New Album's theme.

[TreighAnastasio]

So far it seems to be about changing the world, and just feels too corny, The musical composition behind gaucho is pretty top knotch, but i really hope this whole "change" them **ahem ahem** does not perpetuate throughout this whole album. I don't want the whole thing to just be an Obama endorsement.

Opinions so far?

Not a fan of the kids singing either ...makes me lose hope.

[Zapo]

Yeah because wanting to change the world equals an Obama endorsement.

[hmich176]

Not a fan of the kids singing either ...makes me lose hope.

Lose hope of what? That's pretty silly.

[vaxarado]

A) We've heard 2 songs. Relax.

B) This:

Yeah because wanting to change the world equals an Obama endorsement.

[groogrux27]

and does anyone else think the lyrics kindve go against obama? like the whole "we gotta do much more than believe" kinda thing being sarcastic toward obama wanting to change everything but not doing much about it...?

[TreighAnastasio]

What was the Obama campaign slogan? Change? oh yeeeaaaaa

[Zapo]

What was the Obama campaign slogan? Change? oh yeeeaaaaa

OMG you mean Obama invented the word change!

[dontdrink36]

I don't think it's explicitly pro Obama. It's just a call for us as people to step up if we want change. The music is fantastic on both songs and both songs have decent lyrics. I very much like the full band versions of both songs and I'm looking forward to the rest of the album. Dave's obviously in a very different place in his life and I feel that his lyrics now represent a fathers concern for his children's future more than explicitly political lyrics.

[TreighAnastasio]

OMG you mean Obama invented the word change!

Precisely :trap

[chrisjames]

Not a fan of the kids singing either ...makes me lose hope.

IDK I actually enjoyed the kids singing I love stuff like that.

[vaxarado]

I don't think it's explicitly pro Obama. It's just a call for us as people to step up if we want change. The music is fantastic on both songs and both songs have decent lyrics. I very much like the full band versions of both songs and I'm looking forward to the rest of the album. Dave's obviously in a very different place in his life and I feel that his lyrics now represent a fathers concern for his children's future more than explicitly political lyrics.

:thumbsup You got it.

[jaymas9]

Conjecture is fun. I wish he never would have played on Fallon the night Obama was there, then none of this ridiculousness would have ever started.

[JTRevelator15]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.

[kitkatcarter]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.
Part I gets a :lol
Part II gets a :BANG

[bantam]

"Gotta do much more than believe"

Come on people....



http://www.google.com/search?q=obama+believe&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Gby3T6nHO8WIgwennJC0Cg&ved=0CGoQsAQ&biw=2560&bih=1318

[kitkatcarter]

"Gotta do much more than believe"

Come on people....



http://www.google.com/search?q=obama+believe&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Gby3T6nHO8WIgwennJC0Cg&ved=0CGoQsAQ&biw=2560&bih=1318
Regardless of what DMB intended, this song has that connotation because of the timing and the message

[vaxarado]

"Gotta do much more than believe"

Come on people....



http://www.google.com/search?q=obama+believe&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Gby3T6nHO8WIgwennJC0Cg&ved=0CGoQsAQ&biw=2560&bih=1318

ZOMG BELIEVE!!!!! Must be about Obama. Just has to be. Dave has never used the word in any song before Obama.



For fucks sake...

[kitkatcarter]

Why do people care about the people caring that Dave is endorsing Obama pretty blatantly? Dude can endorse whoever he wants.

[slatronica]

Nobody would draw the conclusion that these songs have deep political ties if this wasn't an election year. Simple as that.

[kitkatcarter]

Nobody would draw the conclusion that these songs have deep political ties if this wasn't an election year. Simple as that.
I think that's the point.

[Panther41]

Dave's obviously in a very different place in his life and I feel that his lyrics now represent a fathers concern for his children's future more than explicitly political lyrics.

I completely agree. :thumbsup

[dmb27364041]

Yeah because wanting to change the world equals an Obama endorsement.

No, because it's cheesy. At least the way the lyrics are written makes it cheesy. There's been plenty of songs about changing the world/helping your fellow man that have been written with so much more depth and creativity. It's a shame because the lyrics were a major reason I got into this band and they just keep getting worse and worse. I honestly don't understand how someone in the studio doesn't just say, "Dude, :lol those lyrics suck."

[dmb27364041]

Why do people care about the people caring that Dave is endorsing Obama pretty blatantly? Dude can endorse whoever he wants.

