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Dave Matthews Band — Don't Drink The Water
Album: Before These Crowded Streets
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1083









Released: 1998
Length: 6:26
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Don't drink the water, yeah

Come out, come out
No use in hiding
Come now, come now
Can you not see?
There's no place here
What were you expecting?
No room for both
Just room for me
So you will lay your arms down
Yes, I will call this home

Away, away
You have been banished
Your land is gone
And given to me
And here I will spread my wings
Yes, I will call this home
What's this you say?
You feel the right to remain
Then stay, and I will bury you

What's that you say?
Your father's spirit still lives in this place
Well, I will silence you

Here's the hitch
Your horse is leaving
Don't miss your boat
It's leaving now
And as you go I will spread my wings
Yes, I will call this home
I have no time to justify to you
Fool, you're blind, move aside for me
All I can say to you, my new neighbor
Is you must move on, or I will bury you

Now, as I rest my feet by this fire
Those hands once warmed here
Well, I have retired them
I can breathe my own air
And I can sleep more soundly
Upon these poor souls
I'll build Heaven and call it home
'Cause you're all dead now
And I live with my justice
And I live with my greedy need
Or I live with no mercy
And I live with my frenzied feeding
I live with my hatred
And I live with my jealousy
Or I live with the notion
That I don't need anyone but me
Don't drink the water
Don't drink the water
There's blood in the water
Don't drink the water

Don't drink the water
Don't drink the water
There's blood in the water
Don't drink the water
There's blood in the water
Comments (95)add comment
Most Excellent song!!!! DMB rocks!!!
Posted 6 months ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 peterwsimpson586 wrote:

This is another reason for me to love Radio Paradise. I've heard of DMB. He's played concerts in my town. I know people who see them every chance they get . And I've never listened to  them. And then don't drink the water just came on and I'm saying to myself who the f*** is this!!? This is outstanding! So I give it a 10 out of 10. And thanks, again, RP. 


That is why we come here!   Thanx RP!  
Posted 8 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Have to wonder what he has seen, what with him having lived in South Africa. 
Posted 8 months ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
This is another reason for me to love Radio Paradise. I've heard of DMB. He's played concerts in my town. I know people who see them every chance they get . And I've never listened to  them. And then don't drink the water just came on and I'm saying to myself who the f*** is this!!? This is outstanding! So I give it a 10 out of 10. And thanks, again, RP. 
Posted 10 months ago by peterwsimpson586    [ Reply ]
This one and bartender, no matter how many times I hear it it never gets old
Posted 1 year ago by journeyman365    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:

  
Can't remember, but I think it was Bart Simpson who said it was odd for something to both suck and blow at the same time.  This does. Too piratey for me.

The early Jazz musicians would say that a guy could really "Blow" if he had a good sound when playing the horn. If he couldn't play very well then they would say that he was "Sucking" on that horn. That's where the term "Suck" as being something bad came from.
Posted 1 year ago by GarrySR07    [ Reply ]
forgot all about this one. thanks!!
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
wicked and sinister
Posted 1 year ago by neotrogg    [ Reply ]
not a high quality song from this fine band.
Posted 2 years ago by Jeffrey_Mishik    [ Reply ]
not a DMB fan (quite the opposite) but can't deny how good this one is
Posted 2 years ago by wanderinglevel    [ Reply ]
Here's another DMB track I enjoy enough to rate a 7, almost an 8 even, and at least partly due to BillG's excellent pairing after English Beat's "Mirror in The Bathroom"

Funny too on a personal note, as we just finished a kitchen remodel and after 4 months of using the bathroom sink as our kitchen sink I literally just put a post-it-note on the Mirror in the Bathroom saying "use the kitchen sink" i.e. don't drink the water as noted in the mirror in the bathroom. 

Long Live RP!!
Posted 2 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 Ashloh wrote:

Love it




SAME HERE!!!
Posted 3 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]

Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Love it
Posted 7 years ago by Ashloh    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:
Too bad it's so trendy to hate DMB. This song is fantastic to my ears. 

