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)
Legend
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Give 'em what they want
Play their favorite song
Make it sensational
Sing it from the heart
Illuminate the dark
You've been holding back for so long
Come into your own
Aim for the moon, no looking back
Sing it
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
Do it for both of us
But march to your own drum, because I am old and done
Swear I can feel the rush
Watching you become everything I'm not
You've been holding back for so long
Time to grow up
Come into your own
Aim for the moon, no looking back
Sing it
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
To condone this great offense, I address the audience
Our grip is strong or impotent
We're wise to hype this up
Call on the creed and prophetic you'd witness this event
The infant's egg is monetized, a privilege heaven sent
I made you this way
You have me to thank
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
The lyrics of Dance Gavin Dance's song "Legend" talk about the pressure of being a performer and the realization that it's time to stop holding back and embrace your own style. The opening lines suggest that the performer needs to give their audience what they want - the perfect song that will illuminate the dark. However, as the song progresses, the lyrics take on a more introspective tone, urging the performer to come into their own, march to their own drum, and aim for the moon without looking back. The chorus emphasizes that the performer is strong, a decider, and a legend, all because of their unique talents and abilities.
The tone of the song shifts in the bridge, which includes the lines "To condone this great offense, I address the audience / Our grip is strong or impotent / We're wise to hype this up / Call on the creed and prophetic you'd witness this event / The infant's egg is monetized, a privilege heaven sent." The meaning of these lyrics is not entirely clear, but it could suggest the exploitation of young artists in the industry, the power dynamics between performers and the audience, and the commercialization of artistic talent. Regardless of the interpretation, the bridge adds an unexpected layer of complexity to an otherwise upbeat and empowering song.
Overall, "Legend" is a song that encourages performers to be themselves, embrace their greatness, and strive for excellence without fear of judgment or failure. It is a reminder that every artist has a unique voice and style, and that they should not hold back from expressing it.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn up the radio
Increase the volume of the radio
Give 'em what they want
Provide the audience with what they desire
Play their favorite song
Perform the listeners' preferred piece of music
Make it sensational
Make the performance exciting and extraordinary
Sing it from the heart
Sing with passion and emotion
Illuminate the dark
Shine a light on the unknown and obscure
You've been holding back for so long
You have restrained yourself for an extended period
Time to grow up
It's time to mature and take responsibility
Come into your own
Find your identity and place in the world
Aim for the moon, no looking back
Set high goals and don't dwell on past mistakes
Sing it
Perform and express yourself through music
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am powerful and in control of my choices
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am justified, intense and passionate
I am every season
I embody all the transformational stages of life
I am legend, all because of you
I have created a legacy with your support
Do it for both of us
Perform for ourselves and each other
But march to your own drum, because I am old and done
Create your path, I'm not relevant anymore
Swear I can feel the rush
I experience excitement and adrenaline from your success
Watching you become everything I'm not
Observing you achieve what I couldn't accomplish
To condone this great offense, I address the audience
To approve of this unusual act, I communicate with the spectators
Our grip is strong or impotent
Our hold can either be robust or feeble
We're wise to hype this up
We're smart to promote this situation
Call on the creed and prophetic you'd witness this event
Appeal to the beliefs and divine vision for viewers to see this occurrence
The infant's egg is monetized, a privilege heaven sent
The opportunity to capitalize on youth is a valuable gift
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TILIAN PEARSON, TIMOTHY FREERICK, JONATHAN MESS, MATTHEW MINGUS, WILLIAM SWAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-be3vv1ns5r
Turn up the radio
Give 'em what they want
Play their favorite song
Make it sensational
Sing it from the heart
Illuminate the dark
You've been holding back for so long
Time to grow up
Come into your own
Aim for the moon, no looking back
Sing it
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
Do it for both of us
But march to your own drum, because I am old and done
Swear I can feel the rush
Watching you become everything I'm not
You've been holding back for so long
Time to grow up
Come into your own
Aim for the moon, no looking back
Sing it
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
To condone this great offense, I address the audience
Our grip is strong or impotent
We're wise to hype this up
Call on the creed and prophetic you'd witness this event
The infant's egg is monetized, a privilege heaven sent
I made you this way
You have me to thank
I'm strong, I am the decider
I am all the reasons, an animal
I am every season
I am legend, all because of you
@annameyer9581
This album is on a whole new level. Life saver for sure.
@sn0wchld
tillian's voice is heavenly, still can't believe he's in dgd.
makes me so happy
@KingEmjay
I absolutely love this song to infinity and back!!!!!
@gavindoxey3710
Same tho
@MetalSnake6199
To extreme love to extreme hate . I dig that.
@SniKenna
I love the guitar sound in this so much.
@CinemaDoll137
Right? I love how you hear intro faintly throughout the song.
@maryannmikhailova4479
me too!and I adore the voice!
@urielkosovo5177
DGD is a LEGENDary band!
@lozz3rs
***** Try Fall of Troy, Stolas, Hail the Sun, and Secret Band. But yeah this band is unbeatable!