Religion and the Dave Matthews Band

[matt_in_ohio]

Hey everyone! I’m kind of new to this forum and this website, but I stumbled across a thread in here about Dave Matthews Band’s music several months ago while I was Google-ing for something else. Of course now that I have a response to the original post, I can’t find it! Figures. Anyways, I’ll post here, in a new topic, what my response was going to be. Hopefully it will help someone.

If I remember correctly, the original poster had a concern about DMB’s music being anti-religious. I believe that they were themselves a fan, but were worried about trying to reconcile the music they loved with their own personal beliefs. I remember there was a person who responded saying they only listen to Christian music, and various other people offered other responses which were somewhat helpful, but never seemed to answer the questions that the original poster had asked, or even some of the questions I’ve had myself. So I have done a lot of searching, at lot of research, and a lot of my own personal interpretations. I've spent a lot of time on the DMB boards at www.antsmarching.org and www.nancies.org as well. I am by no means any kind of expert, nor am I trying to present myself as such. Just wanting to offer up an opinion.

For my background, and what I bring to the discussion - I am Catholic, and have been since being baptized at birth, though I wasn’t confirmed until I went through RCIA recently (longer story for another thread someday). I am also a HUGE DMB fan, and have been since a college roommate turned me on to the band almost ten years ago. I have seen him in concert too many times to count – in fact I’ve seen him several times this summer alone! If you are into their music, that are an AMAZING band to see live. As a person who used to write concert reviews, and who has seen pretty much every band worthwhile, they are one of the best. Every show is different – they are such talented musicians, that they never tour with a pre-defined setlist. They decide which songs to play *during* the show, based on the mood and reactions of the audience. Again, if you get into it, there’s nothing else like it!

So about Dave – of all the research I have done and interviews I have read, the best answer I can give about his own spiritual beliefs is that he is agnostic, though somewhat spiritual. He was raised Christian. There was a time when he was a full-blown atheist, but he has since mellowed out, and become (to one degree or another) more spiritual. There are some people who are bothered by fact he was once atheist, but you have to understand what was going on in his life at the time. Right when “Under the Table and Dreaming” came out, his older sister Anne had just been brutally murdered by her husband, who then killed himself. That and some other personal tragedies led Dave into a “if there was a God, why would he let this happen to me,” kind of attitude. I’m not making excuses for anything, but I hope that some people can see where he was coming from. As a person who has had a tremendous amount of tragedy fall in his own life, I certainly do. Anyway, if you happen to own "UTTAD," inside the back cover the dedication reads "In memory of Anne," and it shows a picture of Dave with a little child. "Anne" is, of course, his sister, and the girl is hers.

But back to the music. Though Dave is somewhat ambiguous about his personal beliefs in the various interviews I've read and seen, even a casual listener will notice that there are spiritual and Biblical references in quite a few of his songs. I'll cover just a couple here:

"Christmas Song" from 1993's "Remember Two Things"

This is a beautiful song, both lyrically and melodically. I don't see any lyrics that anyone would take issue with, except for the reference to Mary Magdalene in the line "He met another Mary for a reasonable fee, less than reputable as known to be." Most people who read this take it to reference the widely held belief of MM as a prostitute. Very few people seem to think it implies that anything actually "happened." Of course there are whole schools of thought that disagree with the notion of MM as a prostitute - again, another discussion for another thread. But the rest of the song is, most people feel, a simple retelling of the story of Jesus right up to the point of his resurrection.

"Last Stop" from 1998's "Before These Crowded Streets"

"BTCS" has quite a few songs on it with spiritual references in it. This is one that has seemed to give a lot of people a lot of trouble. Most interpertations that I have read that it is not anti-religion, but against a lot of the unspeakable atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion. This is actually not a song that is a favorite of mine for other reasons, so I would welcome other's interpretations of it.

"Bartender" from 2002's "Busted Stuff"

This album almost never saw the light of day due to the breakdown of the relationship between the band and producer Steve Lillywhite (from early U2 fame). Fortunately, another producer came in, and the album that came out is, in my opinion, one of their best. "Bartender" in particular is full of religious references: "Bartender please, fill my glass for me / With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free after three days in the ground / I’m on bended knee I pray Bartender please" and "Bartender you see, this wine that’s drinking me / Came from the vine that strung Judas from the devil’s tree roots Deep deep in the ground." Most people feel that this song is about someone asking for - actually begging for - salvation and forgiveness.

"Pig" from 1998's "Before These Crowded Streets"

This is a song that has caused a lot of people consternation, mostly for the line "Oh then complain and pray for more from above, like greedy little pigs." Dave, and the band's over-riding philosophy seems to be "live life as if each day were your last." This is not to say to forgo morals, or live as if your actions have no consequences. It's merely saying "LIVE! Be Alive!"

If you're interested in more, here's an interesting link I've found from a fansite where I did a lot of my research for this post:

[url="http://www.antsmarching.org/forum/showthread.php?t=129124"]http://www.antsmarching.org/forum/showthread.php?t=129124[/url]

My main goal in writing this is to prevent someone from *NOT* listening to something that they enjoy, simply because they are confused or don't understand something. Of course song lyrics are open to interpretation, and there are probably people out there who will come up with some radically different ideas than I did! I hope that each person will act as their own judge, and make informed decisions based on their own research.

Comments are welcome, and I would love to have an intelligent debate about this. If you're just going to flame me, and call me a moron or whatever, I probably won't respond. But I'd be interested to see where this leads...


Matt.

[ninjakyle]

[url="http://rockforlife.org/html/music_proabortionbands.html"]and he supports abortion[/url]

[Lil Red]

matt in ohio, thanks for the thoughts! i enjoyed reading them. although i am not a huge DMB fan such as yourself, i do enjoy the music from time to time.

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='Lil Red' date='Aug 14 2005, 01:49 PM']matt in ohio, thanks for the thoughts! i enjoyed reading them. although i am not a huge DMB fan such as yourself, i do enjoy the music from time to time.
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Lil Red,

Thank you very much for your kind reply. Yours was so much more pleasant to read than whomever left me the IM calling me a "BABY KILLING B**TARD!!!"

I do apologize to the group and to the forum. I did not realize that DMB was pro-choice. I knew they had played in several Vote For Change events, but I guess I never connected the two in my head. That is my fault, and again, I do apologize. I'll make sure to stick to less controversial subjects from now on...

Matt.

[franciscanheart]

I too enjoyed reading your thoughts and after thinking about it... i don't have much to say. I grew up with DMB and am a huge fan myself. I've never really looked into him and what he believes. I just enjoy his music while driving or working.

one fan to another -- hugheyforlife

[Theoketos]

Man, that was a tremendous post for an intro to phatmass. And I am moved by your openess to the truth.

[IcePrincessKRS]

[quote name='matt_in_ohio' date='Aug 14 2005, 01:54 PM']Lil Red,

Thank you very much for your kind reply. Yours was so much more pleasant to read than whomever left me the IM calling me a "BABY KILLING B**TARD!!!"

I do apologize to the group and to the forum. I did not realize that DMB was pro-choice. I knew they had played in several Vote For Change events, but I guess I never connected the two in my head. That is my fault, and again, I do apologize. I'll make sure to stick to less controversial subjects from now on...

Matt.
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Matt, I would like to apologize for the IM you received. That was thoroughly rude and uncalled for. I can't believe some people would be uncharitable just because someone admits to liking a band that happens to be pro-abortion. I, admittedly, don't care for DMB, but I like plenty of other pro-abortion (in some form or another) bands---but I never knew they were pro-choice until after I decided I liked them and got their CDs. Thats part of why I hardly ever buy CDs anymore. It seems as soon as I buy one someone says "They're pro-choice, you know." Argh. Its hard to avoid and annoying as all get out. Its not like we like them BECAUSE they are pro-abortion.

Ok, I had better stop before I rant any more than I already have.

Edited August 14, 2005 by IcePrincessKRS

[Guest]

wut up matt, wuts cracken man ??
nice post
i enjoy dave
i really liked his new song and video "american babyyyy"
i dunno if thats the name or not but thats the chorus lol
but ya
anyhow that song had postive christian images in it the whole video

[matt_in_ohio]

Thanks everyone for your positive posts!

I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully, over time, I'll be able to add something positive to this forum and this community :-) And hopefully people can gain something from my insight and my experiences.

Take care everyone...

Matt.

[Guest]

where at in ohio r u ??
im from defiance
northwest corner

[jp2_rules]

matt,

i really enjoy listening to Dave. i hated his stuff for a long time, because he was too popular and i was sick of hearing about him. i was also familiar with his stance on issues that have been mentioned here. however, upon actually taking a good listen to his music, i really enjoy it now. his style is unique, and the members of that band are all absolutely amazing jazz musicians. i guess if there was an alternative to him, i'd listen to it....but as of yet, nothing comes close. and don't think i haven't looked..

and hey, i hope you stick around, bro. for the most part, everyone here is charitable. sometimes ppl's emotions run high...just pass it off. anyway, welcome to you!!!! and welcome to the pham!

peace,
chris

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='Delivery Boy' date='Aug 14 2005, 07:29 PM']where at in ohio r u ??
im from defiance
northwest corner
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I'm a little south of Akron - about 10 minutes from CAK airport.

I think I remember where Defiance is. My cousin used to work at Davie-Bessie, which I think is out that way. We'd stay at his place on Firday nights and then go to Cedar Point on Saturday's. Fun Times!!!

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='jp2_rules' date='Aug 14 2005, 07:56 PM']matt,

  i really enjoy listening to Dave.  i hated his stuff for a long time, because he was too popular and i was sick of hearing about him.  i was also familiar with his stance on issues that have been mentioned here.  however, upon actually taking a good listen to his music, i really enjoy it now.  his style is unique, and the members of that band are all absolutely amazing jazz musicians.  i guess if there was an alternative to him, i'd listen to it....but as of yet, nothing comes close.  and don't think i haven't looked..

  and hey, i hope you stick around, bro.  for the most part, everyone here is charitable.  sometimes ppl's emotions run high...just pass it off.  anyway, welcome to you!!!!  and welcome to the pham!

peace,
chris
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Chris,

Hey, thanks for your reply!

I too used to be indifferent to him - I listened to him because my roommate did. I only knew his radio hits - "Crash," "Ants Marching," etc. And, as has become obvious, I was not familiar with his stance on the issues. What made me a fan was seeing them in concert. It was a whole different experience!

And I appreciate your comments about some of the comments I've received. Believe me, it takes a LOT more than that to worry me! But I do sincerely respect where everyone is coming from. Everyone has a right to their opinion. And I appreciate that people feel strongly about it. IT's what makes this country great :-)

Thanks again...

Matt.

[EcceNovaFacioOmni]

I'm from Northwest Ohio...

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='thedude' date='Aug 14 2005, 08:21 PM']I'm from Northwest Ohio...
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It seems that there are a lot of Ohioans here - and a lot of very YOUNG people! I'm starting to feel like the grandfather of the group!

I'm not entierly comfortable with growing old :-(

Matt.

[annabelle87]

Matt...? I know you!! lol you go to my church! that's crazy...


Anyways welcome!

[Guest]

[quote name='thedude' date='Aug 14 2005, 06:21 PM']I'm from Northwest Ohio...
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where ??

[cmotherofpirl]

My kids have all their music so I hear it all the time.

You are certainly not old enough to be the grandpap of the group yet :

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='annabelle87' date='Aug 14 2005, 09:25 PM']Matt...? I know you!! lol you go to my church! that's crazy...
Anyways welcome!
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Errr...uhhh...ahhh...no, I don't know who you are! I've never heard of you! In fact, I'm not actually named Matt! And I don't go to church! And I don't even live in Ohio, so there!!!

Now I wish I had a Harry Potter wand, and could use magic to make this whole thread vanish (sorry everyone - it's an inside joke!).

Please tell me it wasn't my saying how old I am that gave me away! I'm already feeling older than my years as it is.

To everyone reading this who was born when I was in HIGH SCHOOL (for crying out loud ), I say - Enjoy your youth! It really does go by SO FAST!!!

Matt.

[matt_in_ohio]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Aug 14 2005, 11:06 PM']My kids have all their music so I hear it all the time. 

You are certainly not old enough to be the grandpap of the group yet :
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Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for making me feel young again :

And thank you everyone, seriously, for making me feel welcome

Matt (who really does live in Ohio, and does in fact go to the same church as Annabelle).