I remember when i first heard the on the radio a few months before the album came out... i must've missed the lead-in for the song so i had no idea who it was. I damn-near stopped the car on the freeway so i could concentrate on trying to figure out who had just released such an incredible song. I was pleased to figure out that it was DMB and that i could look forward to another fine album from them...

 
Dave Matthews often grates but the heavy beat, the darker key and the lyrics really work for me. Starting at 9.
Posted 7 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Because of all the DM haters on RP (part of the problem is song selection), I will give him a 9 for my wife, who thinks he walks on water.{#Umbrella}
Posted 8 years ago by iloveradio    [ Reply ]
 DigitalJer wrote:
Camper Van Beethoven — She Divines Water
Cloud Cult — When Water Comes to Life
Dave Matthews Band — Don't Drink The Water

Next up:

Dire Straits:  Water of Love ?



 
According to DMB, whatever you do....don't drink the water!
Posted 8 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
Camper Van Beethoven — She Divines Water
Cloud Cult — When Water Comes to Life
Dave Matthews Band — Don't Drink The Water

Next up:

Dire Straits:  Water of Love ?


Posted 8 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
 Hoosfoos wrote:
He sucks. Plain and simple.

 
Apparently one of your favorite bands, Lord Huron (3 tens in your ratings), doesn't think so as they toured in support of DMB back in '13.  DMB seems to fit in their music map as well:  https://www.music-map.com/lord+huron.html

Posted 8 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
fredriley wrote:

But who or what is he sucking? Curious and prurient minds want to know :o)

I've never understood the US verb "to suck", not least because it's synonymous with its apparent opposite "to blow". Two nations separated by a common language :(

 flyboy wrote:

What would you say instead?  I don't know what the UK equivalent is.

 
Can't remember, but I think it was Bart Simpson who said it was odd for something to both suck and blow at the same time.  This does. Too piratey for me.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Amazed that DMB attract so much (unqualified) hate here. They have an impressive history of excellent and innovative music. 10 for balance.  (It was already a 9, so hey...).
Posted 8 years ago by Grahamthefirst    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

But who or what is he sucking? Curious and prurient minds want to know :o)

I've never understood the US verb "to suck", not least because it's synonymous with its apparent opposite "to blow". Two nations separated by a common language :(

 
What would you say instead?  I don't know what the UK equivalent is.
Posted 8 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
A DMB not Sucko Barfo!! :)

Bill you have a rare knack for including DMB, Counting Crows, even Hootie?! Natalie ... and making it work.
Posted 8 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
Sounds like an angry sea captain.  Arrghh.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
9 -- maybe 10.  I just rated and not sure whether I heard this before.  Fantastic.  Sunday I bought my first ever DMB CD
Posted 9 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
His band released a concert video in 99 entitled "Listener Supported" which I really love!!!   {#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
Too bad it's so trendy to hate DMB. This song is fantastic to my ears. 

I remember when i first heard the on the radio a few months before the album came out... i must've missed the lead-in for the song so i had no idea who it was. I damn-near stopped the car on the freeway so i could concentrate on trying to figure out who had just released such an incredible song. I was pleased to figure out that it was DMB and that i could look forward to another fine album from them...
Posted 9 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
 salice wrote:
thought it was even more Pearl Jam / Vedder
 
Sacrelige to compare :-)
Posted 9 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 Hoosfoos wrote:
He sucks. Plain and simple.

 
But who or what is he sucking? Curious and prurient minds want to know :o)

I've never understood the US verb "to suck", not least because it's synonymous with its apparent opposite "to blow". Two nations separated by a common language :(
Posted 9 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
He sucks. Plain and simple.
Posted 10 years ago by Hoosfoos    [ Reply ]
A musical genius, best song this hour so far!

