The band was originally called "Dinosaur", but changed its name following the release of its debut album Dinosaur in 1985, after a band called Dinosaurs, featuring ex-members of Country Joe and the Fish and Jefferson Airplane, threatened them with legal action. (They still used the name Dinosaur on their albums until 1987 at the latest, and some copies of You're Living All Over Me still lack the "Jr").
In 1987, Dinosaur Jr. signed to SST Records on the recommendation of Sonic Youth, and with them released what is often considered their best album, You're Living All Over Me. Bug followed the next year, an album which, in the UK, was released by Paul Smith's Blast First Records (home to Sonic Youth, Big Black and Butthole Surfers). During this period Dinosaur Jr. became known for their very loud concerts.
Despite not gaining much commercial success, the band has enjoyed something of a cult following. The success of singles Freak Scene and Just Like Heaven, and recommendations from the likes of Sonic Youth saw them signed by Warner Brothers. The signature Dinosaur Jr. sound is the melodic tunes saturated in layers of guitar noise and punctuated by J Mascis' elaborate, yet laconic guitar solos. They were a major influence on the up-and-coming band Nirvana.
Tensions ran high between Mascis and Barlow, and in 1989 Barlow was kicked out of the band. As a result, Barlow continued to work with his own band, Sebadoh. The two famously fell out on stage with Mascis attacking Barlow. Dinosaur Jr. subsequently became little more than a pseudonym for Mascis. He switched labels to Blanco y Negro in the UK, Warner/Sire in the US, with Green Mind (1991) being his first release in that deal.
After Barlow left the band, Van Conner, from the Screaming Trees, played bass for at least one live show in 1990, and Donna Dresch, from Team Dresch played bass at least once live with the band in 1990.
In 1991, Mike Johnson joined Dinosaur Jr as full-time bass player. He was in the band for 1991's Whatever's Cool With Me, 1993's Where You Been, 1994's Without A Sound, and 1997's Hand It Over.
Murph left the band in late 1993, after the Lollapalooza tour.
George Berz took over on drums, and drummed from 1994-1997. He was on Without A Sound, and Hand It Over. He later drummed for J Mascis + the Fog in 2000, 2001, and 2003.
Through the 90s, Mascis sometimes explored quieter and more tranquil shores than Dinosaur Jr. had in the 80s. The band formed part of the 1992 "Rollercoaster" tour. A package tour based on the successful "Lollapalooza". The tour featured The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine & Blur. On the 1993 release, Where You Been, the opening track ("Out There") had an accompanying video and was aired on MTV for a short time. After 1994's Without a Sound and 1997's Hand It Over, Mascis began to release albums with the band J Mascis and the Fog.
In 2004, J Mascis regained the master rights to the first three Dinosaur Jr. albums from SST, and arranged for their reissue on the Merge label in early 2005. The reissues coincided with an announcement that the original lineup of J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph (Emmett Patrick Murphy) were reuniting for a summer tour. The success of this tour resulted in a new album entitled Beyond (2007) and single Been There All The Time. They are Lou Barlow's first recording with the band since 1989. The original line-up of Dinosaur Jr. has been touring extensively since 2005. They are currently on a world tour.
On February 20, 2009, Pitchfork Media announced that the band had signed with indie label Jagjaguwar, and their first release on the label entitled Farm was released June 23, 2009, to largely positive reviews.
It's Me
Dinosaur Jr. Lyrics
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I know that you'll wait, you said it can't be
I thought it midway, I thought it midway
To find a way, the only way it's me
Your eyes are lost and you will wait to see
To find a way, the only thing in me
It's gone ahead and by the way it's me
I know that you'll wait, you said it's not me
I know that you'll wait, you said it can't be
I thought it midway, I thought it midway
To find a way, only way it's me
Your eyes are lost and you will wait to see
To find a way, the only thing in me
It's gone ahead and by the way it's me
I'll know why, I'll know why, if I can finally believe
And if I, and if I, if I can let you hold by me, me
I'll know why, I'll know why, if I can finally believe
And if I, and if I, if I can let you hold by me, me
To find a way, the only way it's me
Your eyes are lost and you will wait to see
To find a way, the only thing in me
It's gone ahead and by the way it's me
It's me, it's me
At its core, "It's Me" is a song about self-discovery, finding oneself, and coming to terms with who you truly are. The repeated phrase "It's Me" emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not trying to be someone or something else just to please others. The lyrics "I know that you'll wait, you said it's not me / I know that you'll wait, you said it can't be" suggest that the singer is aware that someone is waiting for them to change or be someone else, but regardless, the only way they can move forward is by being true to who they are.
The lines "To find a way, the only way it's me / Your eyes are lost and you will wait to see" suggest that while it may be difficult for others to see or understand the singer's true self, they must continue to search for their own path and not try to fit into someone else's expectations. The repetition of the line "I thought it midway" perhaps suggests that the singer was unsure at one point, but has now come to a realization about themselves.
The chorus lines "I'll know why, I'll know why, if I can finally believe / And if I, and if I, if I can let you hold by me, me" suggest that the singer understands that they need to believe in themselves before others can fully accept and understand them.
Overall, "It's Me" is a powerful message about self-discovery and the importance of being true to oneself, even if it means going against the expectations of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that you'll wait, you said it's not me
You have assured me that you won't give up on waiting for someone and you are certain that it's not me.
I know that you'll wait, you said it can't be
I am aware that you won't give up on waiting for someone and you believe that it's impossible for it to be me.
I thought it midway, I thought it midway
I had a moment of contemplation where I was reflecting on something important.
To find a way, the only way it's me
I need to discover a solution, and the only answer is that it's me.
Your eyes are lost and you will wait to see
You seem perplexed and are willing to wait to find clarity.
To find a way, the only thing in me
I must find a solution, and the only possibility lies within myself.
It's gone ahead and by the way it's me
It has already been taken care of, and to clarify, it's me.
I'll know why, I'll know why, if I can finally believe
I will comprehend the reason when I am finally able to have faith.
And if I, and if I, if I can let you hold by me, me
If I become vulnerable enough to let you support me, then maybe.
It's me, it's me
I'm the one.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOSEPH DONALD MASCIS JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind