Henry Breen, Isaac Dell, and Joshua MacGregor met playing in a middle school music class at Great River School in St. Paul, MN. The trio formed WHY NOT in early 2016 as Breen and MacGregor enrolled in high school at nearby St Paul Conservatory of Performing Artists while Dell continued at Great River. Before any band member could drive, they had released their first album and booked their first tour—relying on Isaac’s dad, Irve, for transportation to their shows.
WHY NOT was born on retreats to Dell’s family farm in Viroqua, WI in early 2020. Holed up with no cell service, the band spent most of their days set up in the living room, demoing songs, reading books, and taking walks around the property. When an idea would hit, they would chase the initial feeling, sometimes going through dozens of evolutions, building the original core demos into the album in its final form over time.
The band enlisted Minneapolis producer and brother of MacGregor, Caleb Hinz (Hippo Campus, Samia, Miloe) to produce and finished the tracking in a couple weeks interspersed through eight months. The result is a virtuosic, genre-fluid statement from a young band just beginning to harness the heights of their craft.
Ding Dong
Why Not Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I feel like I could cry
With something left behind in the cold air
It hurts me all the time
I feel it in my vines
And I could never die with the concept
But it's ok, 'cause nothing really matters
It's seeping through my blood
And I forgot that god was somewhere else
He's begging me ""please don't go"";
To stay the night with him and get along
And get along
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
But I'm not going out tonight
Really holding on so tight
To something I don't know
It seems to be the bestest of options - probably not
'Cause no one would have cared
So should I be afraid of the loss yet
I'm set baby
And I'm not going out tonight
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
But I'm not going out tonight
The lyrics to "Ding Dong" by Why Not convey a sense of introspection and emotional turmoil. The first verse expresses a feeling of nostalgia or regret, as the singer reflects on something they left behind in the past. This unresolved issue continues to cause them emotional pain, which they describe as feeling it in their vines (symbolically representing their inner being).
The concept of mortality is mentioned, suggesting that despite their suffering, they are still alive. However, the singer finds solace in the realization that ultimately, nothing really matters. This could be interpreted as a realization that the intensity of their pain is temporary and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The phrase "it's seeping through my blood" implies that this feeling of hurt is deeply ingrained and not easily shaken off.
The second verse introduces religious imagery, with mention of God pleading for the singer not to leave. This could symbolize a struggle between faith and the desire to break free from the burdens that hold them back. The invitation to "stay the night with him and get along" suggests a longing for divine comfort and companionship.
However, the singer's priorities and loyalty lie with their significant other, as they state they won't go out tonight unless their baby is warm. This shows a commitment to ensuring the happiness and well-being of their loved one, prioritizing their relationship over any spiritual or personal conflicts.
The repetition of the phrase "But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm" reinforces their devotion and unwillingness to compromise their partner's comfort. It implies a sense of protection and dedication, suggesting that their baby's warmth is essential for their own emotional well-being.
Overall, "Ding Dong" explores themes of regret, introspection, religious conflict, and the power of love and loyalty. It delves into the complexities of human emotions and the choices we make in order to find solace and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Gaining retrospect I feel
Looking back, I realize
I feel like I could cry
I am overwhelmed with emotion
With something left behind in the cold air
There is a lingering feeling of loss
It hurts me all the time
I am constantly in pain
I feel it in my vines
I sense it deep within me
And I could never die with the concept
The idea keeps me alive
But it's ok, 'cause nothing really matters
In the grand scheme, nothing is significant
It's seeping through my blood
It is permeating my being
And I forgot that god was somewhere else
I neglected the presence of a higher power
He's begging me "please don't go"
God pleads for me to stay
To stay the night with him and get along
To spend time and find common ground
But I'm not going out tonight unless my baby's warm
I will not leave unless my loved one is comfortable
Really holding on so tight
Clutching onto something fervently
To something I don't know
To an unknown entity
It seems to be the bestest of options - probably not
Though it appears favorable, it likely isn't
'Cause no one would have cared
Because no one would have been concerned
So should I be afraid of the loss yet
Should I fear the potential outcome?
I'm set baby
I am content, my dear
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Henry Breen, Isaac Dell, Joshua MacGregor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BlindYT
your style is so unique and sounds so amazing, I’m hope to say when you guys are famous that I’ve been here relatively early, keep up the great music - from Sioux Falls, South Dakota
@WhyNotMN
Thank you so much for the kind words:)))) hopefully we will be comin your way soon! Follow us on instagram to stay updated @whynotbandofficial
@dont-feed-ben4833
there's something so... odd about ur style lol. But I genuinely feel it's on the verge of something downright groundbreaking here. Luv from albert lea mn <3
@WhyNotMN
Yo thank you so much!!! This means a lot:))))
@emmalee1923
awesome song :~)
@michaelmiller3253
Canada stretch soon boys 🙏🗣
@khomypigeon
I missed it, nooo
@WhyNotMN
next time!
@sorenburkum682
4:20
@davisbrownell
Fantano watchin this