, and soul on top of its post-hardcore sound. Ex-vocalist Jonny Craig also received high marks for contributing to the band's unorthodox soul sound and guitarist Will Swan has been recognized for his intricate, fast-moving guitar licks and riffs.
The band currently consists of vocalists Jon Mess and Tilian Pearson, guitarists Will Swan and Andrew Wells and drummer Matthew Mingus.
To date, the band has released ten studio albums, two live albums and one EP. Their most recent album, entitled Jackpot Juicer was released in 2022.
Discography:
November 14, 2006 - Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean
May 15, 2007 - Downtown Battle Mountain
August 19, 2008 - Dance Gavin Dance
June 9, 2009 - Happiness
March 8, 2011 - Downtown Battle Mountain II
October 8, 2013 - Acceptance Speech
April 14, 2015 - Instant Gratification
October 7, 2016 - Mothership
June 8, 2018 - Artificial Selection
April 24, 2020 - Afterburner
July 29, 2022 - Jackpot Juicer
All of Dance Gavin Dance's records have been released on Rise Records.
Band Members:
Jonathan Mess - harsh vocals (2005–2008; 2010–present)
Will Swan - guitars (2005–present); harsh vocals (2008–2010), bass guitar (2022-present)
Tilian Pearson - clean vocals (2012–present)
Matt Mingus - drums, percussion (2005–present)
Andrew Wells - guitars, clean vocals, bass guitar (2021-present; touring 2015-2021)
Sergio Medina - rhythm guitar, bass guitar (touring 2021-present)
Former Members:
Jonny Craig – clean vocals (2005–2007; 2010–2012; touring 2015, 2016)
Kurt Travis – clean & harsh vocals (2007–2010; touring 2012, 2015, 2016)
Alvaro Alcala – guitar (2005-2006)
Sean O'Sullivan – guitar (2006–2007; touring 2010)
Zachary Garren – guitar (2007–2010; touring 2015)
Josh Benton - guitar (2010-2014)
Eric Lodge – bass guitar (2005–2008; 2010–2012)
Jason Ellis – bass guitar (2008–2009)
Tim Feerick – bass guitar (2009–2010; 2012–2022; died 2022)
Former touring members:
Matt Geise – clean vocals (2012)
Dan Snook – guitar (2010)
Aric Garcia - guitar (2014-2015)
Alex Whitcomb - guitar (2015)
Tony Marks – bass guitar (2010)
Jordan McCoy – bass guitar (2011–2012)
Carl Barker
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then why does it matter?
(It doesn't matter, it never matters)
I hope someday soon maybe we'll finish this chapter
(I can't ever finish this chapter)
And now at this moment I don't know what else to think
There's no sense in me saying
So now I need names and faces
Examine the suspects
Get the D.A here now
You'll tell everyone
That it's so much fun
Say to all my friends
It never ends
While we're driving through
All the alley ways
We picked up some happiness on the way
I'll tell everyone
That it's so much fun
Say to all your friends
It never ends
While we're driving through
All the alley ways
I picked up some happiness on the way
Just because you move your hips
Doesn't mean that you exist
Just because you move your lips
Doesn't mean that you exist
Can we just take
A fucking break
Cause I feel like I have got nothing left
Nothing left
I guess I still miss you
Oh well, it's me and you
What else should we do?
When talking is for functioning people
I guess I still miss you
But talking is for functioning people
I guess I still miss you
You always said
We'd win the lottery someday
So I wouldn't have to go away
I should have known
That I had it all along
But I didn't know till you were gone
Let's see you
Function now
Touch your nose
Jump around
Footprints, in God we trust
Jes-you, Jes-Me Jesus
Pick up ten sac orange crush
Two bottles, cups, and blunts
What do scorned lovers do?
Dancing with all my crew
Drink and drive life away
Gamble with everyday
Just because you move your hips
Doesn't mean that you exist
Just because you move your lips
Doesn't mean that you exist
Can we just take
A fucking break
Cause I feel like I have got nothing left
Nothing left
I guess I still miss you
Oh well, it's me and you
What else should we do?
When talking is for functioning people
I guess I still miss you
But talking is for functioning people
I guess I still miss you
You always said
We'd win the lottery someday
So I wouldn't have to go away
I should have known
That I had it all along
But I didn't know till you were gone
You always said
We'd win the lottery someday
So I wouldn't have to go away
You always said
We'd win the lottery someday
So I wouldn't have to go away
The song "Carl Barker" by Dance Gavin Dance talks about the feelings of missing someone and the struggle of moving on. The first verse suggests that the singer knows they should leave, but there are unresolved issues that prevent them from doing so. They hope that someday they will be able to finish this chapter of their life but can't seem to let go.
