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.
Show Me the Way
Dinosaur Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's ringing in my ear
And no one to relate to except the sea
Who can I believe in?
I'm kneeling on the floor
There has to be a force. Who do I phone?
The stars are out and shining
But all I really want to know
[Chorus:]
Oh won't you show me the way
I want you show me the way
Well, I can see no reason
You're living on your nerves
When someone drops a cup and I submerge
I'm swimming in a circle I feel I'm going down
There has to be a fool to play my part
Someone thought of healing but all I really want to know
[Chorus]
I want you day after day
I wonder if I'm dreaming
I feel so unashamed
I can't believe this is happening to me.
I watch you when you're sleeping
And I wanna slap your face
[Chorus]
I want you show me the way
I want you day after day
The lyrics of Dinosaur Jr.'s song Show Me the Way seem to be about feeling lost and searching for guidance. The singer is feeling alone and disconnected from others, and is desperate for someone to show them the way. They are overwhelmed and unsure of who to turn to, even considering calling a higher power. The imagery of the stars and sea lend a sense of vastness and uncertainty to the singer's search for direction. The chorus repeats the plea for someone to show the way, emphasizing the desperation and need for guidance.
The second verse takes a darker turn, with the singer feeling like they are drowning and in need of a fool to take their place. While someone may have ideas for healing, the singer is solely focused on finding the way out of their current situation. The final verse reveals a deeper connection to someone, as the singer watches them while they sleep, but still feels the desire to be shown the way.
Overall, Show Me the Way is a relatable expression of feeling lost and in need of guidance. The repeated plea for someone to show the way emphasizes the universal desire for direction and connection to something greater.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder how you're feeling
I'm curious about your emotions.
There's ringing in my ear
I hear a persistent noise.
And no one to relate to except the sea
I don't have anyone who understands me except the ocean.
Who can I believe in?
I'm questioning who I can trust.
I'm kneeling on the floor
I'm on my knees, feeling defeated.
There has to be a force. Who do I phone?
There must be a power to help me, who can I call?
The stars are out and shining
The stars are visible and bright.
But all I really want to know
My true desire is to understand something deeper.
Oh won't you show me the way
Can you guide me to the right path?
I want you show me the way
I desire for you to lead me.
Well, I can see no reason
I don't perceive any logical explanation.
You're living on your nerves
You're existing in a state of anxiousness.
When someone drops a cup and I submerge
I get startled by small things and feel overwhelmed.
I'm swimming in a circle I feel I'm going down
I'm stuck in a cycle of negative patterns and feel like I'm sinking.
There has to be a fool to play my part
Someone must be willing to take on my role and make mistakes for me to learn from.
Someone thought of healing but all I really want to know
Someone suggested a way to get better, but I'm still searching for answers.
I wonder if I'm dreaming
I'm questioning whether this is reality or not.
I feel so unashamed
I'm not embarrassed by my true feelings.
I can't believe this is happening to me.
This situation is surreal to me.
I watch you when you're sleeping
I observe you while you're in a vulnerable state.
And I wanna slap your face
I have the desire to express my frustration towards you.
I want you day after day
My longing for you persists every day.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER KENNETH FRAMPTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PS-wu2ym
the most lovable voice in all of alternative rock
@sonetlumiere12345678
This is so much better than the original. When Dinosaur Jr cover a song they really make it shine.
@leandrowolph8100
Não. Esse dinossauro definitivamente estragou uma bela canção.
@edkabessa
@@leandrowolph8100 kkkkkkkkkkk
@insanelyheinousbeefer
before i knew better, for a long time i wondered why peter frampton would write a lyric like "I watch you when you're sleeping, and wanna slaAP YOUR FAAACEAGUH"
@manner_jr
Murph killing it as usual
@laurenceruble2755
This was the first Dino Jr song I heard from the Savannah Slamma 3 soundtrack in 1989.
@drewa1999
Love the blown out wah and equally ragged vocals!
@francisandrews5779
I know how much you hated this. Dan. RIP my brother. I love ya and think of you EVERYDAY.
And J. Still Rocks This . No disrespect.
@matte8464
'when someone thought of HEEaALING'
fucking perfect delivery