Right. But keep it out of the fucking music, please.

[dmb27364041]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.

Yes, Dave has written politically influenced songs in the past. The thing is, they were written so much better than any newer political songs he's been trying to write. Someone in another thread mentioned Cry Freedom as an example. Completely incomparable. Cry Freedom is on a different planet than the lyrical turds Dave's been whipping up lately.

[RiotAct]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.

::rolling eyes sarcastically while jerking off emoticon::

[steve32501]

Interesting!!!!

[bantam]

ZOMG BELIEVE!!!!! Must be about Obama. Just has to be. Dave has never used the word in any song before Obama.



For fucks sake...

For fucks sake

Its as clear as day all the song means is simple, belief doesn't solve problems people do.


"There must be more than this"

"So god was born"

"we landed a man on the moon"

"you could never believe it"

"that we could do anything"

"back down to the ground hard"

"please wake up please wake up...."

[Zapo]

No, because it's cheesy. At least the way the lyrics are written makes it cheesy. There's been plenty of songs about changing the world/helping your fellow man that have been written with so much more depth and creativity. It's a shame because the lyrics were a major reason I got into this band and they just keep getting worse and worse. I honestly don't understand how someone in the studio doesn't just say, "Dude, :lol those lyrics suck."

...never said the lyrics were great. I just pointed out wanting to change the world does not equal endorsing Obama. So I have no idea why you quoted me. Unless you're saying wanting to change the world in a cheesy way equals endorsing Obama which makes about as much sense as the op.

[stoneje]

OP you are such a genius to make this obvious connection to Obama! How could I not see it? All this time I thought Dave was supporting the British Conservative Party. It's easy to understand how I got confused, though.

See, their slogan in 2010 was "Vote for Change".

[vaxarado]

For fucks sake

Its as clear as day all the song means is simple, belief doesn't solve problems people do.


"There must be more than this"

"So god was born"

"we landed a man on the moon"

"you could never believe it"

"that we could do anything"

"back down to the ground hard"

"please wake up please wake up...."

So you're proving my point for me. Has nothing to do with Obama. Thanks!

[vaxarado]

Right. But keep it out of the fucking music, please.

:lol:lol:lol it's HIS music. He can do whatever the fuck he wants.

[msalter]

Gaucho really isn't a politcal song at all. Listen to the lyrics, not just the chorus.

[bantam]

So you're proving my point for me. Has nothing to do with Obama. Thanks!


LOL

yeah lets change the world but lets forget the fact that government has a part to play in all of that change. Everything is political whether we like it for not.


And for the record. Both these parties are out to doom us.

[dmb27364041]

:lol:lol:lol it's HIS music. He can do whatever the fuck he wants.

My point is that every time he's tried to write a politically motivated song in the past decade, it sucks. So he should stop doing it because the music suffers. But, you are right. It is his music, and he could do whatever he wants. His decisions boggle my mind sometimes, though.

[vaxarado]

My point is that every time he's tried to write a politically motivated song in the past decade, it sucks. So he should stop doing it because the music suffers. But, you are right. It is his music, and he could do whatever he wants. His decisions boggle my mind sometimes, though.

Well then now you're getting to a different area. I just don't care what he writes about as long as he does it well.

[kitkatcarter]

Guys, the songs aren't political. It's purely coincidence the album containing these songs is coming out during hugely intense political contests. It's purely coincidence that these songs bear the exact same message of believing, and changing the world that Obama's campaign has. Purely coincidence that Dave himself performed at a fundraiser for Obama this year, also earlier appearing on Jimmy Fallon as a musical guest when Obama was there. Dave could be talking about some other world (maybe Pluto, we don't know what the fuck that shit is anyways).

[uro55]

This bringz the lulz:lol

[Zapo]

Guys, the songs aren't political. It's purely coincidence the album containing these songs is coming out during hugely intense political contests. It's purely coincidence that these songs bear the exact same message of believing, and changing the world that Obama's campaign has. Purely coincidence that Dave himself performed at a fundraiser for Obama this year, also earlier appearing on Jimmy Fallon as a musical guest when Obama was there. Dave could be talking about some other world (maybe Pluto, we don't know what the fuck that shit is anyways).

Sing about change at this point, if being political, wouldn't be for Obama it would be for whoever the republican party nominee is. Wanting to change the world doesn't equal love for Obama. Dave sees the world is troubled and is singing about it. Dave supports Obama. The two are seperate. You can want to change the world regardless of who you support.

