The band members attended University of Michigan's music school. They first came together as a rhythm section for a performance at the Duderstadt Center, a university facility that houses an arts library and other resources. After reading an interview with German producer Reinhold Mack, band founder Jack Stratton conceived of Vulfpeck as an imagined German version of the U.S. session musicians of the 1960s such as the Funk Brothers, the Wrecking Crew, and Muscle Shoals. The idea was to channel that era of the live rhythm section.
The band's founding members are Jack Stratton on keyboards, drums and guitar, Theo Katzman on guitar, drums and vocals, Woody Goss on keyboards, and Joe Dart on bass. Touring partners and frequent collaborators include Antwaun Stanley, Joey Dosik and Cory Wong. Other contributing musicians include Charles Jones, Christine Hucal, David T. Walker, Bernard Purdie, James Gadson and Blake Mills.
Darwin Derby
Vulfpeck Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That's your main concern, that's your main concern, yeah
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That's your main concern, that's your main concern, yeah
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
Of all the creatures in the sea, my favorite is the bass
It climbs up all the rocks and trees
And slides down on its hands and knees
But why does the shark have teeth?
The shark has teeth to eat, I see
And why does the whale have feet?
Well it, I don't know
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That's your main concern, that's your main concern, yeah
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' (yeah)
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with you, gonna party with you, uh
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with me, gonna party with me, aye-ee
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with you, party with you, uh
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with me, gonna party with me
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That's your main concern, that's your main concern, yeah
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
The lyrics to Vulfpeck's "Darwin Derby" urge listeners to get up and seize opportunities before they pass them by. The song compares the tenacity and perseverance of birds and sea creatures to the challenges that humans face in everyday life. The first verse compares the pursuit of success to being an "early birdy" who gets the worm. The next verse encourages listeners to take action, rather than waiting for their turn, by "getting your feathers dirty." The reference to "kicking the drum" like famed drummer Pretty Purdie emphasizes the need for dedication and hard work, as success is not something that comes easily. The chorus emphasizes the importance of winning your heat in the Darwin Derby, or being successful in your own life, rather than simply going through the motions.
The second verse of the song provides an evolutionary take on why creatures have certain characteristics. The singer mentions that their favorite creature in the sea is the bass, which is known for its ability to climb rocks and trees. They then ask "why does the shark have teeth?" answering their own question, "the shark has teeth to eat, I see." The following question, "why does the whale have feet?" remains unanswered, suggesting the mysteries and complexities of evolution.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to have a sense of urgency in pursuing their goals and to not be afraid to get their hands dirty in the pursuit of success. Through its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics, "Darwin Derby" provides a motivational anthem for those looking to make their mark and succeed in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
You need to wake up early, work hard and be proactive if you want to be successful.
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
You need to take action and not wait for opportunities to come to you - sometimes it requires getting your hands dirty.
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
You need to work hard and play your part in order to make something great happen.
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
You need to compete and give it your all in order to succeed and come out on top.
That's your main concern, that's your main concern, yeah
Your main focus should be on succeeding and doing your best.
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Put your best foot forward and make a good impression.
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Let loose and have fun - don't be afraid to be yourself.
Open your wings and start to fly
Spread your wings and take on new challenges and opportunities.
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
Life is a gift, so make the most of it and enjoy every moment.
Of all the creatures in the sea, my favorite is the bass
Out of all the possible choices, the bass is my favorite and stands out to me.
It climbs up all the rocks and trees
The bass is versatile and can adapt to different environments.
And slides down on its hands and knees
The bass can move in unexpected and exciting ways.
But why does the shark have teeth?
Why do some creatures have certain characteristics? It's just the way they evolved.
The shark has teeth to eat, I see
The shark's teeth are a key part of its hunting and survival tactics.
And why does the whale have feet? Well it, I don't know
Some characteristics of creatures may not have an obvious explanation, and that's okay - it's all part of the mystery of life.
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with you, gonna party with you, uh
Let's have a good time together!
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with me, gonna party with me, aye-ee
Let's enjoy each other's company and celebrate life.
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Everyone is having a great time and enjoying the music together.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Antwaun Stanley, Theo Katzman, Jack Stratton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NobodyTypical
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That’s your main concern, that’s your main concern, yeah
[Post-Chorus: Jack Stratton & Antwaun Stanley]
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
[Chorus: Theo Katzman]
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That’s your main concern, that’s your main concern, yeah
[Verse 1: Theo Katzman]
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
[Breakdown: Jack Stratton]
Of all the creatures in the sea, my favorite is the bass
It climbs up all the rocks and trees
And slides down on its hands and knees
But why does the shark have teeth?
The shark has teeth to eat, I see
And why does the whale have feet?
Well it- I don't know
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That’s your main concern, that’s your main concern, yeah
[Post-Chorus: Jack Stratton & Antwaun Stanley]
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin'
Everybody's movin', everybody's groovin' (Yeah)
[Breakdown: Antwaun Stanley & Jack Stratton]
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with you, gonna party with you, uh
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with me, gonna party with me, aye-ee
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with you, party with you, uh
You-o-o-oh, gonna party with me, gonna party with me
[Verse 2: Theo Katzman, Antwuan Stanley & Jack Stratton]
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
[Chorus: Theo Katzman, Antwuan Stanley & Jack Stratton]
Gotta be an early birdy if you want that worm
Gotta get your feathers dirty, you can't wait your turn
Gotta kick the drum like Pretty Purdie, and the track will burn
Gotta win your heat in the Darwin Derby
That’s your main concern, that’s your main concern, yeah
[Verse 3: Theo Katzman & Jack Stratton]
Shine up your fins and show your teeth
Shake off your skin and clap your feet
Open your wings and start to fly
It's a beautiful day to be alive, alright
@GregHamblin
Guys, don't blow your whole special effects budget on one song.
@Whende
You gotta see Flyers by Bradio. Lol
@spe7z141
@@santiagoplazas6335 1799 now :') guessing who will be the 1800
@cubiksruber7921
Omg this actually made me laugh so much as a claymation animal floated across the video
@TheRaineyMan
*VFX budget. (Special effects would be more like explosions and fireworks and stuff)
@ryneagheilim9782
Been doing it since 1612. That's 411 years from now XD
@bobwhales8092
My favorite fish is the B A S S
@kraftec
But why does the shark have teeth?
@nassyl1
How did you call this?
@DrakeMartin
standard Vulf knowledge