Early 1990s
In the early 1990s, the band established a cult following through relentless touring with weekly stops at Virginia clubs known as Trax and Floodzone, an active taping community, and an independent LP, Remember Two Things. (Keyboardist Griesar left the band in 1993, shortly before the release of "Remember Two Things".) After signing to RCA Records, Dave Matthews Band, under the direction of producer Steve Lillywhite, released Under the Table and Dreaming in 1994, a critical and popular smash that firmly established the band's style of pop-rock with improvisational leanings. Under the Table and Dreaming would be the first of three albums released under Lillywhite's direction. This was followed by Crash (1996). For most of America, Crash was the record that put the Dave Matthews Band on the map. Featuring the hit single "Crash Into Me", as well as fan-favorites such as "Two Step", "Tripping Billies", and the Grammy-winning "So Much to Say", Crash would go on to be the band's best selling album.
The Mercy Songfacts reports that Lillywhite lent his skills to their 2012 album Away From The World. Lillywhite hadn't worked with the band since a series of unreleased recordings in 2000, which led to the leaked Lillywhite Sessions.
History
David John Matthews was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1967. Two years later, his family moved to Westchester County, NY. His father was a physicist and worked for IBM at the time. He has two sisters (Anne and Jane) and a brother (Peter). After living in New York, his family moved to Cambridge, England in the early '70s. The family returned to New York where his father died in 1977. In 1980, the family moved to South Africa where the young Matthews went to several schools and "got more wise about the evils of government, there and in general." He first played at a club in Charlottesville (Miller's) where he worked as a bartender. He admitted to Playboy magazine that he was really never that good at bartending, but loved getting customers...well..."drunk as hell!" He was first discovered in a demo tape that he recorded with a couple of current band members. This all came about when he decided to put together a demo tape and decided that he needed some musical accompaniment; which ended up as the Dave Matthews Band. In 1994, his sister Anne died in a domestic tragedy at her home in South Africa. The Grammy nominated album "Under The Table and Dreaming" is dedicated to her.
Community
Dave Matthews Band is highly involved in giving a helping hand. In 2003, the Band held a concert entitled, "The Central Park Concert" which was held in New York City's Central Park. The concert helped New York City Public Schools, the band is a big supporter of education.
The band also held a concert that helped victims of Katrina.
Sadly, Leroi Moore passed away in 2008. After being seriously injured in an ATV accident in Virginia, Moore succumbed to his injuries on August 19, 2008. He was replaced by Jeff Coffin, famous for his work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones.
Excerpt taken from Wikipedia.org -- the rest of this article can be found at:
Wikipedia
Official site: www.dmband.com
Dancing Nancies
Dave Matthews Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A parking lot attendant
Could I have been
A millionaire in Bel Air
Could I have been lost somewhere in Paris
Could I have been
Your little brother
Could I have been
Could I have been
Anyone other than me
Could I have been
Anyone other than me
Could I have been
Anyone
He stands touch his hair his shoes untied
Tongue gaping stare
Could I have been a magnet for money?
Could I have been anyone other than me?
Twenty three and so tired of life
Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other than me? Then I
Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy
I am who I am who I am who am I
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?
Sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out then I
Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy
Falling out of a world of lies
Could I have been dancing Nancy
Could I have been anyone other than me?
The lyrics of "Dancing Nancies" by Dave Matthews Band are a contemplative reflection on the concept of self-identity and the possibility of alternate realities. The song explores the idea of what if the singer could have been someone else – a parking lot attendant, a millionaire, lost in Paris, or anyone other than who they are. The lyrics present a range of possibilities for different paths the singer's life could have taken and questions the choices and circumstances that lead to their current identity.
The song also dives into darker themes of depression and suicide with the line "twenty-three and so tired of life, such a shame to throw it all away." The singer's mind drifts to alternate realities where they could have been someone else, but ultimately concludes with the affirmation of self-acceptance, stating, "I am who I am, who I am, who am I requesting some enlightenment? Could I have been anyone other than me?" The repetition of the phrase "Could I have been anyone other than me" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's existential musings and inner turmoil.
The imagery in the lyrics further accentuates the exploration of identity and possibility. The tongue-gaping stare and the mouth wide open signifies a hunger for experiencing the world, while the turning and dancing evoke a sense of euphoria and freedom. The song presents a thought-provoking and introspective message that encourages listeners to contemplate their own identity and sense of self.
Line by Line Meaning
Could I have been
Wondering about different paths my life could have taken
A parking lot attendant
Someone working a mundane job
A millionaire in Bel Air
Someone living a lavish lifestyle
Lost somewhere in Paris
Someone getting lost in the beauty of the world
Your little brother
Someone looking up to another person
Anyone other than me
Someone questioning their identity and the path they chose to take
He stands touch his hair his shoes untied
Someone in need of direction and focus
Tongue gaping stare
Someone in shock and disbelief
Could I have been a magnet for money?
Wondering if money could have solved all their problems
Twenty three and so tired of life
Feeling burnt out and exhausted from life's challenges
Such a shame to throw it all away
Regretting past actions that led to negative outcomes
The images grow darker still
Feeling weighed down by negativity
Look up at the sky
Finding solace and hope in nature
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
Feeling alive and being present in the moment
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Letting go of stress and fear
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy
Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of life
I am who I am who I am who am I
Questioning one's identity and purpose
Requesting some enlightenment
Searching for guidance and clarity
Sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
Finding joy in music and the arts
And thrill at it all
Feeling alive and inspired
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
Going through rough periods in life
But I'll work it out then I
Feeling determined to overcome obstacles
Falling out of a world of lies
Breaking free from illusions and falsehoods
Could I have been dancing Nancy
Wondering who they could have been
Could I have been anyone other than me?
Questioning their choices and potential for alternative paths in life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID JOHN MATTHEWS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theostracized
My dad was the biggest DMB fan ever!! He passed almost three years ago now, but I can still hear him singing this and dancing along in the kitchen. Good lord do I miss him. Thank you Dave Matthews for your gift of music.
@bobbyburseth5861
And he named you carter!
@marythereseholewczynski9655
What a wonderful memory...
@adamjochum4545
Dave Mathews is love. Your dad knew it. His songs are just emotions dulled down for the ears to pick up.
@TheTracystella
I am sorry for your loss. It is cool that you can listen to DMB and know that your Dad is right here still.
I'm 61 and we never know...I want this version played during my transition and let everyone feel the love, joy and all the positive energy!
@Oecanside
That's awesome. Stay safe
@deckham81
This video is evidence of why Dave Matthews band should be in the Hall of Fame
@scottjohnson3666
There will never be another band like this. There's only one DAVE MATTHEWS BAND. This is the most unique band and sound. I LOVE IT! THANKS DMB!
@adrian_just_adrian
That slight look back like, "C'mon Carter, let's do this thing"....💯💯💯
@rachelharris725
I had the double cd in my car 20 years ago.....wore out the repeat button on this tract. Best of DMB.