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| Crash Song History | ||||||
| 01.) So Much To Say: This song has to do with finding your own way in life. The narrator shows the pain of the subject by referring to the fact that humans have formed a monotonous cycle by being here for so long, doing the exact same thing as our ancestors. The song used to have a harmonica intro (played by former keyboardist Peter Griesar, who still earns royalties off the song). First performed: February 13, 1992 |
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| 02.) Two Step: A journey with a loved one sprinkled with New Testament references along the way. Speculation holds that the "Helena" Matthews sings about in the Crash version refers to Constantine's (as in the Roman ruler who legalized Christianity) mother, St. Helena, finder of numerous Christian artifacts and builder of many churches in the Holy Land. However, Matthews has also said on occasion hat the song refers to a love affair during times of political upheaval or war. He has also said in a few interviews that "Two Step" is his preferred song to play in concert. Its former title was "Celebrate." First performed: April 5, 1992 |
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| 03.) Crash Into Me: This is a love song written from the standpoint of an ex-boyfriend who still yearns for the for the love of a departed lover. The song is being sung as the boyfriend watches his former lover throught the window and wishes they could be "friends" one again. This song was written entirely in the studio during the Crash sessions. First performed: September 24, 1995 |
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| 04.) Too Much: This song deals with the excesses and complications of modern life. It is sung from the perspective of an over-indulging, overachieveing individual who appears to know the ropes of an overdone society. However, there are other elements afoot. The references to cities and homes seem to indicate that the object taking and eating "Too Much" is society and government with overpopulation and seemingly blind eye to the underpriveleged. This song was written entirely in the studio. First performed: October 4, 1995 |
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| 05.) #41: Matthews once explained why he wrote "#41" and what it's about in an interview with Rolling Stone. He revealed that the song was written around the time he was undergoing a messy split over money with his mentor, Ross Hoffman. "I was thinking about where I come from, and why I wrote songs and what was my inspiration," Matthews says. "And how I was in this situation where those things that I'd done, I so loved, had become an incredible source of pain for me. Suddenly there's all this money, and people pulling, asking, "Where's mine?" The wild dogs come out. The innocence of just making music was kinda overshadowed by the dark things that come along with music and success. So it is a song of looking back, but at the same time adamantly looking forward and going. But I'm still going to carry on regardless." This song was first called "Police," and then "41 Police," until its title was finalized during the Crash sessions. Current version first performed: April 7, 1994 |
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| 06.) Say Goodbye: Matthews once stated, "This is a song about trying to make love with a really good friend that happens to be of the opposite sex." The current tune evolved from the song "Any Noise/Anit-Noise," which was first performed on July 6, 1993. This version would be played several times over the coming months, but would disappear shortly. In late October 1993, a supposedly revised version of the song, which ws titled "Quick Lay & Goodbye," sprang up during a show. The title was changed about two weeks later after a fan suggested the name "Say Goodbye" to the band's soundman, Jeff Thomas. The song was then played regularly from 1994 to 1995, when it was recorded for Crash. Current version first performed: October 15, 1993. |
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| 07.) Drive In, Drive Out: Rumor has it that "Drive In, Drive Out" was written just to make a song where drummer Carter Beauford could go crazy on the drums. "Your guess is as good as mine," says Matthews on the meaning of this song. No near-definite lyrics were written for the song until the Crash sessions. This song was also named "Smelly Shoes" when it was first performed. First performed: April 22, 1992 |
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| 08.) Let You Down: This is a song requesting forgiveness. It has been long thought that it was inspired by bassist Stefan Lessard, but there is little proof that this is true. Matthews has stated that his favorite lyrics are from "Let You Down" on a few occassions. First performed: December 17, 1994 |
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| 09.) Lie In Our Graves: As Matthews has said many times, this is a song about being dead and having no regrets or wants for redemption. If you crank up the volume during the Crash version you can hear the band members playing ping-pong with producer Steve Lillywhite. It is his favorite activity for passing time. First performed: March 1, 1992 |
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| 10.) Cry Freedom: This song portrays a society in which we are all alike yet some of us are free and others are not. The 1977 death of anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko sparked Matthews into writing this song nearly fifteen years later, with Matthews own anti-apartheid sentiments fueling the songwriting process. The Richard Attenborough film (1987) about Biko shares the song title. First performed: April 1, 1991 |
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| 11.) Tripping Billies: | ||||||