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Dave Matthews — Gravedigger
Album: Some Devil
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1078









Released: 2003
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Cyrus Jones, 1810 to 1913
Made his great-grandchildren believe you could live to 103
103 is forever when you're just a little kid
So, Cyrus Jones lived forever

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain?
Gravedigger...

Muriel Stonewall, 1903 to 1954
She lost both of her babies in the second great war.
Now, you should never have to watch
As your own children are lowered in the ground,
No, you should never have to bury your own babies

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain?
Gravedigger...

Ring around the rosey
Pocket full of posey
Ashes to ashes
We all fall down

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain?
Gravedigger...

Little Mikey Carson, '67 to '75
He rode his bike like the devil until the day he died
When he grows up he wants to be
Mr. Vertigo on the flying trapeze
Oh, 1940 to 1992

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain?

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain,
I can feel the rain, I can feel the rain?

Gravedigger, when you dig my grave,
Could you make it shallow,
So that I can feel the rain?
Gravedigger...

Gravedigger...
Comments (103)add comment
The musicianship Dave Matthews brings is often stellar. I love Carter Beauford's drumming, the guitar work, the musical composition. Sometimes the lyrics are interesting...

And then he goes: "... Ring around the rosy..." 

This kind of shit takes it to a childish level. So now I understand why 20% of RP listeners rate  this song 3 or less. For me it is un-rateable. 
After a week of a friend trying to find her missing sister only to find that she was deceased... depression took another good kind sweet person.

Shamir's Lived and Died then Dave Matthew's Gravedigger made me hold my breath for a moment...

We all gotta love each other... at least be kind. 
Great Artist ! Great song !
When i'll grow up, i'll want to have... Dave Matthews talent !
Follow this with Poi Dog's 'Bury Me Deep' and watch the fur fly!
c.
Nick Cave?
Up to an 8 for me. Doesn't deserve a 6
 Decoy wrote:

Death isn't cruel, just terribly good at his job



The figure of DEATH in Terry Pratchett's Discworld is a quiet and kindly figure. He even appears for non-human creatures.
Sounds like Dave Matthews is trying to channel Nick Cave, but rather badly
This is an amazing song, powerfully delivered. You should also check out Willie Nelson's version...and the fantastic video that goes along with it!
Saw DMB in Paris for the Come Tomorrow album (they included the digital album with the ticket, which i thought was cool)
Fantastic show despite my standing in the mosh pit for the 2 hours or so.

We find the power with music like this...
Not a fan of DM, but I respect a lot him.  His music is typically just not my cup of tea.  This song I do dig, very cool.  I also love his song Don't Drink the Water.
 mortrates wrote:

This is rather painful.



was thinking that about your comment
 maxjboxer wrote:
Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal.  Drove me nuts.  Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums.  Any suggestions?
 This is the first 'unaffected' one I've heard and to me is likewise all the better for it! 

 maxjboxer wrote:
Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal.  Drove me nuts.  Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums.  Any suggestions?
 
Don't?
or his next one?
Lots of people hating on Dave here and after listening to this, I can see why.  
After hearing this, Dave should stick to writing songs that are thinly-veiled references to sex.
This is rather painful.
{#Drunk}{#Skull}
not my cup of anything. waste of air space,

-rsn
I dig me some Dave Matthews and this one is one of the best. A real gut wrencher. Thanks for playing it. Could play some more DM and DMB!
A DM song I actually like. I had better sit down.
Contrary to the last comment:  I like this song very much.  I usually don't like Dave Matthews that much even though I know he is a major talent.  Sort of like Elton John, undeniably a legendary guy, but I always lamented he never made any more music like Madman Across the Water.  
 RabbitEars wrote:
I think of this song as an orphan. I love every song on this album except this one, which I always skip. This song is my window to understanding why people don't like DM. 

