The Dance Hall Crashers recorded a few songs during their first year (these are featured on The Old Record), and in 1990, they made their most notable lineup change, adding second vocalist Karina Denike. Soon after, the band members parted ways, but they played a reunion show in 1992 due to pressure from fans. The show met with great fanfare, and so the band decided to reunite on a more permanent basis, with Rogers and Denike on vocals, Hammon on lead guitar, his brother Gavin on drums, Scott Goodell on second guitar, and Mikey Weiss on bass. The Dance Hall Crashers song "Enough" was featured on the soundtrack for Angus (1995 film). The song "Don't Wanna Behave" was featured in the 1996 film "Biodome" as well.
As of August 2005, the band members lead separate lives but still play a few shows per year. In November 2004 they played and recorded a show at the Hollywood House of Blues; the concert was released by Kung Fu Records in September 2005 as part of the popular The Show Must Go Off DVD series.
State Of Mind
Dance Hall Crashers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So crowded in the state of my mind
I can't seem to think straight
It's hard to tell my fate anymore
So would you be so kind to tell me which direction is the door?
How will I manage to survive while I'm fighting this fiend?
Welcome to the american machine
Blame, blame it on the game
The move of the technocrat, watch him tip his hat, he's got no name
Corporation enterprise always tries to justify the end
Only for the short term, profits will be just around the bend
How will I manage to survive while I'm fighting this fiend?
Welcome to the american machine
Oh I see the river red
The government, the pentagon, choose to feed the green beret instead
The streets are filled with homeless
The ignorant have nowhere to go
So tell me where's the medicare, amidst all the nuclear show?
How will I manage to survive while I'm fighting this fiend?
Welcome to the american machine
The Dance Hall Crashers' song State of Mind is a commentary on the current state of affairs in America. The first verse paints a picture of someone who is overwhelmed by life and can't seem to find a way out of their current mental state. They are looking for direction and guidance, but it's hard to come by in a world that seems to be moving too fast for anyone to keep up.
The second verse brings attention to the power of the American machine and how it perpetuates the cycle of profit over everything else. The "technocrat" is a symbol of the greed and disregard for human welfare that drives corporations and government agencies alike. The short-term gains are prioritized over long-term solutions, and the consequences are often devastating.
The final verse is a reflection of the consequences of this system. The government spends money on wars rather than welfare, and the most vulnerable members of society are left without support. The singer wonders where the medicare is amidst all the nuclear weapons and military efforts. The song is a powerful critique of American society and the need for change.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't believe the time, it's getting to be late
I am surprised at how fast time is going.
So crowded in the state of my mind
My mind is overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings.
I can't seem to think straight
I am having trouble making coherent thoughts or decisions.
It's hard to tell my fate anymore
I don't know what my future holds.
So would you be so kind to tell me which direction is the door?
Can you show me the way out of my current situation?
How will I manage to survive while I'm fighting this fiend?
How will I manage to get through this tough situation?
Welcome to the american machine
Welcome to the complicated and often harsh workings of American society.
Blame, blame it on the game
People often blame others for their problems instead of taking responsibility.
The move of the technocrat, watch him tip his hat, he's got no name
Those in power often hide their true intentions and the public may not know who is making decisions for them.
Corporation enterprise always tries to justify the end
Businesses will often prioritize profits over anything else and will justify their actions to achieve those profits.
Only for the short term, profits will be just around the bend
Businesses often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability.
Oh I see the river red
There is bloodshed or war happening.
The government, the pentagon, choose to feed the green beret instead
The government prioritizes funding for military operations over taking care of its citizens.
The streets are filled with homeless
There are many people who are without homes and support.
The ignorant have nowhere to go
The people who are uninformed or lack resources are left without options.
So tell me where's the medicare, amidst all the nuclear show?
With all of our focus on nuclear weapons, what is happening to programs like medicare that help support citizens?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jan Grijpstra, Jan Munnik, JENS VAN DER VALK, Jerome Vrielink, Mats Van Der Valk, Nienke Jong De
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roopaloooop
on Cricket
When I listen to it, it makes me sad in a good way. It makes me think it's being sung to a terminally ill child.
"Why are you worried about the dirt? I don't think that you'll mind. When it's your time." And the "promise I'll wait a while. To make sure that you've moved on." If it's a lullaby, it's scary. Ha. I thought maybe it was her singing to her grandma on her deathbed, too. Makes more sense I guess.