Formed in 1978 in Winston-Salem, NC, the original lineup of the band featured Chris Stamey (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Gene Holder (bass), and Will Rigby (drums). All three members had spent time in Stamey's legendary group, Sneakers. After relocating to New York, the dB's released their debut single, "(I Thought) You Wanted to Know," b/w "If and When" for Stamey's Car label. Guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Peter Holsapple, who had worked with Stamey in the band Rittenhouse Square in the early '70s, joined the band by the end of 1978. Holsapple and Stamey shared the songwriting chores during the band's early years.
The dB's were unable to secure a U.S. recording contract, so they signed to the British Albion label. They released two albums on Albion: Stands for Decibels (1981) and Repercussion (1982). Both records received rave reviews but little sales. Stamey left in 1983 to resume a solo career. Rick Wagner was added on bass but was replaced shortly by Jeff Beninato. With Holsapple fronting the group, they signed to Bearsville in 1984 and released Like This, a more conventional jangle pop album with strong country leanings. Bearsville's internal problems doomed the album despite its obvious hit potential. They eventually left to sign with I.R.S. Records in 1987, where they released The Sound of Music. The album managed to break the Top 200 and college radio support was strong. The dB's received some crucial exposure when they opened for R.E.M. on their Document tour in the end of 1987, but by the end of 1988, the band decided to break up. In 1994, Paris Avenue, a collection of demos for the band's never-recorded fifth album, was released on Monkey Hill.
Holsapple and Stamey reunited in 1991 for a duo project, releasing Mavericks later that year. Mavericks was the only album the duo ever released (although they have been working sporadically on a followup in recent years). Following its release, Stamey continued with solo projects; he also continued to contribute to the Golden Palominos, work as a sideman for Bob Mould, and become an acclaimed producer for bands like Whiskeytown and Le Tigre and artists like Caitlin Cary. Holder went on to join the Wygals and worked as a producer and guest musician for other artists. Will Rigby released one solo album, Sidekick Phenomenon, in 1985, and a second, Paradoxaholic, in 2002. He also joined Steve Earle's band as drummer. Holsapple joined R.E.M. as an occasional touring member in 1991 and formed his own band, the Continental Drifters, with then-wife Susan Cowsill. He went on to serve as a sideman to Hootie and the Blowfish.
In late 2004, the original lineup of the dB's reformed. They have been playing occasional shows while working on a new album, and have released a couple of new songs through their web site, www.thedbs.com.
The band's latest work is 2012's 'Falling Off the Sky', which has attracted serious critical praise. For example, 'The Chicago Tribune' ran an article stating that he release "sounds like the work of a band still very much at the top of its game." 'Falling Off the Sky' was created by the group's classic line-up of Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder, and Will Rigby,
I'm In Love
The dB's Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I don't understand
And I don't understand this attraction
Surprise, surprise
What's been going on
I've got
I've got no idea
Surprise, surprise
Now I'm thinking
Any way it turns out
It could turn out any way
It could be this
It could be that
It could be none of the above
Guess I don't understand
Why
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I thought
The thought was enough
I thought I knew it all
It's over my head
But I'm still thinking
Any way it works out
You know it could work out any way
It could be bad
It could be good
It could be none of the above
Guess I don't understand
Why
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
Running away from myself
I fell into someone else
Who didn't know exactly what to think
I love
What I don't understand
But I don't understand what's been going on
Surprise, surprise
Looks like I'm in love
Any way it works out
It could work out any way
It could be this
It could be that
It could be none of the above
Guess I don't understand
No I don't understand
Yes I don't understand
Why
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
I'm in love
The dB's's song "I'm In Love" explores the mystery and confusion of falling in love. The singer admits that they "love what [they] don't understand," but the attraction they feel towards their lover is still puzzling. They admit to having no idea how to approach this unfamiliar feeling, and that there is a chance things could turn out good, bad, or not at all what they expect.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of losing oneself in another person, admitting to "running away from myself" before falling for someone who doesn't know what to think. Despite the uncertainty and confusion expressed throughout the song, the singer ultimately finds themselves "in love."
The song captures the complicated emotions of falling in love, from the inexplicable attraction to the fear of the unknown. It also showcases the vulnerability that comes with opening up to another person and surrendering control.
Line by Line Meaning
I love
I have strong affection for
What I don't understand
Things that confuse or mystify me
And I don't understand this attraction
I'm puzzled by my feelings for this person
Surprise, surprise
An ironic comment on how things have turned out
What's been going on
The events or circumstances that have led to this point
I've got
I possess or experience
I've got no idea
I'm completely clueless
Just how far to press my luck
How much risk or chance I can take
Now I'm thinking
I'm actively considering my options
Any way it turns out
Regardless of how things end up
It could turn out any way
The outcome is uncertain or unpredictable
It could be this
One possibility
It could be that
Another possibility
It could be none of the above
A third, unexpected possibility
Guess I don't understand
Admitting a lack of comprehension
Why
Asking about the reasoning or cause
I'm in love
I have strong positive feelings towards someone
I thought
I believed or assumed
The thought was enough
I was content with just the idea of something
I thought I knew it all
I was overconfident or arrogant about my knowledge
It's over my head
I don't understand or comprehend it
But I'm still thinking
I'm trying to figure it out
You know it could work out any way
The situation is unpredictable
It could be bad
An undesirable outcome
It could be good
A positive outcome
Running away from myself
Escaping my own problems or issues
I fell into someone else
I became involved with a new person
Who didn't know exactly what to think
The new person was also uncertain or confused
But I don't understand what's been going on
I'm still confused or unaware of the situation
Looks like I'm in love
I'm acknowledging my romantic feelings
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bobby Womack
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garyheinzman6855
Just as exciting as it was in my college dorm in 1983.
@sharona752
the good ole days
@Searchandpreserve
Simply perfect!!
@MikeMillsTribute
Great!
@holybear
This is so cute ^^,
@mikecaldwell4442
this is one of those bands that live were probably good...their records never showed their spirit or talent for one reason or another...others have never made good records either...buddy guy has never made a record that shows his total thang....