[uro55]

You can also want to change rhe world and not even vaugely be referring to politics:rolleyes

[kitkatcarter]

The world is changed through politics, unless you're cynical enough to think that it isn't

[dmb27364041]

There's about to be a civil war on ants. I can sense it.

[stoneje]

The world is changed through politics, unless you're cynical enough to think that it isn't

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Thanks for playing, though.

[stoneje]

You can also want to change rhe world and not even vaugely be referring to politics:rolleyes

Thank you. :thumbsup

[kitkatcarter]

I do not think that word means what you think it means.

Thanks for playing, though.
Hang on...... ohhhhhhh you were saying thanks for playing because of... ahhh I got it now. You're clever, you. Everyone watch out for this guy he's a clever one!

[uro55]

Thank you. :thumbsup

Yer welcome:)

The world is changed through politics, unless you're cynical enough to think that it isn't

Umm, sure:rolleyes

Not saying it isn't or can't, just it doesn't have to be the only means for change.

[uro55]

Also this is CLEARLY the theme:thumbsup

http://assets.diylol.com/hfs/a52/bbc/488/resized/ancient-aliens-invisible-something-meme-generator-fuck-you-op-its-always-been-aliens-8d4812.jpg

[kitkatcarter]

Yer welcome:)



Umm, sure:rolleyes

Not saying it isn't or can't, just it doesn't have to be the only means for change.
Of course, I agree with that. My point is, this song is about politics (in my opinion)

[hmich176]

Hang on...... ohhhhhhh you were saying thanks for playing because of... ahhh I got it now. You're clever, you. Everyone watch out for this guy he's a clever one!

You used cynical in a way that makes absolutely no sense. :lol

[alec]

Interesting!!!!

This is my favorite post in this thread.

[bobloblaw]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.

Easy on bashing republicans.

But you're right about the first point: DMB is so associated with democratic politics that they are mentioned in the West Wing. (I think it's in the seventh season.)

Is Dave an uncritical supporter of the democratic party? I'm guessing he hates it, because it's little better on the evils of capitalism than the GOP.

We don't have a real opposition party in this country, which is why people are right to say that these songs are not about endorsing any partisan point of view in American politics. They're about looking at the stars, feeling wonder and awe, hoping for a better world, and then doing something real about making that better world real.

Will supporting a vulture capitalist and tax breaks for billionaires and bombing Iran and leaving millions of Americans without healthcare change the world for the better? It's hard to imagine.

[Julia Roberts]

My point is that every time he's tried to write a politically motivated song in the past decade, it sucks. So he should stop doing it because the music suffers. But, you are right. It is his music, and he could do whatever he wants. His decisions boggle my mind sometimes, though.

He should stick with songs about oral sex


Speaking of... Who do I gotta blow to listen to Sweet from last night?

[Panther41]

Am I the only one who doesn't hear Gaucho as a politically-motivated song. Listen to the lyrics--it's talking about humanity on an epic scale, the whole history of the species, and how we did the most incredible thing imaginable (leaving the earth, going to another world) and how we've managed to lose sight of that kind of potential in ourselves since.

I don't think I'm forcing that interpretation. Seriously. Listen to the words and take them for what they are.

[ebrread003]

This planet is ready to transform. It's a damn perfect soundtrack for that so far, these two new songs. PLUS their past catalog.

[TrippingWilly8]

It seems to me that all the Democrats swear this song isn't an Obama endorsement, and all the Republicans swear it is. Obviously this is just a guess, but it is said that the two things you don't talk about in company are religion and politics, and in my opinion, this song touches on both.

[Quadrophenia92]

Only narrow minded people and people that jump the gun before thinking about things think this is proBama. It's a call to action but for nothing in particular, no party is ever mentioned. Plus, "change" lyrics would if anything be against Obama. Because last time I checked, Obama's been in office for the past 4 years.

[PWall]

OMG you mean Obama invented the word change!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr91B0JPHRo

change? chaaaaange?

[kitkatcarter]

Only narrow minded people and people that jump the gun before thinking about things think this is proBama. It's a call to action but for nothing in particular, no party is ever mentioned. Plus, "change" lyrics would if anything be against Obama. Because last time I checked, Obama's been in office for the past 4 years.
:lol like the band would really just bluntly say "this is about the democratic party"

[Quadrophenia92]

:lol like the band would really just bluntly say "this is about the democratic party"

right, that'd be shallow, so they don't. and it's social dude, not political. there is a major difference

[kitkatcarter]

right, that'd be shallow, so they don't. and it's social dude, not political. there is a major difference
I'll admit i'm leaning more towards the social side of the argument now, but it does suck for Republicans (though no one else probably cares :lol )

[Panther41]

It's a general call to action and an appeal to the human spirit to realize it's full potential. Nothing more or less, and nothing more specific.

