Dave Matthews Band

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Ten fingers we have each
Nine planets around the sun repeat
Eight ball is the last if you triumphant be
Seven oceans pummel the shores of the sea

[Chorus]
It's a typical situation
In these typical times
Too many choices
It's a typical situation
In these typical times
Too many choices
Everybody's happy
Everybody's free
We'll keep the big door open
Everyone will come around
Why are you different?
Why are you that way?
If you don't get in line
We'll lock you away

It all comes down to nothing

[Verse 2]
Six senses feeling
Five around a sense of self
Four seasons turn on and turn off
I can see three corners from this corner
Two iss a perfect number
But one, well
[Chorus 2]
Everybody's happy
Everybody's free
We'll keep the big door open
Everyone will come around
Why are you different
Why are you that way
If you don't get in line
We'll lock you away
Everybody's happy
Everybody's free
We'll keep the big door open
Everyone will come around
Why are you different
Why are you that way
If you don't get in line
We'll lock you away
It all comes down to nothing
It's a typical situation
In these typical times
We can't do a thing about it
Too many choices
It's a typical situation
In these typical times
We can't do a thing about it
Too many choices
[Chorus 2]Embed

If you're a Dave Matthews Band fan, then you might be most familiar with their 1994 RCA debut album, Under the Table and Dreaming. From that album, comes the single, "Typical Situation." This song is one that displays the Dave Matthews Band's ability to blend different music styles, genres, and techniques to create a unique sound that is appreciated by their fans all over the world. The song has gained a lot of popularity since it was released and continues to be a fan favorite even today, more than two decades later.

About Typical Situation

The song, "Typical Situation," was inspired by a Robert Dederick poem named "A Prayer in the Pentagon." The poem and song both employ descending number counting to illustrate the collapse of a system. The lyrics speak to the difficult decisions that typify human life and the futility of trying to change our situation. The song plays with dichotomies of acceptance and rejection, belonging and alienation, and of conformity and individuality. The lyrics are quite introspective and speak directly to the complexities of human experience, making the song a relatable one to many individuals.

The song's lyrics are highly symbolic, and they create an atmosphere of ambiguity that is open to interpretation. The lyrics address themes that are deeply philosophical and abstract. The song's opening lyrics illustrate the mundanity of life and how humans end up creating monotonous lives because of societal expectations. The lyrics are as follows;

"At a table for two With just me and you Fruit on our plates And flowers all around the room"

The song then delves into the internal battles that individuals face when trying to balance their need for conformity with their individuality. The lyrics highlight how society has created predetermined paths for people, making it hard to know which choices to make. The internal conflict is illustrated in the lyrics,

"And we go round and round And we spin on the ground And we talk about the way things used to be And we talk about the way things ought to be"

This song is meaningful on both a lyrical and musical level. The emotions it conveys translate well through the potent poetry used in the lyrics and the rhythm of the song. Musically, the song is characterized by a distinctive, upbeat guitar riff backed by intricate drumming. The guitar solo and jam session in the instrumental break showcases the musicianship of the Dave Matthews Band.

The verses in the song are sung in a conversational tone, while the intense chorus contrasts with the melancholic vibe created by the verses. It is the ups and downs in the music, coupled with the variation in the vocals that create a perfect match between lyrical and musical expression.

In a nutshell

The song, "Typical Situation," by Dave Matthews Band, is an exemplification of the band's musical genius. The lyrics are highly evocative, with an emotionally rich accompanying sound that captures the human experience at its deepest and most introspective. The song's lyrics and music come together to create an immersive experience that takes listeners on a journey of both self-discovery and expression.

While the song was released over two decades ago, it still resonates with fans due to its relatable themes and moving melody. It continues to be a favorite among music enthusiasts who appreciate a music style that combines multiple genres and elements. If you are a Dave Matthews Band fan or just looking for a song that speaks to the heart of human experience, "Typical Situation," is a must-listen.

• Release Date: September 27, 1994
• Artist: Dave Matthews Band