The chorus discusses the singer's struggle to move on and accept the reality of the situation. They try to distract themselves and act like everything is fine, but deep down, they still miss the person they are trying to forget. The lines "Just because you move your hips doesn't mean that you exist, Just because you move your lips doesn't mean that you exist" suggests that the singer is questioning the authenticity of their relationship and whether the person they loved was really who they thought they were. The second verse talks about the singer's desire to find closure and move on, but they can't seem to do so. They try to distract themselves with drinking and gambling but ultimately realize that they still miss the person they are trying to forget.
The song's chorus repeats throughout the track and emphasizes the singer's struggle to move on and their conflicting emotions. The song ends with the repeated line "You always said we'd win the lottery someday so I wouldn't have to go away," emphasizing the lost hope and broken promises that are at the root of the singer's pain.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no sense in me staying
It's pointless for me to stay
Then why does it matter?
If staying isn't necessary, why does it matter?
(It doesn't matter, it never matters)
It's been established that it doesn't matter
I hope someday soon maybe we'll finish this chapter
I can't seem to end this chapter in my life
(I can't ever finish this chapter)
I am unable to finish this chapter in my life
And now at this moment I don't know what else to think
I am currently at a loss for words
So now I need names and faces
I need to know the people involved in this situation
Examine the suspects
Investigate the people involved
Get the D.A here now
Bring the district attorney into this situation
You'll tell everyone
You'll spread lies about the situation
That it's so much fun
Claim that this situation is enjoyable
Say to all my friends
Spread lies about me to my friends
It never ends
Spread lies that the situation will never end
While we're driving through all the alleyways
While we're just passing through life
We picked up some happiness on the way
We found moments of joy during our journey
I'll tell everyone
I'll speak truth about the situation
That it's so much fun
That this situation is not enjoyable
Say to all your friends
Tell your friends the truth about the situation
It never ends
Don't lie and say it will never end
While we're driving through all the alleyways
While we're just living our lives
I picked up some happiness on the way
I found moments of joy during my journey
Just because you move your hips
Merely dancing doesn't mean you exist
Doesn't mean that you exist
Moving your body doesn't define your existence
Can we just take
Can we please take
A fucking break
A much-needed break
Cause I feel like I have got nothing left
I feel like I have nothing more to give
I guess I still miss you
I admit that I still miss you
Oh well, it's me and you
It's just the two of us, for better or for worse
What else should we do?
There's nothing else for us to do
When talking is for functioning people
Talking is for those capable of functioning properly
You always said we'd win the lottery someday
You always had hope for us to hit it big
So I wouldn't have to go away
So you wouldn't have to leave
I should have known
I should have realized
That I had it all along
That I had everything I needed all along
But I didn't know till you were gone
I didn't realize it until you were no longer here
Let's see you function now
Let's see how you handle this situation now
Touch your nose, jump around
Do a quick physical test to show your ability to function
Footprints, in God we trust
Our actions are imprinted and we have faith in a higher power
Jes-you, Jes-Me Jesus
Parody of religious terms, without a meaning
Pick up ten sac orange crush
Buy some orange soda
Two bottles, cups, and blunts
Drinks and drugs
What do scorned lovers do?
What actions do those heartbroken do?
Dancing with all my crew
Having fun with my friends
Drink and drive life away
Escape their problems with alcohol and recklessness
Gamble with everyday
Risk their everyday life with dangerous behavior
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wolfboof
It's amazing how many Dance Gavin Dance songs are pure gold. I personally could put every Dance Gavin Dance song on shuffle and be totally satisfied musically.
@HonArap
+Aryonsen I dig you bro ! Same shit with Billy Talent ahah !
@thecamper7936
I've been doing that for the past 3 days.
@alecsayss
they are pure gold
@bleonknation7051
Aryonsen same
@user-sv4xh9zd6b
i feel this on a personal level.
@m47t41
One of their saddest albums but honestly their warmest sound..
@lithiumkid
something about that juxtaposition is ethereal to me
@hellbxymedia5027
"You always said we'd win the lottery one day,so I wouldn't have to go away. I should've known,that I had it all along. But I didn't know till you were gone." One of my favorite lyrics of all time.
@ryanalcina7193
Same.