Dave Matthews Band, an American rock band formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991 has produced some of the most iconic songs of all time. One song that stands out and has touched the hearts of many is “What Would You Say.” The song, which was released in 1994, topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and enjoyed commercial success across the globe.
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“What Would You Say” is a song that is rich in meaning and depth. It carries a message that cautions us to make the most out of life and to pursue our dreams before it is too late. This article is a comprehensive review of the meaning behind the song, the story behind the song’s creation, and frequently asked questions about the song.
The Story Behind The Song
Songwriting is a process that varies from artist to artist. For Dave Matthews, the writing of “What Would You Say” started with the lyrics before the music came into being. He explained in an interview how the song was created: “When I wrote “What Would You Say,” I had a few pieces of music that I really liked, and they were all kind of stuck and disjointed. But then I had this little phrase “hey my love, you came to me like wine”, and that’s what started the song. The song came out of that little bit of inspiration, and I was able to cut and paste from the other pieces of music to create the song.”
Many believe that Dave Matthews wrote this song after a tragic event occurred in his life. In 1994, before the release of “What Would You Say,” Matthews’ best friend and founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, LeRoi Moore, was involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of the driver of the vehicle he collided with. This traumatic event had a significant impact on Matthews, and many believe that “What Would You Say” is a tribute to his friend and a reminder to live life to the fullest.
The Meaning Behind The Song
“What Would You Say” asks us a fundamental question to which we should all have an answer: “what would you say if you could say anything?” The song explores this question and encourages us to embrace our dreams, chase after what we want, and not to take life for granted.
The song’s opening verse sets the tone for the entire piece: “Up and down the puppies’ hair, fleas and ticks jump everywhere because of original sin, down the hill came Jack and Jill. And they’re not sure what, but they know it’s gonna kill.” Some may think that this is nonsensical, but it symbolizes the nature of life itself. Life is unpredictable, full of unexpected twists and turns, and no one really knows what comes next. But one thing for sure is that death will come for all of us. The verse is a reminder that life is fleeting, and we have to make the most out of it while it lasts.
The chorus of the song reinforces the message; “What would you say if you could say everything? Say it now, Oh, say it now.” The chorus is a call to action, encouraging us not to let anything hold us back and to say what we need to say now. “Don’t you wait for the next big thing,” the chorus warns us. The next big thing may never come, or it may come too late.
The second verse of the song tells a story of a man who is trying to balance his life between work and family. He has many responsibilities, and he is doing everything he can to juggle them all. However, in the end, the man comes to the realization that these responsibilities do not matter, and he should follow his heart and find joy in life.
The lyrics go as follows: “He wakes up in the morning, does his teeth, bite to eat and he’s rolling. Never changes a thing, the week ends, the week begins, she thinks, we look at each other, wondering what the other is thinking, but we never say a thing.” The man is stuck in a loop that never ends. He is living, but he is not fully alive. The verse encourages us to break free from our routines that are holding us back and find joy and value in every moment.
FAQsWhat inspired Dave Matthews to write “What Would You Say?”
What inspired Dave Matthews to write “What Would You Say?”
There are conflicting beliefs about what inspired this song. Some believe that Dave Matthews wrote the song after the death of his friend, LeRoi Moore, while others believe that the song was dedicated to his sister, Anne, who died unexpectedly in 1994. Nevertheless, the song challenges listeners to think about what they would say if they could say anything.
Who is the woman shouting in the background of the song?
The woman shouting in the background of “What Would You Say” is Tawatha Agee, a prominent soul, and R&B singer. Agee has worked with many artists, including Luther Vandross, Chic, and Sting.
What was the commercial success of “What Would You Say?”
The song was ranked number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, and number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
What is the meaning behind the line, “don’t eat the fruit in the garden?”
The line “don’t eat the fruit in the garden” in the song is a reference to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, where they disobey God’s command not to eat the fruit of a particular tree. The line implies that we should learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and not make the same mistakes.
Who directed the music video for “What Would You Say?”
The music video for “What Would You Say” was directed by David Hogan, who has also directed for artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Alice in Chains.
When did Dave Matthews Band form?
Dave Matthews Band was formed in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1991. Matthews, who was a bartender at the time, teamed up with musician Tim Reynolds to start the group.
How did the Dave Matthews Band’s sound evolve?
The Dave Matthews Band’s sound has evolved over time, from acoustic to electric instruments. The band’s style is a unique blend of rock, jazz, and African rhythms.
How many albums has the Dave Matthews Band released?
The Dave Matthews Band has released nine studio albums to date. Their latest album, “Come Tomorrow,” was released in 2018.
What other songs are the Dave Matthews Band well-known for?
Some of the Dave Matthews Band’s most well-known songs include “Crash into Me,” “Ants Marching,” “Satellite,” and “The Space Between.”
What is the band’s discography?
Dave Matthews Band has released several live and studio albums since their inception in 1991. Their discography includes Under the Table and Dreaming (1994), Crash (1996), Before These Crowded Streets (1998), Everyday (2001), Busted Stuff (2002), Stand Up (2005), Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King (2009), Away from the World (2012), and Come Tomorrow (2018).
What other artists influenced the Dave Matthews Band’s sound?
Dave Matthews Band’s sound has been influenced by various artists, including Pink Floyd, The Police, Grateful Dead, and Led Zeppelin. They incorporate elements of jazz, bluegrass, and African rhythms into their music.
What is the message of “What Would You Say?”
The main message of “What Would You Say?” is that life is fleeting, and we should chase after our dreams and live life to the fullest. The song encourages us to take action and to say what we need to say now, rather than waiting for the next big thing.
