37 - Here's the Hitch, Your Horse is Leaving

Some artists, like stories/movies, have a very Autumnal nature to them.  Their music just exudes the season.  From tone, sound, content, imagery etc.  At least for me.  One such musician brings us today's song.

I have no idea when I first heard this song.  But I do know that it was us who scorched the sky.  Wait, no...that's the Matrix.  But really, it was at some point in college.  Say what you will.   Most people I know either love them, or hate them.  But I really like this song, and many others by this band.

Song 37
   "Don't Drink the Water" from the album Before These Crowded Streets, by Dave Matthews Band.

There is just something haunting and captivating by this song.  I'm not really sure what it's about.  It gives me the impression of the European conquest of the New World.  Or even specifically the American treatment of the Native Americans.

I'm not getting into that topic here.  Even with that in mind I still like this song.  The progression of the instruments and vocals, as it rises into this heart wrenching climax at the end of the song.  It just stirs my soul.  To what I don't rightly know.  But it does.  It sends me into dizzying heights of old trees and along the wind paths that carrion crows follow.

This song also includes one of my all time favorite artists, Alanis Morrisette.  There is no one who sings like she does.  Her awkward emphasis and pronunciations, and her visceral voice.  It just grabs me.  And even though she's back up vocals on this song, it's powerful and chilling.  The way she wails like someone in violent mourning, as Dave growls out the final portions of the song.

It's a chilly, almost barren of leaves, wood in some twilight hour.  You're there alone quite, until you realize that there is something/someone else there.  A twig snaps and the pursuit begins.  Cold from the air, but heating up from the exertion of the run.  That's where this song takes me.

I hope you find it enjoyable too.

grace, peace + hope
-Jesse