{#Hearteyes} thanks Bill
Posted 10 years ago by fitmartin    [ Reply ]
I've never heard this song before. I think it's beautiful. But it's Dave. So, ya know....{#Cool}
Posted 15 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]
thought it was even more Pearl Jam / Vedder
Posted 16 years ago by salice    [ Reply ]
Not my song...
Posted 16 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Don trink the woder?
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Jelani wrote:
Me too!
Me three.
Posted 16 years ago by joeychick    [ Reply ]
YIKES!
Posted 16 years ago by tiare    [ Reply ]
pannaramma wrote:
minus 10. had to yank off the headphones.
Me too!
Posted 16 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Love the slow build on this track what with Bella plucking away. But once that "women" starts screaming I reach for the volume knob.
Posted 16 years ago by Flashdog    [ Reply ]
I love DMB for a lot of reasons, pertinent social commentary lyrics prime among them. This is a great song and I think the live versions carry much more energy. 'All I can say to you my new nieghbor is you must move on, or I will bury you'.
Posted 16 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
minus 10. had to yank off the headphones.
Posted 16 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
yuck
Posted 17 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by catbirdman    [ Reply ]
nshifley wrote:
Oh no! Dave Matthews currently playing! Hurry to the RP website to voice your dissent! A 6. On second thought the ending bumps it up to a 7.
Thanks, but I don't need your permission to give this one the rating it deserves. The Dave Matthews Band is to music, what Thomas Kinkade is to art.
Posted 18 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
i could go without this song ...
Posted 18 years ago by princeofpeoria    [ Reply ]
Oh no! Dave Matthews playing! Hurry to the RP website to voice your dissent!
Done and done. I give it a 2..annoying song. Sounds more like a makeout song than a song about a serious issue.... it's too goofy, with the plucky banjo, and the constant wailing, to really take seriously. Listening to the ending - OK, maybe not makeout material so much, but still bad. -1 for Alanis.
Posted 18 years ago by blastmeh    [ Reply ]
Oh no! Dave Matthews currently playing! Hurry to the RP website to voice your dissent! A 6. On second thought the ending bumps it up to a 7.
Posted 18 years ago by nshifley    [ Reply ]
redeyespy wrote:
Awesomely simplistic conclusion there. Don't worry, you're not the first to arrive at that brilliant deduction. Care to elaborate on your reasoning? DMB's popularity has nothing to do with why I don't like the music. Might have something to do with the music itself? All opinion, of course.
Like redeye said...
Posted 18 years ago by Gorky    [ Reply ]
djblitz wrote:
What's up with the DMB haters here? Oh right, they are popular so you can't like them then....right?
Awesomely simplistic conclusion there. Don't worry, you're not the first to arrive at that brilliant deduction. Care to elaborate on your reasoning? DMB's popularity has nothing to do with why I don't like the music. Might have something to do with the music itself? All opinion, of course.
Posted 18 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
i am not a fan of dmb too many college boyfriends worshiped...yet, this song is really beautiful and meaningful. Alanis's vocals add another layer to the sound-filling it with more outrage at one of the many atrocities that are the foundation of these here United States....
Posted 18 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
djblitz wrote:
They lyrics and meaning of this track certainly make up for the lack of dynamics to the instrumentation. 8/10 This song is about early American colonials taking over and destroying Native American lands as well as the people. They were warned not to drink the water because of the amount of blood being spilled into the rivers and streams. DMB can make you feel the pain of oppressed peoples! What's up with the DMB haters here? Oh right, they are popular so you can't like them then....right?
Yep, there seems to be something uncool about enjoying music that actually sells records...
Posted 18 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
Sounds like The Tea Party.
Posted 18 years ago by Cruithne3753    [ Reply ]
The lyrics and meaning of this track certainly make up for the lack of dynamics to the instrumentation. 8/10 This song is about early American colonials taking over and destroying Native American lands as well as the people. They were warned not to drink the water because of the amount of blood being spilled into the rivers and streams. DMB can make you feel the pain of oppressed peoples! What's up with the DMB haters here? Oh right, they are popular so you can't like them then....right?
Posted 18 years ago by djblitz    [ Reply ]
Started out as a 4 for me, but lord! how it goes on!!! Back to a 2 for this one...
