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.
We're Not Alone
Dinosaur Jr. Lyrics
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I don't need to listen, I just need to sound
We sit on together, let me out
And when it's almost over, there's a doubt [Incomprehensible]
Wanted you to save, I wanted you to save
I wanted you to save me now
I wanted you to save, I wanted you to save
You keep an eye on my eye, you keep me straight
Keep an eye on every move I make, I thank you
Keep [Incomprehensible]
Keep me guessing, keep me, keep me on awe
I wanted you to save, I wanted you to save
I wanted you to save me now
I wanted you to save, I wanted you to save
I wanted you to save me now
Like you are now, you know how
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
The lyrics to Dinosaur Jr.'s song We're Not Alone convey a sense of needing someone to rely on for salvation and guidance. The opening line "I've been lying softly, glued to the ground" suggests a feeling of being stuck or stagnant. The singer expresses the desire to be saved, but also seems to doubt whether that salvation is possible ("And when it's almost over, there's a doubt"). The repeated plea "I wanted you to save me now" reinforces the sense of urgency and dependency.
The second verse introduces the idea of someone keeping an eye on the singer and keeping them on track, but also keeping them guessing and in awe. This suggests a relationship that is both supportive and somewhat unpredictable. The chorus repeats the phrase "If you say we're not alone," emphasizing the importance of not feeling isolated or abandoned.
Overall, the lyrics express a need for connection and reassurance, but also acknowledge the complexity of human relationships and the potential for doubt and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been lying softly, glued to the ground
I've been feeling low and unmotivated lately.
I don't need to listen, I just need to sound
I don't need other people's opinions, I just need to express myself.
We sit on together, let me out
We are in this situation together, but I feel trapped and want to escape.
And when it's almost over, there's a doubt [Incomprehensible]
When things are almost over, I start to second-guess myself.
Wanted you to save, I wanted you to save
I wanted you to rescue me from this situation.
You keep an eye on my eye, you keep me straight
You help me stay focused and on track.
Keep an eye on every move I make, I thank you
I appreciate your guidance and support in everything I do.
Keep [Incomprehensible]
Keep me motivated and inspired.
Keep me guessing, keep me, keep me on awe
Keep me intrigued and interested in what's going on.
Like you are now, you know how
You understand me and my situation perfectly right now.
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you can reassure me that we are not alone in this situation.
If you say we're not alone, if you say we're not alone
If you can remind me that there are others going through similar experiences.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOSEPH DONALD MASCIS JR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind