What Would You Say by Dave Matthews Band Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Tapestry of Life’s Enigmatic Questions

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Dave Matthews Band's What Would You Say at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Up and down the puppies’ hair
Fleas and ticks jump everywhere
‘Cause of original sin

Down the hill, fell Jack and Hill
And you came tumbling after
‘Cause of original sin

Rip away the tears
Drink a hope to happy years
And you may find a lifetime’s passed you by

What would you say?
Don’t drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
Don’t cut my lifeline
If you a doggie on a chain
Don’t bite the mailman
What would you say?

I was there when the bear ate his head
Thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end
Knock knock on the door. Who’s it for?
There’s nobody in here
Look in the mirror, my friend
I don’t understand at best
And cannot speak for all the rest
The morning rise, a lifetime’s passed me by

What would you say?
Don’t drop the big one
If you a monkey on a string
Don’t cut my lifeline
If you a doggie on a chain
Don’t bite the mailman
What would you say?

Every dog has its day
Every day has its way of being forgotten
Mom, it’s my birthday, would you say?
What could you say?
What would you say?

I was there when the bear ate his head
Thought it was a candy
Everyone goes in the end
Knock knock on the door. Who’s it for?
There’s nobody in here
Look in the mirror, my friend
I don’t understand at best
And cannot speak for all the rest
The morning rise, a lifetime’s passed me by

What would you say?

Dave Matthews Band’s ‘What Would You Say’ isn’t just a song; it’s a multifaceted existential inquisition, cleverly disguised in the upbeat rhythms that characteristically underscore the complexities of human existence. Released in 1994 as part of their debut album ‘Under the Table and Dreaming,’ the track became an instant hit, etching its place in the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide.

From the ambiguous lyrics to the vivacious saxophone solos, the song represents an intricate exploration of life’s most profound uncertainties. Let us dive deeper into the lyrical composition and unearth what makes ‘What Would You Say’ a perpetual anchor of modern lyrical discourse.

The Allegory of Existence: Understanding a Multiverse within Verses

The song begins with curious images that seem nonsensical at the surface — up and down the puppies’ hair, fleas, ticks, and the downfall of Jack and Jill. These mundane phenomena act as metaphors for the chaos intertwined in the everyday, hinting at the notion that simple things carry deeper, perhaps darker realities.

Dave Matthews wrangles with the theme of original sin, implying a natural descent into disarray echoing throughout time. This malaise, tied to the human condition, is unavoidable, yet he offers a riposte in the chorus that seems to challenge the listener to consider their own reactions in the face of such predicaments.

Punctuating the Prosaic: The Eloquent Simplicity in ‘What would you say?’

The chorus unassumingly asks, ‘What would you say?’ Simple in its inquiry, yet heavy with implication, the line confronts us with life’s vast, unanswerable questions. What stance does one take when faced with the inherent challenges of living? Matthews refrains from imposing answers, instead empowering listeners to confront their own moral compass.

By juxtaposing mundane actions with existential choices — ‘If you a monkey on a string, don’t cut my lifeline’ — Matthews bridges the gap between the trivial and the significant, suggesting that perhaps our smallest actions bear the weight of far-reaching consequences.

Exploring the Hidden Meaning Behind the Bear and the Candy

Within the cryptic narrative that Matthews weaves, the bear consuming what it presumed to be candy stands out as a startling, yet beguiling analogy. This provocative imagery might be seen as a metaphor for innocence lost, of bitter realities cloaked in the guise of sweet illusions.

The inevitability of endings, ‘Everyone goes in the end,’ is presented not with melancholy but with a matter-of-factness that acknowledges life’s finite journey. Herein lies the hidden meaning: amidst life’s sugar-coated moments, there is the encompassing truth of our mortality, and the question arises again — faced with this, ‘What would you say?’

Anthem of the Forgotten: Echoes of Oblivion and Existence

The line ‘Every dog has its day, every day has its way of being forgotten’ speaks to the fleeting nature of fame, success, and ultimately, existence. Matthews touches on the notion that even the most significant moments will eventually be relegated to the annals of obscurity, prompting a contemplation of what truly remains when the sun sets on our days.

It’s a lyrical nod to the transitory dance of time and the importance of the ‘now.’ It challenges the listener to question their priorities and the legacy they wish to leave behind in a world where the only constant is change and the forgetfulness of history.

Memorable Lines that Entwine Complexity with Catchiness

Despite its intricacy, ‘What Would You Say’ is laced with a catchy verve and chorus that has fans singing aloud, often without pondering the depth of the questions posed. It’s a testament to Matthews’ songwriting prowess that allows profound philosophical reflection to be nested within an earworm.

The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious melody conceal its esoteric nature, inviting listeners to joyfully interrogate the essence of their own musings. Notably, the song has cemented its position in the Dave Matthews Band’s repertoire, offering a touchstone for generations grappling with the immutable quandaries of life.