The duo gained attention with the release of a 1996 concert "Live at Luther College". VH1 recorded a 1999 performance to air as part of the program "Storytellers."
During the Dave Matthews & Friends tours, Dave and Tim opened with an acoustic set; however, they have played midset at some more recent shows.
Recently, the duo embarked on their first tour of Europe, marking their first tour outside of the States, as well as their first extended tour since the Winter 2003 tour.
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds have most recently released "Live at Radio City", a 2DVD/2CD album on August 14th, 2007 recorded in April of the same year.
What Would You Say »
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fleas and ticks jump everywhere
'Cause of original sin
Down the hill, fell Jack and Hill
And you came tumbling after
'Cause of original sin
Drink a hope to happy years
And you may find a lifetime's passed you by
What would you say?
Don't drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
Don't cut my lifeline
If you a doggie on a chain
Don't bite the mailman
What would you say?
I was there when the bear ate his head
Thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end
Knock knock on the door. Who's it for?
There's nobody in here
Look in the mirror, my friend
I don't understand at best
And cannot speak for all the rest
The morning rise, a lifetime's passed me by
What would you say?
Don't drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
Don't cut my lifeline
If you a doggie on a chain
Don't bite the mailman
What would you say?
Every dog has its day
Every day has its way of being forgotten
Mom, it's my birthday, would you say?
What could you say?
What would you say?
I was there when the bear ate his head
Thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end
Knock knock on the door. Who's it for?
There's nobody in here
Look in the mirror, my friend
I don't understand at best
And cannot speak for all the rest
The morning rise, a lifetime's passed me by
What would you say?
The lyrics to "What Would You Say" by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds explore themes of mortality and the passage of time. The first verse describes the chaos and suffering that exist in the world due to original sin, referencing the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The second verse recounts a tale of someone witnessing something gruesome and struggling to make sense of it. The chorus poses a series of rhetorical questions, urging the listener to consider what they would say or do in difficult situations, such as being a "monkey on a string" or a "doggie on a chain."
The lyrics are poignant and thought-provoking, encouraging introspection and reflection on the human condition. The repeated line "a lifetime's passed me by" emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of each day. The song's message is ultimately one of hope, with the lyric "drink a hope to happy years" suggesting that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility for joy and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Up and down the puppies' hair
This line is a nonsensical phrase meant to introduce the theme of the song - that the world is full of chaos and disorder.
Fleas and ticks jump everywhere
The world is full of pests and diseases, adding to the chaos and disorder.
'Cause of original sin
According to Christian doctrine, the presence of evil and disorder in the world is a result of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden.
Down the hill, fell Jack and Hill
This is also a nonsensical phrase, meant to further emphasize the chaotic nature of the world.
And you came tumbling after
Everyone is affected by the chaos and disorder of the world, nobody is immune to its effects.
Rip away the tears
This line is a call to action - to remove sadness or negativity from one's life.
Drink a hope to happy years
To find happiness and hope for the future.
And you may find a lifetime's passed you by
Time passes quickly, and one must take advantage of every opportunity while they can.
What would you say?
This is the song's chorus, and serves as a reflection on the chaos and uncertainty of life.
Don't drop the big one
A plea for world leaders to avoid using nuclear weapons.
If you a monkey on a string
This line is meant to represent the lack of control one may feel when subjected to outside forces or pressures.
Don't cut my lifeline
A request to not interfere with one's life or opportunities.
If you a doggie on a chain
Similar to the monkey line, this is a metaphor for being constrained or confined.
Don't bite the mailman
A warning against aggression or unnecessary conflict.
Every dog has its day
An expression meaning that everyone will eventually have their moment of success or glory.
Every day has its way of being forgotten
This line is meant to represent the fleeting nature of time, and how even significant events will be forgotten eventually.
Mom, it's my birthday, would you say?
This line is a plea for recognition or attention on one's special day.
What could you say?
This line is meant to represent the disappointment one may feel when their expectations are not met.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID JOHN MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Caroline Dawley
love the farm aid album and Willie and Neil Young.
Cody Pulley
There is a average musicians and then there's these two guys way above average. Long story short there's Talent and then there's Raw Talent. That's about as raw as can get
Cody Pulley
I am a Dave Matthews fan that's for sure.
Billy Bates
He is the most talented artist i can think of that i like literally none of his songs. Still fun to watch
Dave Swart
Lol if you’ve looking for the spider it’s climbing up to the mic - becomes visible at the camera change at 1:02 in front of Dave’s blue shirt and hits the mic at 1:10. And sadly for Dave, I see no sign of it on the mic/stand following that moment. Hilarious.
IslandSimPilot
Ah, did anyone else see the SPIDER climbing up to his microphone at the beginning (1:10 ish)?
Chuckles
Spooky
James Lill
poo jokes by Dave are probably a bad idea
Wille Harner
Live at Luther College is better
Mehmet AKA
far better