 
Hahaha---opposite. This is about the only DM song that I get into. 
I think of this song as an orphan. I love every song on this album except this one, which I always skip. This song is my window to understanding why people don't like DM. 
well stated Webfoot! this music is not for me either (shitty album art too, Dave is looking over his shoulder like "what'd you call me?")
 fortheloveofpete wrote:
Just saw Dave in Mansfield perform this on Saturday night.  One of the best Dave shows I have seen and the best version of Gravedigger.

I've seen them many times over the past couple of decades, and it is unbelievable to me that the band just seems to get better and better at live shows the longer they play.

I really feel sorry for folks who are sure to trash Dave and my post.  Listening to live music is one of the greatest joys in life and Dave is at the top of the heap in terms of a jamming show.  3.5 hours (4 hours with intermission)  of raw excitement, community, energy and the love of music.

 
I'm glad you enjoy their music and their shows, but I do not and don't need your pity because of it.  I don't care for their music (which is not trashing Dave, his band or your post), but it's great that others do.  Cheers  {#Cheers}
Just saw Dave in Mansfield perform this on Saturday night.  One of the best Dave shows I have seen and the best version of Gravedigger.

I've seen them many times over the past couple of decades, and it is unbelievable to me that the band just seems to get better and better at live shows the longer they play.

I really feel sorry for folks who are sure to trash Dave and my post.  Listening to live music is one of the greatest joys in life and Dave is at the top of the heap in terms of a jamming show.  3.5 hours (4 hours with intermission)  of raw excitement, community, energy and the love of music.
Just horrendous. I certainly never need to hear this again.
 amb599 wrote:
Tried hard to like this song but it feels like the vocals are just being vommited up from somewhere unpleasant.  meh.

 
The Carpenters' original version of this tune is much more melodic.


no no no no no no no no no no no no

no 
"Bad metaphor, would you spread thin!?  Won't you make it shallow, just like my music.  It's a pain."
 MrRedwood wrote:
Incredible. He doesn't get better than this.

Oh, well, actually, "Don't Drink the Water" is better, but that's it.
 
You're right !  And I rated it a "1" and muted.
Death isn't cruel, just terribly good at his job
I understand why he did this song. Willie Nelson Rocks!
I'm good
I also like Willie's version better. And I think your reason why is probably a HUGE part of the reason.
 

Highlowsel wrote:
This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better.  Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression?  Sorry DM! 

Highlow
American Net'Zen

 


Tried hard to like this song but it feels like the vocals are just being vommited up from somewhere unpleasant.  meh.
So, what's the name of the song..?
Oh good grief.
 
Incredible. He doesn't get better than this.

Oh, well, actually, "Don't Drink the Water" is better, but that's it.
 Highlowsel wrote:
This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better.  Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression?  Sorry DM! 

Highlow
American Net'Zen

 
Yup, the redheaded stranger does this song justice.  Have you seen the video?  Very dark, and Willie plays all the parts.
 maxjboxer wrote:
Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal.  Drove me nuts.  Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums.  Any suggestions?

 
The live album with Tim Reynolds is stunning.  (Or horrible, if you're a hater)

The matching DVD adds a lot to the performance. 
Dave Matthews acoustic version of this song is way better than this one.  I find the background drum line and electric guitar just don't work.  Mind you, the acoustic version gets a 10 out of 10 for me.
This ain't all that bad....but I like Willie Nelson's version better.  Or maybe it's just that 'ol Willie, being a weee bit closer to that grave, sings it with a bit more.....expression?  Sorry DM! 

Highlow
American Net'Zen
Grave Matthews is not shallow. I can dig it.
Used to really dislike Dave Mathews when he did the affected voice deal.  Drove me nuts.  Since he has gotten away from that i have come to really like some of his stuff and plan to do some more research of his later albums.  Any suggestions?
People hating on DM are so shallow. 
 djblitz wrote:
The perceived bias against DMB on RP really gets on my nerves.  I agree with some of the other comments that as soon as they hear it's Dave himself, the average tends to go down for whatever reason, I do not know why exactly.  Not a 20 something fanboi?  Big deal, get over it. I've loved Dave since I was a teenager and now am approaching 40 years old. 