Posted 18 years ago by Gorky    [ Reply ]
'Upon these poor souls, I'll build heaven and call it home......'
Posted 18 years ago by betterdaze    [ Reply ]
Heh I don't normally listen to these guys, but I like almost everything I listen from them. They are on my gigantic list of "to listen" people.
Posted 18 years ago by mafe    [ Reply ]
Don't drink the water after the Dave Mathews tour bus has been through your town...
Posted 18 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
Yes, but its a GREAT follow to the previous tune. Cut Bill G some slack on this one. redeyespy wrote:
One of his worst, and that's saying something.
Posted 18 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
This has always been my favorite album musically speaking, though my favorite DMB song is on Crash. Great track here, I love the feeling of the song and Alanis in the background.
Posted 18 years ago by amymich    [ Reply ]
I don't like a lot of DM, but this is one of his better songs IMO.
Posted 18 years ago by magicnumber    [ Reply ]
LOL! I was just thinking that I like this quite a bit, and I like very little of DM's stuff. Different strokes, I guess! redeyespy wrote:
One of his worst, and that's saying something.
Posted 18 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
What's this crap? I thought I had KFOG on by accident for a second. Now excuse me while I go cough up a hairball. (And find something on my Ipod until this blows over). Yechh!
Posted 18 years ago by zogma    [ Reply ]
One of his worst, and that's saying something.
Posted 19 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
On a looong drive to Boston for spring break this year (I know, I know...you're supposed to go somewhere WARM for spring break, but Boston was amazing!) my friends and I were taking turns plugging in MP3 Players and Laptops to DJ our own little hour-long radio shows for each other to pass the time. One of the "friends" was actually a girl that I was absolutely SURE I wanted to hook up with. That is...until she started playing Dave Matthews. Now, I like Dave Matthews BAND...you know, the older stuff...and didn't really have a problem with her playing it. But she kept saying "Here's another one from DAVE." Referring to DMB or even Dave Matthews as "Dave" is like nails on a chalkboard to me. Reminds me of frat kids. Haven't talked to her since. /No offense intended if you call him "Dave" //Also, no offense if you're a "frat kid"
Posted 19 years ago by StellarSwarm    [ Reply ]
The lyrics alone make the song a masterpiece... There is so much to listen to in a Dave Mattews song
Posted 19 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
It's more often than not that many bands are victims of their own success -- DMB is no exception. I am and always will be a fan of DMB. However, I can understand why folks get tired of hearing the same music over and over again -- thanks ClearChannel. It just gets cumbersome watching the board and seeing so many DMB bashers out there -- especially when they say they 'used to love DMB'. I also see a lot of comments about the different direction DMB has taken over the passed 5 years. While I'll agree, it's certainly different from their older stuff, I think it's quite a stretch to say they suck as many have expressed. Personally, I think it's great that a band is willing to work with different producers and explore different avenues their music can take. I wonder what comments would saturate the boards if every album DMB released followed the template of 'UTTAD' or 'Crash'. That's just my two cents. But, as always, to each their own.
Posted 19 years ago by seekinggrace    [ Reply ]
BKardon wrote:
After several years of being so sick of this band, I think I am able to finally listen without hitting mute. Going back to the first few albums, they are pretty good, but after this album it was just too much DMB. And too many college kids calling him "Dave" as if he was a friend of theirs.
The only DMB albums I listen to are the first three (Under the Table and Dreaming, Crash, and this one). They are the best, IMHO
Posted 19 years ago by pousso    [ Reply ]
After several years of being so sick of this band, I think I am able to finally listen without hitting mute. Going back to the first few albums, they are pretty good, but after this album it was just too much DMB. And too many college kids calling him "Dave" as if he was a friend of theirs.
Posted 19 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
The more I hear Dave Matthews, the less I like him. Almost the only artist RP regularly plays that I just cannot stomach. At all. Blargh!
Posted 19 years ago by number6    [ Reply ]
The Central Park Live version is lots more fun. It has tons more energy....
Posted 19 years ago by narainmg    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
I used to be a huge fan, but Dave Matthews is now like McDonalds: everywhere. That combined with the fact that every new song sounds like all the old ones. Can you say SATURATION?
