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.
Would You Like
Dramarama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's go join that big parade
Would you like to lead ahead?
Would you like to paint these red?
Lying in my own decay
Don't believe a word you say
Would you like to be my friend?
Would you like to go to bed?
Would you like to see me dead?
Living in a hovel's gate
Isn't this the sunshine state?
Would you like to hear me squeal?
Bet you'd love to watch me kneel
Would you like to be my friend?
Would you like to hear the end?
Would you like to go to bed?
Would you like to see me dead?
La la, la la, la la
La la, la la, la la
The lyrics of "Would You Like" by Dramarama are open to interpretation, with different listeners having their own personal take on the meaning. The verses consist of a series of questions that are posed to the listener or perhaps to the songwriter's own ego, exploring themes of power, control, and mortality.
The opening lines of "Sitting in a leafy glade/Let's go join that big parade" suggest the idea of following the herd and giving in to the pressures of society, whereas the following line "Would you like to lead ahead?" is an invitation to take a more dominant role. The subsequent line "Would you like to paint these red?" may imply a desire for violence and destruction.
The second verse is more introspective, with the lines "Lying in my own decay/Don't believe a word you say" expressing a lack of trust in those around us, or perhaps in our own thoughts and beliefs. As the song progresses, the lyrics become more sinister, with lines such as "Bet you'd love to watch me kneel" and "Would you like to see me dead?" suggesting a demented sense of submission or a desire to be controlled by someone else.
Overall, "Would You Like" is a dark and enigmatic song that poses more questions than it answers, leaving room for individual interpretation and introspection.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting in a leafy glade
Sitting in a peaceful place surrounded by trees
Let's go join that big parade
Let's go be a part of the exciting, crowded celebration happening over there
Would you like to lead ahead?
Do you want to take charge and lead the way?
Would you like to paint these red?
Do you want to make things more exciting and bold?
Lying in my own decay
Feeling like I'm deteriorating and falling apart
Don't believe a word you say
I don't trust anything you tell me
Would you like to hear the end?
Do you want to know how this story ends?
Would you like to be my friend?
Do you want to form a close relationship with me?
Would you like to go to bed?
Do you want to sleep with me?
Would you like to see me dead?
Do you want me to suffer and die?
Living in a hovel's gate
Living in a cramped and uncomfortable place
Isn't this the sunshine state?
Sarcastically questioning why everything is so bright and cheerful when life is tough
Would you like to hear me squeal?
Do you enjoy causing me pain and hearing me scream?
Bet you'd love to watch me kneel
I'm sure you'd enjoy seeing me beg and submit to you
La la, la la, la la
Repetitive sounds used for musical effect
Contributed by Jayce A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.