Lie In Our Graves
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Lyrics


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when I step into the light
my arms open wide
when I step into the light
my eyes searching wild
would you not like to be
sitting on top of the world with your legs hanging free
would you not like to be OK, OK, OK
when we're walking by the water
splish splash me and you taking a bath
when we're walking by the water
come to my toes to my ankles to my head to my soul
then I'm blown away

when we're walking by the water
splish splash me and you taking a bath
when we're walking by the water
come to my toes to my ankles to my head to my soul
then I'm blown away

I can't believe that we would
lie in our graves
Wondering if we had
spent our living days well
I can't believe that we would
lie in our graves
Dreaming of things that we
might have been
I can't believe that we would
lie in our graves
Wondering if we had
spent our living days well
I can't believe that we would
lie in our graves
Dreaming of things that we
might have been

would you not like to be
would you not like to be
I can't believe that you would not like to be
would you not like to be

ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,





and we dance away

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Lie in our Graves" suggest moving towards enlightenment. The mention of stepping into the light for the first time conveys a sense of openness and willingness to learn. The desire to sit on top of the world with legs hanging free brings to mind ideas of freedom and independence. The line "OK, OK, OK" indicates a sense of resolution or acceptance.


The rest of the lyrics paint the image of the singer and their companion walking by the water, inviting listeners to imagine the calmness and serenity. The imagery of the water is used to describe the sensation of being immersed in something that brings calmness and clarity to one's mind. The singer expresses their disbelief that people would lie in their graves wondering if they've spent their living days well. This line invites introspection in the listener, encouraging one to consider if they are living life to the fullest. The repetition of the phrase "Would you not like to be" is an invitation to contemplate the idea of living with freedom and authenticity.


Overall, "Lie in Our Graves" by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds invites the listener to consider questions about the meaning of life and the importance of living life with purpose. The lyrics suggest a desire for enlightenment and suggest that living authentically and with a sense of freedom is important.


Line by Line Meaning

when I step into the light
As I emerge from the darkness, I'm filled with hope


my arms open wide
My soul is ready to embrace any opportunity


my eyes searching wild
I'm yearning for something greater than myself


would you not like to be
Don't you desire the exhilarating feeling of living fully?


sitting on top of the world with your legs hanging free
Feeling untouchable and liberated from the stresses of daily life


would you not like to be OK, OK, OK
Not just content, but overwhelmingly joyous


when we're walking by the water
The peacefulness of nature is rejuvenating


splish splash me and you taking a bath
The playful simplicity of childhood returns


come to my toes to my ankles to my head to my soul
Every inch of me is invigorated, even my spirit


then I'm blown away
I'm so moved that I feel weightless


I can't believe that we would
The thought of this is unbearable


lie in our graves
Our lives resulting in nothingness


Wondering if we had
Full of regret and self-doubt


spent our living days well
If we had made the most of the precious time given


Dreaming of things that we
Fantasizing about something better, but always out of reach


might have been
Alternate realities or paths that were never taken


and we dance away
But for now, let's revel in the present and all it has to offer




Contributed by Jack L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

t w

My Son was a huge DMB fan. He was at this concert too. He passed away last year in May so I love watching these videos in honor of my son. RIP Cal. Dad loves you.

F

And somehow this is just the sad poetry so fitting of their music..

Babyjohn

Truly sorry for your loss. So glad you find some form of comfort in their music and this concert.

t w

@Babyjohn Thank You

Babyjohn

@t w no thanks needed. You sharing your story It touched my heart.😌

allan kay

If you don't mind me asking what did he pass from?

31 More Replies...

Johnny Crouse

Dave knows the people to be around. Well done Dave and Tim!

dgutes

To me this is one of the best solos I’ve ever heard. It’s virtuosic but not overdone, melodic, emotionally expressive and really captures the melancholy mood of the song

TallDan

could not agree more. may be the best solo i've ever heard.

Daniel La Salle

I've watched this solo over a hundred times probably. Blows me away every time. These two are, and always will be incredible together. Luckily, I was able to see them multiple times over the years.

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