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)
It's Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't have lied, I tried I was cashing a check
The ink was smeared, the lines were drawn and scribbled unclear
A cancellation, its time to learn to fly
Now that I've decided that you cant be trusted
One by one, wasn't that fun, this party dies, fades away
Late night phone calls that end in surprise
Just to take a ride with me
And how does it feel to be used
Climb in the back seat like luggage
Whores don't trip, they bleed on the tapestry
Whores don't trip, they bleed at the bar
Its your persistence that makes me sick its not the sight of your face
And now I am so faint caught up in just this way
I know that you can be more then this
This wasn't what I wanted you said I sewed that dream alive
Climb farther into hate is it this back seat making you itch
Morals become something from a dream
this isn't the way to blow off steam its all in your head
Give up this is making me sick my patience is wearing thin
I will be leaving you now stay away for long
Drag his body down to the mill,
Cut the ice with counterfeit bills, I'll take my share
Like lightning bolts that strike down in pairs
This is all justified
Step aside and watched the lie
This is all justified
Wont heal in time, this is all justified now
Stationed wit. I believe will go there
Now were all afraid to see why we can't give it up
But now your shirt comes off
I need something more tonight then your word
The lyrics to "It's Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat" by Dance Gavin Dance paint a picture of a toxic relationship and the aftermath of the singer finally realizing they cannot trust their partner any longer. The opening lines convey a sense of regret; the singer admits that they "threw her away" upon meeting her, suggesting that the relationship was never built on a solid foundation. The line "I was cashing a check" indicates that the singer may have been using the partner for financial gain or social status, further emphasizing the falseness of their connection.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the partner is willing to compromise their values to be with the singer - the "late night phone calls that end in surprise" and the invitation to "climb in the back seat like luggage" suggest a willingness to be objectified and used. The line "whores don't trip, they bleed on the tapestry" reinforces this sense of degradation, implying that the partner sees themselves as nothing more than a disposable object.
Despite their initial attraction, the singer comes to realize that their partner is not someone they can rely on: "now that I've decided that you can't be trusted." The closing lines, "I need something more tonight then your word," suggest that the singer is seeking a deeper connection and is no longer content with empty promises.
Overall, "It's Safe to Say You Dig the Backseat" is a poignant depiction of the destructive nature of toxic relationships and the importance of being able to recognize when to walk away.
Line by Line Meaning
I threw her away on the second we met
I didn't care about her from the beginning
I couldn't have lied, I tried I was cashing a check
I was dishonest for personal gain
The ink was smeared, the lines were drawn and scribbled unclear
The relationship was messy and ambiguous
A cancellation, its time to learn to fly
It's time to move on and grow
Now that I've decided that you cant be trusted
I don't believe in you anymore
One by one, wasn't that fun, this party dies, fades away
The relationship ended badly
Late night phone calls that end in surprise
Unexpected events occurred during late night calls
I can't believe you would give up your dignity
I'm disappointed in your actions
Just to take a ride with me
Just for a momentary experience with me
And how does it feel to be used
Do you feel taken advantage of?
Climb in the back seat like luggage
Get in the back and be treated as a disposable object
Whores don't trip, they bleed on the tapestry
Prostitutes don't stumble, they maintain their composure
Whores don't trip, they bleed at the bar
Prostitutes don't make mistakes, they make money
Its your persistence that makes me sick its not the sight of your face
I dislike your constant pursuit, not your appearance
And now I am so faint caught up in just this way
I feel overwhelmed by my current situation
I know that you can be more then this
I believe you have more potential
This wasn't what I wanted you said I sewed that dream alive
This relationship didn't meet my expectations
Climb farther into hate is it this back seat making you itch
Is this situation causing you to become more upset?
Morals become something from a dream
Values are being disregarded
this isn't the way to blow off steam its all in your head
This isn't a healthy way to cope with stress
Give up this is making me sick my patience is wearing thin
I am losing patience and feeling overwhelmed
I will be leaving you now stay away for long
We are breaking up and I don't want to see you again
Drag his body down to the mill,
This is a violent and graphic image
Cut the ice with counterfeit bills, I'll take my share
I will make a profit in this negative situation
Like lightning bolts that strike down in pairs
I am metaphorically striking down
This is all justified
I believe my actions are justified
Step aside and watched the lie
Don't get involved in the deceit
Wont heal in time, this is all justified now
Time won't heal this, my actions were warranted
Stationed wit. I believe will go there
I think something is going to happen
Now were all afraid to see why we can't give it up
We are afraid to confront why we can't let go
But now your shirt comes off
A sexual act is about to take place
I need something more tonight then your word
I want action instead of empty promises
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jonathan Mess, Jonny Craig, Matthew Mingus, William Swan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thetable8719
This album singlehandedly changed a generation and genre. Still plays strong in 2022 into 2023
@haichae
Same
@spiritual-dv2mn
Yes
@jeiwxlf7393
Facts bruh
@madfun510
Bruh they got bangers I got a old zune of cl I get there to meet dude in its a old friend lol he's like yeah bro I got alot stuff on here I'm like dude I like it all in this band was on there damn they were my instant favorite
@wta8224
Agreed
@3kingspowerlifting119
Just unbelievable. Still can’t believe this album exists. There will never be anything like this
@ayhanozcan8550
nothing as good.
@michele8642
Unfortunately
@renopwnsgaming6292
the greatest piece of music ever recorded.