[NextMovement41]

this thread is an abortion.

lol at anyone who thinks wanting to change things = an obama endorsement.

[stoneje]

I'll admit i'm leaning more towards the social side of the argument now, but it does suck for Republicans (though no one else probably cares :lol )

I was going to ask you to explain how this sucks for Republicans if it is not in fact a political statement, but then I realized your parenthetical statement was totally accurate.

P.S. when you disagree with yourself, the socialists have already won.

[Mattardz]

I don't think it's explicitly pro Obama. It's just a call for us as people to step up if we want change. The music is fantastic on both songs and both songs have decent lyrics. I very much like the full band versions of both songs and I'm looking forward to the rest of the album. Dave's obviously in a very different place in his life and I feel that his lyrics now represent a fathers concern for his children's future more than explicitly political lyrics.

winner :thumbsup

[stlbluespower]

First, I'll say that the lyrics are OK at best, but it is interesting how much conversation they've generated on these boards. Maybe a little more depth there than initially met the eye.

[kitkatcarter]

I was going to ask you to explain how this sucks for Republicans if it is not in fact a political statement, but then I realized your parenthetical statement was totally accurate.

P.S. when you disagree with yourself, the socialists have already won.
Would you say you're always a douchebag, or only on a forum fan-site?

[stlbluespower]

news flash: inside sources tell me the next two songs are about how good the status quo is. Then we will all be back to square one.

[antinseattle]

you've all been reported, and the band has decided to scratch the album.......later to be released as the "Obama sessions........."

[trippinchad]

So I've read this entire thread and determined:

1) That my IQ was lowered.

[ebrread003]

It's a general call to action and an appeal to the human spirit to realize it's full potential. Nothing more or less, and nothing more specific.


Absolutely, brother.

[coldblueice]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.


x 10,000 :hump

[sheldonlevene]

and does anyone else think the lyrics kindve go against obama? like the whole "we gotta do much more than believe" kinda thing being sarcastic toward obama wanting to change everything but not doing much about it...?

This. The lyrics can mean whatever you want them to mean.

In a way, they could go against this "CHANGE" idea Obama championed.

It could be used to mean, you can't just believe in God, you need actions to make the world better.

[SHSwhit51]

It is interesting though that the two songs that they debut for this album have this theme of changing the world. Which only leads me to believe that this is what the album will be centrally themed towards.

If it isn't focused on that then I feel its a bad move on management's part for giving us Mercy on Fallon and pretty much Mercy v.2.0 in Mp3 format.

[dt129700]

Had Gandhi said in 2012 'be the change you wish to see in the world,' some on this board would say "shit's about Obama, everyone can go home."

[bigeyedfish814]

Album's gonna blowwwww

[MaxonBartender]

This has to be one of the best threads I've ever seen. Who really cares who Dave personally supports? So what if he throws in words like "believe" or "change"? I don't see anyone on here quoting Drive In, Drive Out i.e. "I laugh at what I cannot change." These are not PrObama songs by any means. I think that Dave as an artist and musician utilizes his platform and media to express certain earnest wishes he has for all of us. Cry Freedom was apartheid based. Mercy doesn't have to be a pro-Obama song and neither does Gaucho. I love reading everyone else's posts about this because this got heated and partisan pretty quick. Props to dt129700 for throwing in that classic Ghandi quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world,'="shit's about Obama everyone can go home. I'm really looking forward to Montage next week and Spac both nights the following week. I desperately want to see a little deviation in the set-lists based upon (5/19 and 5/20). First night looked great with the return of You Never Know and Beach Ball. I'm really stoked for my Warehouse package and cd to hurry and get here along with the new Live Trax 22. Can't we all just find a little optimism in places we normally don't see them? I'm glad for the diverse comments and partisan bickering on this thread. It makes me feel like I'm watching C-Span or in this case Ants-Span.

[kitkatcarter]

So many people got upset over this :lol

[MaxonBartender]

Couldn't agree more KitKatcarter!! Funny isn't it? People look for hidden meaning in blatantly overt songs like that.

