The band's first record, Fatboy (1992), established the band as a favorite of the same 1990s scene that became popular through bands such as the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, and Widespread Panic. moe. has toured with the 1997 Furthur Festival, appeared at Woodstock '99, have played in Central Park, were the opening band for The Allman Brothers and The Who, and performed at Radio City Music Hall on New Years Eve 2006 and 2007.
They also host the annual festival moe.down at Snow Ridge Ski Area in Turin, NY. Started in 2000, the festival runs for three days and occurs every Labor Day weekend. The festival has attracted a wide variety of musical talent. Acts range from newer bands just emerging onto the scene (such as Tea Leaf Green, Nellie McKay and Raq) to big name acts and jam rock staples, such as Les Claypool, Blues Traveler, and Mike Gordon (of Phish fame); to pop rock icons, such as Leo Kottke, The Flaming Lips, The Violent Femmes; and most recently, Perry Farrell. Each year, the amount of moe.down attendees has steadily increased. moe.down I attracted around 3,000 people while moe.down VI in 2005, had attracted close to 7,000.
During an interview, guitarist Al Schnier was asked to describe moe. for those who have never heard their music: "It's an amalgamation of a wide variety of the history of rock, all regurgitated and recycled through the eyes, ears, hands, whatever of the guys in our band and all of that with a sense of adventure, a sense of humor, also a constant desire to push the envelope. All in this arena of taking chances, improvising live, and making things up on the spot."
Their official site can be found at www.moe.org
Y.O.Y.
moe. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why they're all flying in one direction
And if they didn't have a road map
They couldn't make a single connection
But why, oh, why must it be
I'm the only fish on the sea'
With nothing on but shades and suntan lotion
And if the man came to bust me
I would have to keep me free
But, pretty boys just leave a stench
Wish I could SUCK LIKE MONKEY WRENCH*
I will take every last thing with a smile on my face
I would take every little thing like I owned the whole
damn place
I just ain't got the time to get on my own case
What's the difference anyway' I'm just joining in the
race
But why, oh, why must I run'
What on Earth have I become'
My friends have been telling me and I definitely do
agree
My doctor** says I'm oral/anal**
All my favorite symbols are wiped off the wall
I'll smartin' up and stop trying to please you all
But why, oh, why must it be
I'm the only fish on the sea'
Of all these people I can't understand
Why they're all flying in one direction
And if they didn't have a road map
They couldn't make a single connection
But why, oh, why must I run
What on Earth have I become'
The lyrics of moe.'s song "Y.O.Y." follow the theme of confusion and feeling out of place in a world where everyone seems to be following a set path. The singer questions why everyone is following the same direction, as if they are all under some kind of influence, and notes that they wouldn't be able to form connections without a guide, implying a lack of originality or independence. The singer goes further to explain how they would rather sail the ocean and live freely, but they feel trapped by the expectations and standards of society that don't align with their own desires. The concept of being the only fish in the sea, separate from the others, is a recurring theme throughout the song. The singer seems to feel like an outsider in their own world, unsure of what they have become and becoming self-aware of their own shortcomings.
The lyrics also hint at the struggles of pleasing everyone as the singer vows to smarten up and stop trying to please others, indicating feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. The line "I just ain't got the time to get on my own case" suggests a lack of self-reflection and being too busy following the crowd. Ultimately, the song portrays a feeling of disconnection and unfulfillment with the world, but also a defiance to keep living on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Of all these people I can't understand
I am puzzled by how people follow each other blindly
Why they're all flying in one direction
Why do they act the same and have no independent thinking?
And if they didn't have a road map
They would be lost without clear guidance or direction
They couldn't make a single connection
They would not be able to form any meaningful relationships
But why, oh, why must it be
I am frustrated and questioning why things are this way
I'm the only fish on the sea'
I feel like I'm the only one who is different or unique
If I had a boat I'd sail the ocean
I dream of escaping and traveling with a carefree attitude
With nothing on but shades and suntan lotion
I want to enjoy the simple things in life and not have to worry about anything
And if the man came to bust me
If I get caught by authority figures
I would have to keep me free
I'll do whatever it takes to avoid getting caught or punished
But, pretty boys just leave a stench
I don't like people who are superficial or pretentious
Wish I could SUCK LIKE MONKEY WRENCH*
I wish I could fix things with ease and simplicity like a monkey wrench
I will take every last thing with a smile on my face
I can handle anything with a positive attitude
I would take every little thing like I owned the whole damn place
I have a sense of confidence and entitlement
I just ain't got the time to get on my own case
I don't want to criticize or blame myself
What's the difference anyway' I'm just joining in the race
I feel like I have to participate and keep up with everyone else
What on Earth have I become'
I question how I've turned out and what I've become
My friends have been telling me and I definitely do agree
I am aware of issues my friends have pointed out with myself
My doctor** says I'm oral/anal**
My doctor has diagnosed me with a personality disorder
All my favorite symbols are wiped off the wall
Things I used to enjoy or identify with have lost their meaning
I'll smartin' up and stop trying to please you all
I'll improve myself and stop caring about what others think
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: AL SCHNIER, CHUCK GARVEY, ROB DERHAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind