The band formed in 2006 with Perdomo and Cody Payne (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) joined by Bryan Czap (lead guitar) and Tyler Minsberg (drums).
TDS independently released a five song EP There Is No Such Thing as Science in 2007, which drew the attention of Hopeless Records. They released their debut EP with Hopeless Records, entitled If You Could Only Keep Me Alive, with a similar track listing. The band's debut studio album, Reach for the Sun was released on May 5, 2009. The album reached #42 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
On May 14, 2010, the band announced they would be playing Reach for the Sun from front to back on their first headlining tour. Tyler left the band in late 2010.
An Acoustic Performance Of Reach For The Sun was digitally released on March 15, 2011. In the summer of 2011, TDS played a Warped Tour schedule and released their second full-length album, titled War Paint which was on released on July 19, 2011. Tyler returned to the band in 2011 for a short stint before leaving again that same year. Bryan Czap left the band in 2012.
The band released their 3rd studio album, Golden Record, on August 6, 2013 with Ben Cato on drums and Matt Kennedy on lead guitar and backing vocals. Cody Payne remained on rhythm guitar and backing vocals.
In September 2013, AJ Perdomo left the band, citing Cody Payne as the driving force behind the decision.
In February 2017 Cody Payne was sentenced to a year in prison after being charged with a Felony burglary conviction.
In July 2017, the band announced that they were reuniting as a trio without Cody Payne. On October 19, 2017 The Dangerous Summer announced their next album coming out in 2018. The Dangerous Summer was released on January 26, 2018. The first single was Fire, followed by Ghosts and Valium. All 3 singles were released prior to the album release date.
The band had stated influences from Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Third Eye Blind, Bright Eyes, U2, Phil Collins, Explosions in the Sky, Jimmy Eat World, and Andrew McMahon. "The Dangerous Summer" is taken from the novel of same name written by Ernest Hemingway.
I'm Alive
The Dangerous Summer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah last night was a trip
I blow smoke from the windows in my car
This is my suburbia
This is why I live
I never thought that I'd take myself this far
But guess that's nothing new
Like time doesn't exist
The Sun paints the morning the bluest sky
I wanna go to the ocean
I wanna see where it ends
I wanna solve all the puzzles in my head
But I guess that's nothing new
Hallelujah
I'm alive
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm alive
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm alive
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
I'm alive
Hallelujah
The lyrics to The Dangerous Summer's song "I'm Alive" capture a sense of awakening and a renewed appreciation for life. The singer reflects on their experience waking up in a place called Magnolia, suggesting that the previous night was a memorable and transformative one. The act of blowing smoke from the car window signifies a sense of liberation and rebellion within the confines of their suburban life. The mention of "This is my suburbia" indicates a sense of ownership and acceptance of their surroundings, despite perhaps initially feeling disconnected from it. The acknowledgement that they never believed they would come this far in their own personal journey highlights a sense of growth and self-realization.
As the song progresses, the singer describes driving down Mulholland, a road in California known for its scenic views and winding paths. The mention of time seemingly standing still as they drive signifies a moment of tranquility and reflection. The imagery of the Sun painting the sky blue evokes a sense of beauty and serenity in the world around them. The longing to go to the ocean and explore the unknown hints at a desire for new experiences and a quest for answers to the questions swirling in their mind. Despite this longing, there is an acknowledgment that finding these answers may not come easily, as indicated by the sentiment that solving the puzzles in their head is a challenge they continue to face.
The repeated refrain of "Hallelujah, I'm alive" emphasizes a sense of gratitude and joy for simply existing in the world. The word "Hallelujah" traditionally signifies praise or celebration, further highlighting the singer's appreciation for being alive and experiencing all that life has to offer. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song reinforces the theme of newfound appreciation for life and the recognition of the beauty in the everyday moments. The song concludes with a final declaration of being alive, with the word "Hallelujah" serving as a powerful and uplifting affirmation of the singer's newfound sense of vitality and purpose.
Overall, "I'm Alive" by The Dangerous Summer conveys a message of self-discovery, gratitude, and the beauty of living in the present moment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person coming to terms with their past, embracing their current surroundings, and looking towards the future with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for life's simple pleasures. The song serves as a reminder to cherish every moment and to find joy in the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I woke up on magnolia
I began my day on a street named Magnolia, reflecting on the events of the previous night.
Yeah last night was a trip
The experiences of the previous night were intense and memorable.
I blow smoke from the windows in my car
I release smoke from my car windows, symbolizing a sense of freedom and release.
This is my suburbia
This neighborhood represents my sense of home and belonging.
This is why I live
The comfort and familiarity of this place are the reasons I keep going.
I never thought that I'd take myself this far
I never expected to reach this point in my life, but here I am.
But guess that's nothing new
However, facing unexpected challenges is a common occurrence for me.
I drive down Mulholland
I travel along Mulholland Drive, moving forward without a sense of time.
Like time doesn't exist
In this moment, time feels irrelevant and unimportant.
The Sun paints the morning the bluest sky
The sun creates a beautiful blue sky in the morning, inspiring a sense of hope and possibility.
I wanna go to the ocean
I desire to visit the ocean, seeking new experiences and perspectives.
I wanna see where it ends
I am curious to discover the boundaries and mysteries of the ocean.
I wanna solve all the puzzles in my head
I strive to unravel the complexities of my thoughts and emotions, seeking clarity and understanding.
Hallelujah
Expressing a sense of gratitude and joy.
I'm alive
Acknowledging the gift of life and the opportunity to experience new beginnings.
I'm alive
Emphasizing the vitality and presence of being alive.
I'm alive
Repeating the affirmation of living and thriving with enthusiasm.
I'm alive
Celebrating the essence of life and the feeling of being truly alive.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Spirit Music Group
Written by: AJ Perdomo, Aaron Gillespie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheAzDman
Captures the feel of So Cal
@11Bravo33andathird
I love this band and song....
@j03T3XAz
Livin that Miller High Life 🍻
@sansswagger8195
I guess I'll be bumping The Dangerous Third Eye on my stereo all day. Kinda fits being this is their third banger in a row this year.
@TheDangerousSummer
appreciate the love, keep them bumping!
@tryh4rd3r
damn man.. dangerous summer lives on .. Hemmingway will be proud
@TheRoarWithin
I’ve listed to this 10 times already. Favourite band of all time ❤️
@TheDangerousSummer
thank you 🙏
@jacksonhunt2313
Been seeing these guys since 2007. The old tunes are great and I miss all the previous members but honestly I think that Matt and AJ are making the best Dangerous Summer music we've ever heard. Couldn't be more excited for this EP.
@TheDangerousSummer
Thank you so much, means a ton. So happy to still be standing after all these years!