[jammer7]

So far it seems to be about changing the world, and just feels too corny, The musical composition behind gaucho is pretty top knotch, but i really hope this whole "change" them **ahem ahem** does not perpetuate throughout this whole album. I don't want the whole thing to just be an Obama endorsement.

Opinions so far?

Not a fan of the kids singing either ...makes me lose hope.


Agree 100%

[Griffin]

Some people what to use you, manipulate you, it makes them rich and grows their power over you. If you let their message in your head, it will try to consume you. If it does, you will believe everything comes down to your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side......you may want out but there is no in between. Everything is about your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side. Have you surrendered your independence?

[doesmusicbest]

Some people what to use you, manipulate you, it makes them rich and grows their power over you. If you let their message in your head, it will try to consume you. If it does, you will believe everything comes down to your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side......you may want out but there is no in between. Everything is about your side or the other side. Everything is about your side or the other side. Have you surrendered your independence?





I what to use you.

[stoneje]

I what to use you.

I see want you did there.

[seekupdani]

It could be used to mean, you can't just believe in God, you need actions to make the world better.

I agree. At first listen, I did get a political vibe. Probably influenced though, like others have mentioned, only because Mercy was debuted while the President was on Fallon. But after having listened to both new songs lots of times now, my view has changed. I don't think they're anything related to US politics.

Mercy has recently taken a new view for me as being aimed at not giving up on a failing relationship/marriage. "Mercy, will we overcome this/what will become of us? One by one could we turn it around? Maybe carry on just little bit longer, and I'll try to give you what you need." And there's parts about getting to a point where there's no reason to fight, and that the situation is just as we've made it so do the work to fix it instead of waiting for miracle fix to come along.

[YouKnowThatItIS]

So some of you do not share Dave's vision of the world or opinions regarding politics. Why are those of you displaying this attitude so surprised at Dave's politics?:rattle

[groogrux27]

i dont agree with daves political views watsoever, doesnt mean i cant enjoy a couple good songs about wishing the world was a better place

[TexanBoiler]

if it's political please just don't be as blatant as PJs Bushleaguer or PJs self titled avocado album

[CapnHani06]

Right. But keep it out of the fucking music, please.

...keep his thoughts and opinions out of his own music? :ugh

So Seek Up was cool when he was seemingly unaffiliated but similar sentiments (if not identical) are considered over the top now that he's associated with the freaking current President of the United States? Get a clue, friend, and poke your head out of that little bubble of yours for a little while...his lyrics, when they make sense, have almost exclusively been on this topic one way or another since his very first recordings. He supports hope and progressive change and always has through his lyrics (just one reference: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129182690). These same concepts caught on with Obama for many of the same reasons that people like you and me became fans of Dave's lyrics: because they're appealing concepts that inspire people to be better versions of themselves. "Hope" and "change" came first, and that's why Obama selected them as his rhetorical points.

I suppose I can't speak for you, but your options are pretty limited if you only listen to his songs that include anything other than some variation on the topics of the state of the world or change.

:monkey

[trippingbillie4]

So far.... amazing songs: 0/2

Not looking good.

[CapnHani06]

Further, if these lyrics do actually reference the Obama platform (which is absolutely possible), then this is a plea to take what his supporters identified in their candidate a step further: freaking DO something about, don't just wait until the president and the Democratic party take care of it for you. This sentiment is really just an extension of one of my favorite verses from "Dive In":

"Tell me everything will be OK if I just stay on my knees and keep praying,
believing in something/Tell me everything is all taken care of by those qualified to take care of it all."

I mean, that's it. He's saying, "So that's neat that you guys are excited to do something positive in the world, but it sure as hell won't do it on its own. Ya jerks. Now get to work." Sometimes I think that he could have expressed this message more eloquently, but honestly I think this overt approach is very deliberate and really very urgent...he's not trying to be misconstrued or risk equivocation, he wants you to repeat it over and over again until you get it and get it done. Brilliant.

[shotgun4usall]

...keep his thoughts and opinions out of his own music? :ugh

So Seek Up was cool when he was seemingly unaffiliated but similar sentiments (if not identical) are considered over the top now that he's associated with the freaking current President of the United States? Get a clue, friend, and poke your head out of that little bubble of yours for a little while...his lyrics, when they make sense, have almost exclusively been on this topic one way or another since his very first recordings. He supports hope and progressive change and always has through his lyrics (just one reference: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129182690). These same concepts caught on with Obama for many of the same reasons that people like you and me became fans of Dave's lyrics: because they're appealing concepts that inspire people to be better versions of themselves. "Hope" and "change" came first, and that's why Obama selected them as his rhetorical points.

I suppose I can't speak for you, but your options are pretty limited if you only listen to his songs that include anything other than some variation on the topics of the state of the world or change.

:monkey


Do you consider Dave's lyrics to be more poetic (possibly more ambiguous) in Seekup than in a newer song, such as Gaucho?

[dmbdreamingtree]

Is it certain Gaucho is on the new album?

[dmbdreamingtree]

So far.... amazing songs: 0/2

Not looking good.

By this time last album we had heard Spaceman and FTWII...

The two songs are not necessarily indicative of the entire album's feel.

[shotgun4usall]

Further, if these lyrics do actually reference the Obama platform (which is absolutely possible), then this is a plea to take what his supporters identified in their candidate a step further: freaking DO something about, don't just wait until the president and the Democratic party take care of it for you. This sentiment is really just an extension of one of my favorite verses from "Dive In":

"Tell me everything will be OK if I just stay on my knees and keep praying,
believing in something/Tell me everything is all taken care of by those qualified to take care of it all."

I mean, that's it. He's saying, "So that's neat that you guys are excited to do something positive in the world, but it sure as hell won't do it on its own. Ya jerks. Now get to work." Sometimes I think that he could have expressed this message more eloquently, but honestly I think this overt approach is very deliberate and really very urgent...he's not trying to be misconstrued or risk equivocation, he wants you to repeat it over and over again until you get it and get it done. Brilliant.

I see your point regarding the urgency. I can see it as a call to the individual to take action to improve the situation around them versus waiting for a political party or government to do something for you.

[shotgun4usall]

Is it certain Gaucho is on the new album?

I don't think management has come out and specifically said it would or would not be on the album, just implied that it would be. It was made during the most current sessions, so who knows, it could just be a b-side. Truth is, we don't know for sure.

[CapnHani06]

Do you consider Dave's lyrics to be more poetic (possibly more ambiguous) in Seekup than in a newer song, such as Gaucho?

In the particular case of Seek Up, no. I'd say that those lyrics are just as straight forward and are intended as such. It's a tough question, and I appreciate you bringing it up, but after having compared the two side by side, the verses for both are actually pretty poetically presented and conveyed, and each offer some level of ambiguity. With the choruses, however, there is no question: Seek Up is far and away more open for interpretation (IMO, of course) whereas Gaucho is about as overt as you can get.

That said, I specifically used the example of Seek Up because it's clearly "change" oriented and its meaning and purpose is pretty deliberate and clearly spelled out...while individual verses may have different meanings, there really is no debate as to the overall theme of the song.

Thanks for humoring my rants :o

[shotgun4usall]

In the particular case of Seek Up, no. I'd say that those lyrics are just as straight forward and are intended as such. It's a tough question, and I appreciate you bringing it up, but after having compared the two side by side, the verses for both are actually pretty poetically presented and conveyed, and each offer some level of ambiguity. With the choruses, however, there is no question: Seek Up is far and away more open for interpretation (IMO, of course) whereas Gaucho is about as overt as you can get.

That said, I specifically used the example of Seek Up because it's clearly "change" oriented and its meaning and purpose is pretty deliberate and clearly spelled out...while individual verses may have different meanings, there really is no debate as to the overall theme of the song.

Thanks for humoring my rants :o

For sure, song discussion is loads of fun. I really like the way you write, it's very personable. Anyway, yeah I agree with the comparison regarding "change". The first thought that came to me about comparing the two songs was that seekup is certainly straightforward, but Gaucho is almost a historical summary of Dave's worldview. So, Gaucho's straightforward too. Idk, I always found seekup kind of haunting. Whereas, Gaucho's theme seems to be a call to arms.

I am right there with you concerning the "change" comparison though.

[CapnHani06]

The overall theme and purpose behind Dave's use of "believe" and "change" can probably also be summed up by this line in Mercy: "Can’t give up and hope God will intercede/Come on back, imagine that we could get it together".

This has been a recurring theme in his lyrics, too, and honestly is not entirely mutually exclusive from a political interpretation of the song: Dave is openly agnostic and often has argued that religion is essentially an excuse for non-action in the face of adversity; we see this expressed in What You Are, Pig, many Two Step intros over the years, and many other examples. In other words, he's not necessarily convinced that there isn't an omniscient God, but he is, however, convinced that waiting on God (or anyone, for that matter) to act is not an efficient way of accomplishing a goal and wants to inspire you to do something about it.

