Matthews also released a solo CD, Some Devil, in 2003 joined by guitarists Tim Reynolds, Trey Anastasio, drummer Brady Blade, and bassist Tony Hall. This group and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski tours as "Dave Matthews & Friends."
Dave also plays some events solo, such as the Benaroya Hall concert, Farm Aid, and various other events.
Dave Matthews also plays acoustic gigs with long time friend Tim Reynolds.
In recent years he has also shown his acting talents, most recently guesting as a savant pianist in the series 'House M.D.' and a non-speaking role as a homosexual fashion advisor in the Adam Sandler film Chuck and Larry. He was also In Don't Mess With the Zohan.
Tripping Billies
Dave Matthews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were standing underneath us
We were not yet lovers
Dragons were smoked
Bumblebees were stinging us
I was soon to be crazy
Eat, drink, and be merry
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Cause we're Tripping Billies
We're wearing nothing
Nothing but our shadows
Shadows falling down on the beach sand
Remembering once,
Out on the beaches we wore
Pineapple grass bracelets
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
Cause we're Tripping Billies
We are all sitting
Legs crossed round a fire
My yellow flame she dances
Tequila drinking, oh, our
Minds will wander
To wondrous places
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Check 'em out, Boyd, yeah!
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
The Dave Matthews Band song "Tripping Billies" is a song about living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest. The song opens with the imagery of being above someone and not yet being lovers, but surrounded by dragons and bumblebees. These lines can be interpreted in different ways, but they hint at the idea of living in a strange, fantastical world where anything can happen. The chorus is a call to enjoy life while we still can, as tomorrow we may die. The song includes several references to partying, such as "tequila drinking" and "legs crossed round a fire". These images represent the carefree attitude of the song's narrator and his friends.
The second verse also focuses on enjoying life in the moment. The singer remembers wearing pineapple grass bracelets while lounging on the beach. He asks why anyone would want to leave such a happy place filled with happy people. The chorus repeats that life is short and we should live it up while we can. The song ends with an instrumental section where Boyd Tinsley plays his violin, adding to the carefree, celebratory mood of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
We were above
We were in an elevated position
You were standing underneath us
You were below us
We were not yet lovers
Our relationship was not yet romantic
Dragons were smoked
We smoked marijuana
Bumblebees were stinging us
We were being stung by bees
I was soon to be crazy
I was about to lose my mind
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Cause we're Tripping Billies
Let's enjoy ourselves today since we don't know what tomorrow brings, because we are Tripping Billies
We're wearing nothing
Nothing but our shadows
Shadows falling down on the beach sand
We are naked on the beach and our shadows are visible
Remembering once,
Out on the beaches we wore
Pineapple grass bracelets
We reminisce about the time we wore bracelets made of pineapple grass on the beach
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
We are happy where we are, surrounded by our friends and fellow humans
We are all sitting
Legs crossed round a fire
My yellow flame she dances
Tequila drinking, oh, our
Minds will wander
To wondrous places
We are sitting around a fire, drinking tequila, and letting our imaginations run wild
Check 'em out, Boyd, yeah!
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Eat, drink, and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Let's live life to the fullest, because we never know what tomorrow brings, Boyd!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID JOHN MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind