Since 1996, an evolving lineup of the band, always fronted by singer/songwriter John Easdale, has been performing in one incarnation or another (initially billed as Easdale solo but usually with assistance from former band mates), and from then until 2003 played occasional shows in the L.A. area, as well as in New Jersey. However, amid renewed interest since the Bands Reunited episode in January 2004 and a large-scale appearance at KROQ-FM's annual Inland Invasion festival concert (attended by more than 78,000 fans) in September 2003, Dramarama has been touring nationally in 2004 and 2005, and released their first new, full-length studio CD, titled "everybody dies," on October 25, 2005.
In 1982, Dramarama formed in and around Wayne, New Jersey, where founding member Chris Carter owned a record store called Looney Tunez Records. The initial line-up consisted of singer/songwriter John Easdale, "Mr. E Boy" (Mark Englert) and Carter, later joined by Peter Wood on guitars, Jesse Farbman on drums. Jesse would leave the group after the third album, and was eventually replaced with drummer Clem Burke, whose prior band was Blondie. Other early bandmates included keyboardists Theothorous Athanasious "Teddy" Ellenis and "Secret Weapon" Tommy Mullaney, who doubled as the band's tour manager.
The current lineup consists of frontman John Easdale and several players from Dramarama's former incarnation, including lead guitarist Mark Englert and rhythm guitar player Peter Wood (the only band member who moved back to New Jersey and still maintains a residence there). Rounding out the band are Los Angeles-based musicians Tony Snow on drums, and Craig Ballam (guitar) and Mike Davis (bass), the two of whom also maintain a side project called Shobud. In addition, Mike Davis is the official bass player for Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford's eponymous solo band, and appears on Halford's upcoming CD, Halford IV.
A number of prominent musicians has joined the band for studio sessions on specific tracks over the years, perhaps most notably pianist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers and guitarist Mick Taylor, late of the Rolling Stones, on Vinyl. In addition, fellow power pop artist Dwight Twilley lent vocals to several songs on hi-fi sci-fi, on which The New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain also made a vocal appearance.
In addition, other artists often join Dramarama onstage or in the studio, including bassist Steve "Muddy Shews" Shewchuk from seminal Jersey shore band Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes; keyboardist Morley Bartnoff from Cosmo Topper (formerly of the 1980s band Burning Sensations), and harmonica player "Trashcan" Ray Barwick, as well as former No Soap Radio members Danny Roselle on keys and guitar, and drummer Chris O'Hara.
All I Want
Dramarama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All I want is a minnow in a jar
All I want is a diamond ring
All I want is a picture of the king
All I want is a life size photograph
of Edith Sedgewick Post
you know I wish I had her autograph
All I want is a one night stand
All I want is every finger on your hand
All I want is some second date
All I want is a glass of lemonade
All I want is my picture in a magazine
or maybe see my face up on the silver screen
na na nana, na nana naaaa
ya ya yahyah, yah yahyah yaaaaah
ta ta tata, ta tata taaaaa
ba ba baba, ba baba baaaa
The lyrics of Dramarama's song "All I Want" seemingly lists material things such as a big black car, a diamond ring, and a picture of the king, as well as personal experiences like a one night stand or seeing one's face in a magazine or on the silver screen. However, these literal wants are not the actual focus of the song, and instead, they serve as symbols for something else entirely. The song is about the human yearning for more, for the next thing, and often, this insatiable desire leaves us empty and unfulfilled. The repetition of "Ba ba ba ba, baba ba baa!" and other nonsensical sounds imitates the emptiness felt by the singer in his pursuit of these things.
The line "All I want is a life size photograph of Edith Sedgewick Post, you know I wish I had her autograph" is particularly noteworthy as it references Edie Sedgwick, an actress and model most known for her work with artist Andy Warhol. Edie became an icon of the 1960s, and her style and attitude influenced many at the time, and beyond. However, her life was also plagued with addiction and mental health issues, and she died of an overdose in 1971 at the age of 28. The mention of her photograph and autograph in the song perhaps serves as a reminder of how our idolization of individuals or things can often lead to disappointment or sadness.
Line by Line Meaning
All I want is a big black car
I desire to have a luxurious and fancy car, preferably in black color.
All I want is a minnow in a jar
I just want a simple thing like a minnow (small fish) in a jar.
All I want is a diamond ring
I want to own a sparkling diamond ring, maybe as a symbol of love or wealth.
All I want is a picture of the king
I would love to have a picture of the king, probably as a collectible or out of respect.
All I want is a life size photograph
of Edith Sedgewick Post
you know I wish I had her autograph
I wish to possess a life-size photograph of Edith Sedgewick Post, and I regret not obtaining her autograph when I had the chance.
All I want is a one night stand
I am desiring a fleeting yet passionate sexual encounter with someone.
All I want is every finger on your hand
I want to be romantically and physically intimate with someone, possibly by holding their hand and feeling their fingers.
All I want is some second date
I am hoping to have another date with someone that I am interested in romantically.
All I want is a glass of lemonade
I am craving a refreshing and sweet drink like lemonade, possibly as a symbol of a simple pleasure in life.
All I want is my picture in a magazine
or maybe see my face up on the silver screen
I want to be recognized and famous, either by having my picture published in a magazine or by appearing on the big screen in movies.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN MILLS EASDALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind