What You Are - Antsmarching.org Forums - Dave Matthews Band Discussion
Old 09-25-2021, 05:44 AM   #1
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What You Are

SPAC N1 was the Tour Debut of What You Are.

I would like to go a bit deeper in this particular song.

Here is Stephen Thomas Erlewine’s brief description of the tune in Dave Matthews Band FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Popular Jam Band:

Quote:
”What You Are" has a slightly Middle-Eastern flair to its rhythms and the melody—there's a drone to the verse that slowly surges into the chorus. In this sense, it's reminiscent of"Minarets" and feels very much designed for the stage, and it was often played there. It was a staple through 2001-2002, then it was played often in 2003, abandoned in 2004, and revived in 2005; it appeared a few times in 2006 and 2010—not to mention a handful oftimes over the rest of the 2010s—but has largely remained elusive in set lists.
Do you agree that WYA is reminiscent of"Minarets"?

Also, in the last few years, it has been played only 3 times in 2018 none in 2019, the Vegas 2020 show and then of course, the TD @ SPAC. None of the three 2018 shows has a SiriusXM rip, and neither Vegas 2020.

The most famous video release is undoubtedly Central Park 2003 (actually 18 years from yesterday):
https://youtu.be/si-dJbXdpBw

In the dungeons of Antsmarching I have found that there should be around also a 7.23.2005 video (Alpine Valley, encore E2), which doesn’t circulate anymore. Anyone has this video?

https://www.antsmarching.org/forum/s....php?p=3563860

Song Meaning

Let’s have a look of the lyrics:

I walk into this room
All eyes on me now
But I do not know the people inside
Look straight through me these eyes
Seeking more wisdom
Than I have to give away
Realize realize
What you are

[Chorus:]
What you've become
Just as I have
Are you and I so unalike
Huddled here
You just as I am
Afraid if we dance
We will die
Mock the world
Live safe say why
Don't you know
When you give life
Then you become
What you are

The sea is unsparing
We're all drifting away
Away from you
But I pray for you now
Hoping to god on high
Is like clinging to straws
While drowning oh

[Chorus]

What you are
Is a best in a lover's arms
What you are
Is the devil in a sweet sweet kiss
What you are
Is a puzzle to me



Below some of the most interesting comments on Songmeaning:


Quote:
To me, it represents two people from very different walks of life. The narrator of the song pleads continually with the recipient over this fact: "are you and I so unalike?"
I think that this song can mean just about anything you want it to; the bottom line is that there is an air of mystery, suspence, and a darker quality. The speaker uses all sorts of intriguing imagery to bring the listener onto his side, to the point of intimidation. "What you've become, just as I have." He's saying you're no different than I am.
Quote:
My perpective on this song is that It's about choosing what you want to be in life. Like you're having an arguement with urself in the mirror. Regretting what you did, then realizing that's what you really are. Basically you show you're own true colors.
Quote:
I'm surprised I haven't seen any comments referring to Nietzsche. Type the following quotes + Nietzsche and they will lead you directly to some of his work:

more wisdom Than I have to give away (Zarathustra comes down of his mountain to men because he has amassed too much wisdom, and wants to give some to men)

Afraid if we dance We will die (Dancing is a recurring theme in Nietzsche's work, and is a metaphor from free thinking)

Mock the world (mockery as an artist's handling of reality)

become What you are ("Become what you are" is a famous quote)

Hoping to god on high Is like clinging to straws While drowning (God is dead).

I was quite surprised about the last comment that refers to Nietzsche. Indeed, this is what I have found about the german philosopher/writer notion of “becoming who we are”:

Nietzsche’s notion of “becoming who we are” is a criticism of our lack of critical engagement and self-consciousness, as well as our inability to reflect on our life as a whole. This process of becoming, as Nietzsche encourages his readers to think, is not geared towards a final destination or goal. The key of the process is the ongoing engagement, the re-examination and re-challenging of one’s beliefs, rather than a system of achieving a certain state of being.
(Click here if you want to know more about that).

Knowing a little about Dave’s art of songwriting, I cannot exclude myself that there is a reference to what mentioned above: it actually fits Dave’s character, to me.


Another thought is related to this two particular lines:

"Hoping to God on high is like clinging to straws while drowning, realize realize what you are [ ... ]

and

don't you know when you give life then you become what you are?".

In other words: It is necessary to accept our vulnerability and to understand that we can count only on our resources in life; there is no God next corner ready to help us when we are in trouble.

The clinging to straws while drowning is such a tremendous and powerful image, and the impact is particularly strong when Dave sings this live, like he is screaming to the crowd “Guys! Open your eyes!”.

As in the recent past for “Sweet”, I would like to hear Ants opinions, insights and more thoughts about this particular song.
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Last edited by Xcacel; 09-25-2021 at 05:47 AM.
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  • Old 09-25-2021, 06:21 AM   #2
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    Re: What You Are

    Here is link to SPAC N1 What You Are for a quick listening.

    https://mega.nz/file/eZp0jRwS#xkcIh5...LC7wJemKtUyXXU

    Apparently, he changes one word of the last line of the chorus:

    Don't you know
    When you give love
    Then you become
    What you are


    To me it changes the meaning a bit, and it gets even stronger.
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    Old 09-25-2021, 05:35 PM   #3
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    Re: What You Are

    Love both the song What You Are and Freidrich Nietzche's philosophy. Very cool to see the comparison, makes a lot of sense
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    Old 09-25-2021, 06:38 PM   #4
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    Re: What You Are

    It is reminiscent of Minarets only in that it has a middle eastern feel to it, otherwise, not like Minarets at all.

    Here’s a fun thing to think about: What You Are was written after the LWS were scrapped, a time in which there were expectations being put on him to create something to sell, while he was grappling with internal darkness and the band was coming apart. Knowing he also has feelings about being the guy that writes songs that fans come to him and say how much his work means to them or saved them.

    Now re-read those versus. Taken in context of when it was written, I have always interpreted this as a song about the pressures he felt from fans, labels, and success.
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    Old 09-25-2021, 07:36 PM   #5
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    Re: What You Are

    They need to get on releasing one of the What You Are's from 2010 with that jazzy intro.
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    Old 09-25-2021, 07:47 PM   #6
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RainDog1980 View Post
    It is reminiscent of Minarets only in that it has a middle eastern feel to it, otherwise, not like Minarets at all.

    Here’s a fun thing to think about: What You Are was written after the LWS were scrapped, a time in which there were expectations being put on him to create something to sell, while he was grappling with internal darkness and the band was coming apart. Knowing he also has feelings about being the guy that writes songs that fans come to him and say how much his work means to them or saved them.

    Now re-read those versus. Taken in context of when it was written, I have always interpreted this as a song about the pressures he felt from fans, labels, and success.
    Funny, this is exactly what I have always thought this song is about too
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    Old 09-26-2021, 10:35 AM   #7
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by crounsa810 View Post
    They need to get on releasing one of the What You Are's from 2010 with that jazzy intro.
    Agreed. great version. they dropped the ball releasing the other night and then giving like 8 tracks from N2 as a bonus disc. At that point just release both nights.
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    Old 09-26-2021, 11:13 AM   #8
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by RainDog1980 View Post
    It is reminiscent of Minarets only in that it has a middle eastern feel to it, otherwise, not like Minarets at all.

    Here’s a fun thing to think about: What You Are was written after the LWS were scrapped, a time in which there were expectations being put on him to create something to sell, while he was grappling with internal darkness and the band was coming apart. Knowing he also has feelings about being the guy that writes songs that fans come to him and say how much his work means to them or saved them.

    Now re-read those versus. Taken in context of when it was written, I have always interpreted this as a song about the pressures he felt from fans, labels, and success.
    Definitely see that in first verse then I lose track after that.
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    Old 09-26-2021, 11:35 AM   #9
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    Re: What You Are

    The what you are from SPAC was great! Best version in years.
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    Old 09-26-2021, 11:37 AM   #10
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    Re: What You Are

    The song in 2001 didn’t pack much a punch. By 2002/03 it was excellent
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    Old 09-26-2021, 11:50 AM   #11
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by tyler3440 View Post
    The what you are from SPAC was great! Best version in years.