[drop2d]

I do t normally do this because it's not usually worth it... But to hell with it, here goes...

Anyone thinking Gaucho has anything to do with an Obama endorsement is an ignorant, (probably paranoid republican) fucking moron. sorry to be harsh but it's the truth... The lyrics might not be mind blowing, but they are very good and smartly written. If anything, this songs 'theme' is more about people who blindly follow God believing that just 'believing' will make a difference. Nothing new for mr. Matthews...

[CapnHani06]

For sure, song discussion is loads of fun. I really like the way you write, it's very personable. Anyway, yeah I agree with the comparison regarding "change". The first thought that came to me about comparing the two songs was that seekup is certainly straightforward, but Gaucho is almost a historical summary of Dave's worldview. So, Gaucho's straightforward too. Idk, I always found seekup kind of haunting. Whereas, Gaucho's theme seems to be a call to arms.

I am right there with you concerning the "change" comparison though.

Well shucks...I appreciate that. But absolutely, and I completely agree that Gaucho is a call to arms. The more I listen to it, the more I find the repetition of the chorus (especially when the kids come in) to be pretty haunting in itself. While at first I found it to be a lazy way to express this pretty simple thought, subsequent listens have really exposed the almost desperate nature of the chorus: I'm done being cryptic already, my kids are getting older and the world is a terrifying place to live in, dammit! How about we do something for a change instead of just hoping for a miracle?

It's incredibly selfish, yeah, but the man's got a point. We have shown that we have the capability for progress throughout the course of human existence, so what the hell are we waiting for? I just wish he'd be a little more specific, and I'm hoping that's what the rest of the album helps flesh out.

Edit: To summarize, Dave = :rattle

[trippingbillie4]

By this time last album we had heard Spaceman and FTWII...

The two songs are not necessarily indicative of the entire album's feel.

Wish I could be a little more optimistic. Yes you are right but it's not like things necessarily improved completely after either (Seven, You & Me)

[stoneje]

I do t normally do this because it's not usually worth it... But to hell with it, here goes...

Anyone thinking Gaucho has anything to do with an Obama endorsement is an ignorant, (probably paranoid republican) fucking moron. sorry to be harsh but it's the truth... The lyrics might not be mind blowing, but they are very good and smartly written. If anything, this songs 'theme' is more about people who blindly follow God believing that just 'believing' will make a difference. Nothing new for mr. Matthews...

What he said. :thumbsup


Also, :lol at people who are already sure that a) the new album has a theme, and b) they already know what it is. You have two songs. If I gave you Stay and Spoon, could you give me an accurate theme for BTCS? No. You could not. I'm not even sure it's possible to come up with a theme for BTCS right now.

[dobyblue]

Further, if these lyrics do actually reference the Obama platform (which is absolutely possible)

Unless I'm mis-hearing the lyrics and the chorus actually says "NDAA, CISPA, more conflicts, fuck you constitution I'm boss, less accountable government, GMO's are still not labelled, Wall St. has more privacy, Pharma has more reign, etc" then I don't see how it can be about the platform? :confused

[Typical Monkey]

Come on man.... You know this album is not one big Obama endorsement, you know Dave would never do something that extreme. And besides, hope and change are still good things... Obama doesn't suck because his campaign was "hope" and "change". Obama sucks because he didn't follow through with hope and change. Hope for the future and changing things for the better are still good topics for music and good ideals to live by.

[evino526]

I don't think management has come out and specifically said it would or would not be on the album, just implied that it would be. It was made during the most current sessions, so who knows, it could just be a b-side. Truth is, we don't know for sure.

They uploaded the song to Youtube with a description of: '"Gaucho", from the upcoming new Dave Matthews Band studio album.'

It will be on the new album.

[dobyblue]

I don't think management has come out and specifically said it would or would not be on the album, just implied that it would be. It was made during the most current sessions, so who knows, it could just be a b-side. Truth is, we don't know for sure.

Most b-sides traditionally are album tracks, or at least they were when I was buying 45" singles back in the 70's~80's.

[shotgun4usall]

Most b-sides traditionally are album tracks, or at least they were when I was buying 45" singles back in the 70's~80's.

True, it also looks like someone who was in Lillywhite's car confirmed that the new songs we've heard are definitely on the album. Oh well, guess I was wrong :)

Love your pic btw, I see Ron Paul signs everywhere nowadays (end political mention).

