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.
Anything
Dramarama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please just tell me what the hell is wrong
Do you want to eat, do you want to sleep, do you want to drown?
Just settle down, settle down, settle down
I'll give you candy, give you diamonds, give you pills
Give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I'll even let you watch the shows you want to see
I'm so sick of you tonight
You never stay awake when I get home
Is something wrong with me, something wrong with you?
I really wish I knew, wish I knew, wish I knew
I'll give you candy, give you diamonds, give you pills
I'll give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I'll even let you watch the shows you want to see
Because you'll marry me, marry me, marry me
Marry me, marry me, marry me
I was young, I learned a game
When love and happiness were the same
Now I'm older and I don't play
I found out the hardest way
I got wasted, she got mad
Called me names and she called her dad
He got crazy and I did too
Wonder what I did to you?
I gave you candy, gave you diamonds, gave you pills
I'll give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I even let you hear the songs I want to sing
I'll give you anything, anything, anything
Anything... anything
The lyrics to the song "Anything Anything" by Dramarama tackle themes related to toxic relationships and the need for control. The singer is frustrated with their partner's behavior and wants to know what's wrong. They offer material things like candy, diamonds, pills, and money in exchange for marriage, which shows that they are willing to do anything to keep their partner close. The repeated phrase "settle down" can be interpreted either as a comforting gesture or a demand for obedience. The singer's desperation is further revealed as they ask their partner to tell them what they want to do - eat, sleep, or drown. This may indicate that the singer is trying to manipulate their partner by offering different options, or that their partner is so unhappy that they don't even know what they want anymore.
The second verse is sung from a retrospective point of view, where the singer reflects on their past mistakes in relationships. They realize now that the game they used to play, where love and happiness were the same, was not sustainable. They also acknowledge that they got caught up in drugs and alcohol, which caused problems with their partner. The line "I'll give you anything, anything, anything" is repeated as if to suggest that the singer was willing to offer the same things to their previous partner that they are offering now, and it didn't work out.
Interestingly, the song ends with a fade-out on the word "anything", which leaves the listener with an eerie feeling. It's unclear whether the singer is still in the same toxic relationship, or if they are alone and desperate for companionship. Overall, the song presents a bleak portrait of love and relationships, where control and manipulation are more important than honesty and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Okay what is it tonight?
What's the matter with you tonight?
Please just tell me what the hell is wrong
Can you tell me what's been bothering you?
Do you want to eat, do you want to sleep, do you want to drown?
Do you want me to offer you comfort and care?
Just settle down, settle down, settle down
Relax, calm down, and let me take care of you.
I'll give you candy, give you diamonds, give you pills
I'm willing to provide you with anything and everything you need.
Give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I'm even prepared to give you money and an extravagant lifestyle.
I'll even let you watch the shows you want to see
I'll do everything in my power to make you happy.
Just marry me, marry me, marry me
Please just commit to me and let us build a life together.
I'm so sick of you tonight
I'm fed up with the way you're behaving.
You never stay awake when I get home
You're always asleep when I get home, which is disappointing.
Is something wrong with me, something wrong with you?
I'm not sure if there's an issue with me or with you.
I really wish I knew, wish I knew, wish I knew
I wish we could communicate better and resolve any problems.
I was young, I learned a game
When I was young, I thought love was easy and fun.
When love and happiness were the same
I believed that being in love meant being happy all the time.
Now I'm older and I don't play
As I've grown older, I understand that love can be complicated.
I found out the hardest way
I learned this lesson through difficult experiences.
I got wasted, she got mad
I got drunk and upset her.
Called me names and she called her dad
She insulted me and even involved her father in the argument.
He got crazy and I did too
Her father became angry, and I responded in kind.
Wonder what I did to you?
I'm still not sure what caused the argument and resulting drama.
I even let you hear the songs I want to sing
I'm willing to open up and share my true self with you.
I'll give you anything, anything, anything
I'm willing to give you my all and go to great lengths to make you happy.
Anything... anything
Absolutely anything, without hesitation or reservation.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Mills Easdale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pdoja1990
Okay what is it tonight?
Please just tell me what the hell is wrong
Do you want to eat, do you want to sleep, do you want to drown?
Just settle down, settle down, settle down
I'll give you candy, give you diamonds, give you pills
Give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I'll even let you watch the shows you want to see
Just marry me, marry me, marry me
I'm so sick of you tonight
You never stay awake when I get home
Is something wrong with me, something wrong with you?
I really wish I knew, wish I knew, wish I knew
I'll give you candy, give you diamonds, give you pills
I'll give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I'll even let you watch the shows you want to see
Because you'll marry me, marry me, marry me
Marry me, marry me, marry me
I was young, I learned a game
When love and happiness were the same
Now I'm older and I don't play
I found out the hardest way
I got wasted, she got mad
Called me names and she called her dad
He got crazy and I did too
Wonder what I did to you?
I gave you candy, gave you diamonds, gave you pills
I'll give you anything you want, hundred dollar bills
I even let you hear the songs I want to sing
I'll give you anything, anything, anything
Anything... anything
@joehesse5433
Just lost my older brother Monday 12-13-21 this is my song for him. Iβd do anything to get him back. Lost my oldest brother to cancer in 2015 then my dad in 2019. Now this, at least I have this song.
@hmooney8552
Sorry to hear that... From one stranger to another. Music forever
@Jrswrld69
Sorry brother. Live on and replay this song to cherish them Rest In Peace
@denisganz3309
πstay tight..
@666Lachrimae666
big love to ya man, and heck yeah we got music :)
@carlosfryer3887
People love you my man, don't forget it.
@ActuallyNikki20
My childhood watching nightmare on elm street 4 and Rick working out to this and Alice doing the nunchucks in the mirror. Greatest song!!!
@waltlikka
Dream Master introduced me to this song & then I got into the rest of their music.
@thedrunkweddingphotographer
100%
@asmrebecca
Right?!!!β€