    Do you have in mind one in particular?
    What’s special in it?
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    Old 09-26-2021, 09:12 PM   #12
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by goodgoodt1me View Post
    Agreed. great version. they dropped the ball releasing the other night and then giving like 8 tracks from N2 as a bonus disc. At that point just release both nights.
    Or at least a better N2 bonus disc. We didn't really need another PM -> Satellite, YMDT, or Why I Am at that point.
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    Old 09-26-2021, 09:16 PM   #13
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    Re: What You Are

    Would anyone be so kind to DM me the version from the Best Of What's Around compilation? The 2006 performance. I used to have, but accidentally deleted the mp3 files.
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    Old 09-27-2021, 08:27 AM   #14
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    Re: What You Are

    I recorded video of What You Are from SPAC N1 this year in it's entirety from the pit. Need to take the time to upload to YouTube then I'll post here for you all.
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    Old 09-27-2021, 09:00 AM   #15
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by mjpbelmont View Post
    Would anyone be so kind to DM me the version from the Best Of What's Around compilation? The 2006 performance. I used to have, but accidentally deleted the mp3 files.
    It's still available for purchase online, you can buy the track by itself $1.29
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    Old 09-27-2021, 09:03 AM   #16
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    Re: What You Are

    "Pay for what you get"
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    Old 09-27-2021, 09:28 AM   #17
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Sabres914 View Post
    I recorded video of What You Are from SPAC N1 this year in it's entirety from the pit. Need to take the time to upload to YouTube then I'll post here for you all.
    Live at this link now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azn_x2c2xL8

    HD is available. 4K is still processing as of this post.

    Enjoy!
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    Old 09-27-2021, 09:39 AM   #18
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Sabres914 View Post
    Live at this link now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azn_x2c2xL8

    HD is available. 4K is still processing as of this post.

    Enjoy!

    Great quality, thank you!
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    Old 09-27-2021, 09:42 AM   #19
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Sabres914 View Post
    Live at this link now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azn_x2c2xL8

    HD is available. 4K is still processing as of this post.

    Enjoy!
    Freakin awesome thanks for posting this!
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    Old 09-27-2021, 01:33 PM   #20
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Xcacel View Post
    Great quality, thank you!
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by monizzle145 View Post
    Freakin awesome thanks for posting this!
    Welcome! 1440p and 4K have processed and are now available.
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    Old 09-27-2021, 04:02 PM   #21
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    Re: What You Are

    Awesome song -- great lyrics and music -- probably the best song from Everyday. I agree with some of the comments earlier -- the song seems to be about not looking to others or god for help, but to look inwards to examine yourself and to impact others in a positive way.
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    Old 09-27-2021, 04:12 PM   #22
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    Re: What You Are

    I love what you are wish they would play it more. Have been to more than 30 shows since 06’ haven’t seen it yet
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    Old 09-29-2021, 01:51 PM   #23
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Dannyyankou View Post
    It's still available for purchase online, you can buy the track by itself $1.29
    Ha good to know. Thank you!!
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    Old 09-29-2021, 04:30 PM   #24
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by tyler3440 View Post
    The what you are from SPAC was great! Best version in years.
    The Vegas 2020 version was amazing. I haven't re-listened to the SPAC version but I'm sure Vegas gives it a run for its money if it doesn't beat it. Such a great song. Give the Vegas version a listen:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7cyzwBSn4
    https://youtu.be/3P7Z0zd5k6Q?t=5830

    I wish they would play it more, and also as an opener.

    Last edited by Cscottrun; 09-29-2021 at 04:34 PM.
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    Old 09-29-2021, 04:37 PM   #25
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    Re: What You Are

    Also, let's not forget this:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltSlNymZ04M
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    Old 09-29-2021, 09:41 PM   #26
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Cscottrun View Post
    The Vegas 2020 version was amazing. I haven't re-listened to the SPAC version but I'm sure Vegas gives it a run for its money if it doesn't beat it. Such a great song. Give the Vegas version a listen:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M7cyzwBSn4
    https://youtu.be/3P7Z0zd5k6Q?t=5830

    I wish they would play it more, and also as an opener.