One too many McNuggets?
Posted 19 years ago by rixtar99    [ Reply ]
i hate dave matthews, but this is a great song. really interesting melody.
Posted 19 years ago by legion    [ Reply ]
Enough of this, mute.
Posted 19 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
Used to be a BIG fan. Don't know what happened...
Posted 19 years ago by pousso    [ Reply ]
no more of this please, at least not while the people who want to hear really GOOD music are listening...oh wait, that's all the time!
Posted 19 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
Please don't
Posted 19 years ago by tanyhon    [ Reply ]
You're right, Fat_Man--and boy, am I on the hate side! Yish.
Posted 19 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Just caught the tail end of this, but it's nice to see older dmb, other than 'stand up' and 'some devil'. Suprised how low this bands songs rate on here. Seems to be a love/hate band, and the majority of radioparadiser's leaning toward the hate. I think this is great music, and as mentioned before EXCELLET LIVE SHOW! Thanks for playing this, hope to hear some more of the older DMB in the future (ie: dreaming tree, the stone) go carter go.
Posted 19 years ago by Fat_Man_Flo    [ Reply ]
betterdaze wrote:
This song is about the dispossession of indigenous peoples. I believe he conceived of this song specifically when he was in NY, re: the arrival of Europeans. It also has been discussed about the American West, Australia, and his country of birth, South Africa. As he has said, the story has been the same the world over. The band has many great songs relating to social injustices. They're not the ones you hear on the radio, though. I'll add that seeing them live makes a big difference in how you enjoy them. If only we could get rid of those who go just to party....
I totally agree with that, everything well put
Posted 19 years ago by rockthatcrash    [ Reply ]
So good live- jams are incredible i believe its on one of the live albums, Central Park? Or the mass one
Posted 19 years ago by rockthatcrash    [ Reply ]
Not my favortie DMB song. But okay nonetheless.
Posted 19 years ago by aiwendil    [ Reply ]
Mugro wrote:
I am so sick of Dave Matthews, I could puke. I used to be a huge fan, but Dave Matthews is now like McDonalds: everywhere. That combined with the fact that every new song sounds like all the old ones. Can you say SATURATION? No thanks.
What he said
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
th3boon wrote:
far and away my favorite dmb song
agreed. although i'm not sure i like alanis in the background.
Posted 19 years ago by pjterp    [ Reply ]
far and away my favorite dmb song
Posted 19 years ago by th3boon    [ Reply ]
labkpr wrote:
What is the meaning behind the lyrics? War in general or is there a specific act that inspired the song?
This song is about the dispossession of indigenous peoples. I believe he conceived of this song specifically when he was in NY, re: the arrival of Europeans. It also has been discussed about the American West, Australia, and his country of birth, South Africa. As he has said, the story has been the same the world over. The band has many great songs relating to social injustices. They're not the ones you hear on the radio, though. I'll add that seeing them live makes a big difference in how you enjoy them. If only we could get rid of those who go just to party....
Posted 19 years ago by betterdaze    [ Reply ]
I am so sick of Dave Matthews, I could puke. I used to be a huge fan, but Dave Matthews is now like McDonalds: everywhere. That combined with the fact that every new song sounds like all the old ones. Can you say SATURATION? No thanks.
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
rhw wrote:
I have a lot more respect for this song and the band since learning the meaning behind the lyrics...the song really is put together well. DM's voice isn't annoying like it is on a lot of their other songs...
What is the meaning behind the lyrics? War in general or is there a specific act that inspired the song?
Posted 19 years ago by labkpr    [ Reply ]
One of the few DMB songs I really enjoy...rated 8 here...
Posted 19 years ago by anderiv    [ Reply ]
Great song choice from DMB. This whole CD is probably one of their best after Under the Table and Dreaming.
Posted 19 years ago by seekinggrace    [ Reply ]
Great song - especially powerful live, when they mix in "This Land Is Your Land." Too bad DMB went so far downhill after this.
Posted 19 years ago by NdrLvr    [ Reply ]
Seeing DMB live will add a lot to your appreciation of their music. What a treat for the ears.
Posted 19 years ago by SCprof    [ Reply ]
I have a lot more respect for this song and the band since learning the meaning behind the lyrics...the song really is put together well. DM\'s voice isn\'t annoying like it is on a lot of their other songs...
Posted 23 years ago by rhw    [ Reply ]
blah. yet even more of the same.
Posted 23 years ago by leelance    [ Reply ]