[simplelife08]

Whether or not the songs are political isn't the point. Dave's been writing political songs forever. The circumstances make it seem like it's about Obama but even if these songs had come out in a non-Obama, non-election year like 2005, as did the Stand Up songs, the lyrics would still be extremely cheesy. It's like he's not even trying anymore. Even Everybody Wake Up arguably had less cheesy lyrics than Mercy and Gaucho. The music on these new tunes is pretty good, but I think most of us who are pessimistic about lyrical themes just miss songs that have ambiguous meanings and can be interpreted in several ways, such as Warehouse or The Stone or something. Even songs with straightforward meanings like Too Much were much better lyrically than the new tunes. Hell, even Cornbread might have better lyrics

[dmb27364041]

I think it's more about the state of the world and how he thinks people need to stop sitting on their asses and complaining. Instead, get out and do something, anything to help the world, no matter how small of a difference. Be it political, or not. It's about doing something instead of just waiting for someone else to do it. I really think that's where his head is at with these new songs. Even Mercy: "Mercy, what will become of us?"

Of course, another thing that could be on his mind, is the theory of awakening and all that 2012 enlightening malarky. But, let's not go there.

[SpotlightEyes]

I don't personally believe that Dave is so stupid as to believe that Obama "stands for" anything other than being a politician and president. "Hope" "Change" "Believe", these are all just blank canvas bullet points, for someone that was in Obama's position at the time, to run on.

Obama's campaign is about as phony and fraudulent as professional wrestling...except pro wrestling doesn't lie about being fake.

So I CHOOSE to believe that Dave's messages in his songs are more general and aimed at the right definition of change.....not the Obama slogan.

[FJM005]

If you think Dave being political is anything new, you're an idiot.

If you're a Republican, you're an idiot.

/end thread.

well aren't you just a little hipster. Republicans like Dave too.

[scottyflamingo]

"That's a song called Beach Ball. It's about a fuckin Beach Ball. WHAT DO YOU WANT? It's a ball ... for the beach...SHIT!!!"

-Dave 5/26 in Hartford

[scottyflamingo]

I don't personally believe that Dave is so stupid as to believe that Obama "stands for" anything other than being a politician and president. "Hope" "Change" "Believe", these are all just blank canvas bullet points, for someone that was in Obama's position at the time, to run on.

Obama's campaign is about as phony and fraudulent as professional wrestling...except pro wrestling doesn't lie about being fake.

So I CHOOSE to believe that Dave's messages in his songs are more general and aimed at the right definition of change.....not the Obama slogan.

Pro Wrestling is real...people are fake.
But in all seriousness, Pro Wrestling has more real qualities and characteristics involved with it than anything that is classified as "reality tv." Fraudulent is a good term for describing it I suppose, at least before EVERYONE found out it was rigged. In recent years they at least don't try to pretend otherwise. It is a common misconception however, that the physical end of it is fake or that they do not actually kick, punch or strike each other. That I am afraid is false. The reason many professional wrestlers have died at a young age is because when they do kick, punch, etc each other, it does in fact hurt and they often become dependent on and/or addicted to pain killers. When you are beating up your body like that more nights throughout the year than not, meanwhile building up a tolerance for pain medicine, that just isn't good. But oh yeah, it's all fake anyway, even the deaths.

[YellowBandana]

"That's a song called Beach Ball. It's about a fuckin Beach Ball. WHAT DO YOU WANT? It's a ball ... for the beach...SHIT!!!"

-Dave 5/26 in Hartford

this comment totally redeemed this thread. :lol

[Julia Roberts]

Pro Wrestling is real...people are fake.
But in all seriousness, Pro Wrestling has more real qualities and characteristics involved with it than anything that is classified as "reality tv." Fraudulent is a good term for describing it I suppose, at least before EVERYONE found out it was rigged. In recent years they at least don't try to pretend otherwise. It is a common misconception however, that the physical end of it is fake or that they do not actually kick, punch or strike each other. That I am afraid is false. The reason many professional wrestlers have died at a young age is because when they do kick, punch, etc each other, it does in fact hurt and they often become dependent on and/or addicted to pain killers. When you are beating up your body like that more nights throughout the year than not, meanwhile building up a tolerance for pain medicine, that just isn't good. But oh yeah, it's all fake anyway, even the deaths.

So, you don't like pro wrestling?