    Good one.
    But you need sunglasses to watch the first video
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    Old 09-29-2021, 09:51 PM   #27
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    Re: What You Are

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Cscottrun View Post
    Also, let's not forget this:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltSlNymZ04M

    That’s definitely an alternative version, even though is more like a tease. At the end it feels like they didn’t know where to go.
    I wish the band put such creativity today on stage, from time to time.
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    Old 09-29-2021, 09:53 PM   #28
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    Re: What You Are

    Anyone in possession of the 7.23.2005 video (Alpine Valley, encore E2)?
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    Old 09-30-2021, 06:13 AM   #29
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    Re: What You Are

    I like to read Dave's commencement speech from time to time from back in 2005 at Haverford College. I find it very inspirational- and I always interpreted this song's lyrics are what Dave was saying in the speech. But just in a song format.

    Heres the speech for those interested to read:

    "Thank you. I will now begin the boring lull after Molly Ivins. I was trying to think of what stumbling, stuttering things I could say that might inspire you. That was sort of what we were told we had to do, to come up with something moderately inspirational. And then I will rise, hopefully, to the occasion. You be the judge. I come from a family of fairly well-educated people, and I’m proud to say that I barely squeezed out of high school. But, while I could have been in college, I spent the four years driving around in a van with ten other very smelly men, and drove around the country insisting on playing whatever gig we could get, and we got some good attitude from it, too, and maybe some tidbits of wisdom. And I was wondering what I could say today, and I hope that the question I ask doesn’t sound like too much, although it will sound like a hell of a mouthful, but then I’ll try and moderate it by explaining myself. I’ve thought quite often versions of this question, “What is our obligation to God?” Having said that, I sorda consider myself in a way a non-believer. Certainly I don’t believe that I’m quite convinced in the same God that “Shrub” does, up there in the White House. I can’t imagine a sort of Santa Claus kind of God in his long robe-y pajamas sitting there watching us, making sure everything is happy and hunky and occasionally choosing sides like he’s watching a football game, and scream “kickass.” But I do find myself praying a lot, and I don’t know what I pray to, but it seems like I pray to the undamaged things, to the natural things, to breasts before enhancement, to they way that a child runs across the lawn, to trees or to a forest. I pray to those things; to the mountain. That’s where I think God might be at least: the mountain next to Mt. Rushmore. Although Mt. Rushmore is impressive, it’s not as impressive as it was prior to the damage done to it. So, what is our obligation to this God I don’t really believe in? I was watching TV, this is where I get wisdom, sorry I’m stumbling, this always happens to me, I’m going to be quick, I’ll be fast and I’m going to start talking faster, I haven’t had enough coffee. I was watching TV, which is one of the places I get my wisdom, my vast and deep wisdom. I was watching and I was bouncing through the channels and then there was a show, I think it was on HBO or maybe Link TV or something like that, it was on some channel. It was a show about a religion, and they were interviewing different religious scholars. I think it was about Judaism. There was a guy describing what he thought God wanted from us. I think he was a rabbi, or maybe he wasn’t, but I think he had a beard. He said that God doesn’t want us to be something specific; he doesn’t want us to follow a rule book. He made us, or God made us—I’m saying he out of habit. I’m sure he doesn’t have the tackle to necessarily be a he. That would be sort of pointless. But he said that God made you what you are, so why would he want you to be something other than you are. Why would he want you to pretend you are something you are not, because your heart is what God made it. And so, our responsibility to God, however difficult it is, is to be what we are. To be present, not to put up a façade that makes us feel safer. It’s not always easy. I’m faking it a lot of times. I wish I could fake it a little better right now. Although in a way you are more vulnerable and vile things happen to you when you experience joy, you get a mouthful of it, you know when you experience goods things. Because it comes right to you, you’re right there, because you’re not busy trying to make sure no one notices that behind that perfect, or average, or fitting-in façade is really what God made you. So be yourselves I guess is what I wanted to say. Be present. I have a little poem that I was going to read because I think that this guy was much more able to say what I said in the last five minutes—or ten if it feels like that—in just a couple of lines. I went to Australia and I found this poet that I don’t think has landed on these shores, and I thought he was kind of magical. And it’s May, and this is called, “A Prayer in May.” And it says, it starts, “God relieve the dark unease. God of valves untie my throat, and God let sink the weight of mind to the belly of heart’s content.” Thank you very much to everybody for having me today. So save the world now by being yourself
    kelchlsm is offline   Reply With Quote
    Old 10-04-2021, 09:31 PM   #30
    splack03
     
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    Re: What You Are

    The "children dance around" intros from the early 2000s took this song to the next level
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