Delancey, M. (2001).  Dave Matthews Band:  Step Into the Light. 

Toronto, Ontario:  ECW Press. 

 

Given the popularity of the Dave Matthews Band, this book is pertinent in understanding the members of the band and the music they produce.  The author shows the reader the chronology of the band's development, success, hardship and ongoing creativity. 

 

The book opens by focusing on the formation of the band and their commitment to one another personally and professionally.  It begins by going into detail about each band member and their family history.  The most interesting information gleaned here is that Dave Matthews was raised in a Quaker home.  The author speculates this accounts for his more reflective side.

 

By looking backward from the present, Delancey creates a framework for the band's success through the chronology.  The band began in Charlotte North Carolina at a bar called Millers.  As they gained notoriety there and in fraternity houses they practiced something somewhat unconventional:  they would let people plug in to the soundboard at the location they were playing and record their concerts.  There was no charge for the tapes and they further propelled familiarity with the band around the Charlotte area and beyond.

 

The author ends by overviewing the band's 2002 touring plans.  In addition, she presents the plumbline of creativity that the band hopes to continue to walk in.  It seems they live in a tension of enjoying the flow of creativity and fear that it will dry up.  This fear does not seem to be related to money or fame, but a sincere desire to do what they do well.

 

I thought this was a great book.  It helped me understand why the kids I work with like them so much.  I found in the band a high relational commitment with themes of community and sacrifice.  In addition, I found that their music basically falls into two categories:  reflective and seductive.  Many of DMB's songs ponder the meaning and quality of life through politics, religion and life experiences.  They also have many songs of seduction, love relationships and dissatisfying relationships. 

 

Having read this book, I am motivated to more thoroughly and intentionally look into other music that youth I know are into.  It helps me understand them, and gives me bridges to use in spiritual conversation.

 

 

 

QUOTATIONS:

 

Regarding success:

 

"How did it happen?  And so quickly?  According to people who saw them at Trax, the answer is a combination of factors:  the extraordinary, charismatic performances of the band members as they meshed into a whole; the open taping policy; the music's dance beat; and the truly unique nature of the band's originals.  Each member of the sextet quickly became a local celebrity, attracting a fervent, almost cult-like following.  From late 1991-1992 their gigs consisted of opening up for bigger acts of doing a stint themselves -- at no charge." (70)

 

Regarding their sound:

 

"They play songs that can be considered pop, country, jazz, hard rock and roll, and even kind of funky.  They are impossible to fit into one category." (74)

 

Regarding content of songs:

 

"The 30 early songs address family, love, relationship frustration, politics, Jesus (and other religious luminaries), death, the idea of carpe diem, drugs, and suicide -- in short, a wide spectrum of human experience and emotion. "(91).

 

"Why all the death references?  Because of his father's premature passing, Matthews had to come to terms with the preciousness of life at a very early age.  Perhaps there's a struggle with loss as part of the ongoing process of life.  In his lyrics, Matthews always points out that death could be right around the corner; he implores his audience to appreciate life's joys while they can." (95)

 

Regarding specific song backgrounds:

 

"Cry Freedom," Matthews's 1991 song about South Africa's protests and politics, initiated a thematic vein in his work that he would return to frequently. (93)

 

"One Sweet World," another early 1991 tune, is a humanitarian plea for peace, an attempt to make us honor the common roots of our humanity. (93)

 

"Tripping Billies," with its cheery "eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die," chorus is a carpe diem - infused song.  (94)

 

"So Much to Say," the 1997 Grammy-winning song, is about the struggle everyone undertakes to become an individual, to break out of 'treading trodden trails for a long, long time; it's something that we learn when we're children and trusting and naïve.  Everything seems so simple, until we find out, well, not necessarily find out, we just become, actors and actresses, trying to portray ourselves the best possible way we can.'"

(97)

 

"Crash into Me," is a song of seduction.  It is considered by many to be the band's sexiest song, with lyrics like "Hike up your skirt a little more/And show your world to me/In a boy's dream," the tune evokes a powerful mood of slowly building sensuality. (170)

 

Regarding the impact of the band:

 

"By 1997, the band had made a resounding impact on popular culture, not just the music industry.  Their influences could be seen in the internet, education, and advertising.  Phrases from their songs had become part of the common vernacular.  Younger musicians were modeling their instrumentation on DMB's.  The band's importance had reached beyond the brilliance of their music:  they had become a fixture of popular culture." (208)

 

 

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

 

1.  How can the background of a band's development be a springboard to meaningful conversation with youth?

 

2.  How do the band member's relationships with each other mirror biblical relational mandates in scripture?

 

3.  How can their desire to make music well be connected to youth's understanding of leaning into their passions or understanding spiritual gifts?

 

4.  How can specific songs be used reflectively within teaching times or to frame small group discussion?  What topics might they supplement?

 

5.  How can the words to the more seductive songs be used to help youth reflect on their sexuality and a paradigm for sex and God?

 

 

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

1.  This topic is important to young people and to those who work with them because music is so important to them.  It both helps them to know what they think and feel and it shapes what they think and feel. 

 

2. It is crucial to lean into understanding those bands that are important to them.  To know what the message is and to meet them where they are with Truth.

 

3.  Music can be utilized proactively to present spiritual truths.

 

4.  Music can be utilized to sensitize youth to messages that are not thought about (i.e. "it's got a good beat and you can dance to it").

 

 

5.  Musicians may be "heroes" so to speak, and their lifestyles can be looked at to help form values and priorities in youth.

 

 

Lisa M. Corry, Copyright 2001 CYS