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)
Surprise! I'm From Cuba Everyone Has One Brain
Dance Gavin Dance Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got this sword, dashing young and bold
Lets collect, hearts on the way
Plus two, to you, in the evil bay
So hey girl, what should we do
Get clues, drink some, potions that are blue
Well you know there just isn't time, I don't got the time
Oh look up girl show me what you have to use, oh look up girl
Right now I'd be the bitch, but I left you, I left you in the ditch
Bite the line, remove the words that follow
Turn the key or in the mud you wallow
Burning bushes may be cold as shoulder
Flip the latch, go on and catch the boulder
This battles narrowing, hold off
I surrender, stay for me, one door
Can't fake now let go, step back, let go
All of those who took the rode before you, they were possessed by the dark power
But you, you shall do this alone
As you walk through valley of the Gorgonian tempest
The tri elemental black darkness was engulfing the sovereign lands
Use the plus nine staff of the bobcat a voice said from above
Defeat the demon of Rathcorf and you will restore peace to the land
And lineage of your blood, step back, let go
One night I woke with all these hopes
Say one more line, stay for me
With all these hopes
I believe there's meaning, no I believe there's nothing
The lyrics to Dance Gavin Dance's song Surprise! I'm From Cuba Everyone Has One Brain may seem nonsensical at first glance, but when delved into, we can find a deeper meaning. The song speaks of a quest, with references to swords, collecting hearts, and defeating demons. However, the singer is conflicted and unsure about their role in the quest, saying "there just isn't time" and "I don't got the time". This could be interpreted as a feeling of being overwhelmed and not having enough time or energy to accomplish everything they set out to do.
As the song progresses, the singer receives advice from an unknown voice to use a +9 staff of the bobcat to defeat the demon of Rathcorf and restore peace to the land. This could represent an inner battle within oneself to overcome their own demons and find peace within. The line "all of those who took the road before you, they were possessed by the dark power, but you shall do this alone" can be interpreted as a message to not follow the same path as those before you and to find your own way to overcome difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey girl, I'm a eat your soul
I'm a confident and charismatic individual who's going to captivate you.
I got this sword, dashing young and bold
I'm very capable and brave and I'm ready to handle any obstacle that comes my way.
Lets collect, hearts on the way
Let's pursue our goals and pick up the rewards along the way.
Plus two, to you, in the evil bay
Together, we are stronger and can overcome the challenges ahead.
So hey girl, what should we do
I trust your judgement and want to work together as a team.
Get clues, drink some, potions that are blue
Let's strategize and take advantage of any resources that can help us succeed.
Well you know there just isn't time, I don't got the time
We must act quickly and decisively because time is of the essence and I have limited availability.
Oh look up girl show me what you have to use, oh look up girl
Let me see your capabilities and what you bring to the table. Impress me.
Right now I'd be the bitch, but I left you, I left you in the ditch
I could dominate and control you, but I'm giving you the opportunity to take the lead.
Bite the line, remove the words that follow
Distill the situation to its essence and focus on what's important.
Turn the key or in the mud you wallow
Make a decision and take action or you'll remain stuck and inconsequential.
Burning bushes may be cold as shoulder
There may be challenges and setbacks along the way, but don't let them discourage you.
Flip the latch, go on and catch the boulder
Overcome the barriers in your way and achieve your objective.
This battles narrowing, hold off
The situation is becoming more intense and it's important to stay calm and focused.
I surrender, stay for me, one door
I confess my vulnerability and need for help. Please stay and support me through this.
Can't fake now let go, step back, let go
I'm being genuine and honest with you. Don't try to deceive me, just give me space and let me handle it.
All of those who took the rode before you, they were possessed by the dark power
Others in the past have succumbed to temptation and destruction. Be mindful of their mistakes.
But you, you shall do this alone
I have faith in your ability and strength to overcome this on your own.
As you walk through valley of the Gorgonian tempest
As you navigate through a treacherous and tumultuous environment.
The tri elemental black darkness was engulfing the sovereign lands
A powerful and ominous force was taking over and threatening the stability and security of the area.
Use the plus nine staff of the bobcat a voice said from above
Follow the advice and guidance from a higher power or intelligence to succeed.
Defeat the demon of Rathcorf and you will restore peace to the land
Conquer the source of the problem and harmony will be restored.
And lineage of your blood, step back, let go
Your ancestors have paved the way for you. Trust their legacy and let go of any doubts or distractions.
One night I woke with all these hopes
I had a moment of inspiration and optimism.
Say one more line, stay for me
Don't leave just yet. Let's keep the momentum going and see what else we can accomplish.
With all these hopes
With my aspirations and dreams.
I believe there's meaning, no I believe there's nothing
I'm conflicted about the significance and purpose of my ambitions and experiences.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alucardvalentine6418
I'm from Cuba, I've never heard anything of DGD, I'm here just for the title of the song, but now, I'm gonna add this to my playlist right away. Amazing song
@human6310
Wonderful
@mixail201211
better add the whole album , why only one song
@kingkrysen
@@mixail201211exactly lol the whole thing slaps 🤘🏼
@originalparafan
Well it was a surprise you were from Cuba! So how many brains do they have there, in Cuba?
@grivza
@@originalparafan They have one, it is only if they live in america that they have two.
@nicviciou4094
every single time i don't listen to DGD for a period of time and go back to listening to them I re-fall in love with them more and more every time
@MIMS207
NiC ViCiOU$ that's so perfect now that I think of it. I'll always love them but I find myself binge listening to them for a couple weeks then I'll go back a couple months later and it's like every song is as goood as it's first listen. Like right now. Lol
@kellydee420
omg.....that's exatly how I feel
@swelkyx15
Same, this is exactly what just happened to me... 2019...