This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
We were above
You standing underneath us
We were not yet lovers
Dragons were smoked
Bumblebees were stinging us
I was soon to be crazy
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow we die
'cause we're tripping Billies
We're wearing nothing
Nothing but out shadows
Shadows falling down on the beach sand
Remembering once,
Out on the beaches we wore
Pineapple grass bracelets
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
'cause we're tripping Billies
We are all sitting
Legs crossed round a fire
My yellow flame she dances
Tequila drinking oh our
Minds will wonder
To wondrous places
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow we die
You standing underneath us
We were not yet lovers
Dragons were smoked
Bumblebees were stinging us
I was soon to be crazy
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow we die
'cause we're tripping Billies
We're wearing nothing
Nothing but out shadows
Shadows falling down on the beach sand
Remembering once,
Out on the beaches we wore
Pineapple grass bracelets
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
'cause we're tripping Billies
We are all sitting
Legs crossed round a fire
My yellow flame she dances
Tequila drinking oh our
Minds will wonder
To wondrous places
So why would you care
To get out of this place
You and me and all our friends
Such a happy human race
Eat, drink and be merry
For tomorrow we die
Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae
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This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Magical
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Page
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Wow, nobody has eevn commented on DMB's leggendary party song!!?!!? This song contains a life motto used by millions, myself included "Eat Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Die" Basically, this song is about having fun, not caring about school or work the next day, living life to the fullest, because we know that tomorrow, we could die. Tomorrow, you could die, do you want to regret not doing something?
ha this song is about when dave did lsd ha he had a real messed up trip haha its a funny story it was on storytellers check it out its funny yea this song is basicly about drugs
I heard the same thing davegod...this song is really good none the less...its just got such a positive vibe...
I HEARD THIS SONG WAS A LIFE EXPERIENCE, A GIRLFRIEND OF DAVES SAID THE SONG OR STORY OR SOMETHING REMINDED HER OF TRIPPING BILLIES(BILLLIES AS IN HILL BILLIES). THE SONG IS IN MY EYES ABOUT HAVING A GOOD TIME "EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY" "SUCH A HAPPY HUMAN RACE"
Yeah your right except she said that the song sounded like a bunch of hillbillies tripping on acid so he named it that. Its in an interview on Fuse when he was promoting Big Whiskey.
i'm listening to this song right now and, wow, i love dave!!!!!!!!; i can't wait till 7/21 cause that's when i see him!!!!!!
Eat, drink and be merry For tomorrow we die
Words I live by everyday of my life. :)
mariel, billies is not hill billies.
now of course we know dave was born in south africa, and in south africa the slang for police is "billy"
thats the song title
(love the song btw)
Ok well yall that think you know what this song is about ..well im sorry to be rude but yall are wrong. It is when David lived in South Africa and was taking hits of acid with some cops (billies if you will). They were all around a camp fire having a great time. Thanks -Peter
OK .. Phish .. your half right. You guys all did miss the point of the song by the way, and this interpretation is taken straight from what Dave himself says before he played the song on Vh1 Storytellers. This is about the first time he took acid .. he was on a beach with friends and when he took the acid he decided he did not want to trip .. but the acid got him and he decided to just go with it. They had a blast sitting around a camp fire and the next thing he knows he is talking to the cops. This song is about all the fun he had and the fact he did not want it to end .. peace-- Henry
Mr Cig. up there, i was just trying to make the story short for the people uptop who dont know anything about the greatest man alive. Yes and we all love acid dont we.