"Grave Digger" is one of his best songs and it's appalling to me that we can't even rate it a 6 here because of some of the crumdgeons who have an outright hatred for DMB.  Regardless, he isn't struggling and still sells out concerts throughout the world while surviving on longevity that few other bands in the modern era possess.  You rating this a 3 in some sort of alternate universe of musical snobbery doesn't change the fact that Dave and company will be long remembered for their musical talents heading into the 21st century.    

 
I'm with you. There seems to be a club of low raters for this guy. I saw him once, and play his live DVD often. The band rocks and nobody can ever convince me they don't. Ignore them, listen to what you like and enjoy it regardless of the haters.
I still wonder why all the criticisms DMB draws specially when the reasoning is "because he sucks", REALLY, I don't know why people hate DMB - or anybody, for that matter. If you don't like someone's music, don't listen to it. Easy, simple piece of advice, huh? 

Overall 5.5...man, this is NOT fair at ALL, I'd say, and I' m NOT a Matthews fan by any means. 34 "1" Suck o Barfos,..are these supposed to be non biased opinions, come on guys,...
I am diggi'n this Dave.
 number6 wrote:

Then prepare to be amazed. 'Cause I've never been able to stand Dave Matthews. In any time, shape or form. I utterly fail to see what there is to like about this guy's music.

Of all the music that I hear on RP, ONLY Dave Matthews gets my unadulterated low ratings. Very nearly EVERYTHING ELSE I hear I enjoy in at least some respects.

But Dave Matthews gets all Sucko-Barfos. He's way overrated ... 'cuase he just sucks.
 

Exactly what I was talking about, are we rating the song or the band themselves?  As stupid of a comment eight years ago as it is today.....
The perceived bias against DMB on RP really gets on my nerves.  I agree with some of the other comments that as soon as they hear it's Dave himself, the average tends to go down for whatever reason, I do not know why exactly.  Not a 20 something fanboi?  Big deal, get over it. I've loved Dave since I was a teenager and now am approaching 40 years old. 

"Grave Digger" is one of his best songs and it's appalling to me that we can't even rate it a 6 here because of some of the crumdgeons who have an outright hatred for DMB.  Regardless, he isn't struggling and still sells out concerts throughout the world while surviving on longevity that few other bands in the modern era possess.  You rating this a 3 in some sort of alternate universe of musical snobbery doesn't change the fact that Dave and company will be long remembered for their musical talents heading into the 21st century.    
Reminds me of Vic Reeves singing Mr Songwriter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLEh7RKLJg
{#Rolleyes}
I don't get it.
 Stratocaster wrote:
Gravedigger?  Only a 5 average??

This is an awesome song....what the heck is wrong with it, other than the fact that most of you for some reason "hate Dave Matthews"?

Willie Nelson covered it, and wow did he do a great version.

I suspect that if it was played on RP, it would get a significantly higher rating, since I think less people "hate Willie Nelson".

 
Totally agree with you on this one.  I'm one of these don't like Dave Matthews band people, but this is a really good song and other than the vocalist does not have that "DMB" sound that I don't like.
 fuzzy_logic wrote:
I think this song is fantastic though dark 8) . There is a lot passion in the vocals, plus the lyrics are deep and not typical. I believe the band is musically tight on this one!
 
Agreed. This song is a dark and haunting journey through the cemetery and our depressed souls. 
going a bit Nick cave - or trying to. Not convinced.
Karma Police followed by Gravedigger?

Boston on your mind? 
Gravedigger?  Only a 5 average??

This is an awesome song....what the heck is wrong with it, other than the fact that most of you for some reason "hate Dave Matthews"?

Willie Nelson covered it, and wow did he do a great version.

I suspect that if it was played on RP, it would get a significantly higher rating, since I think less people "hate Willie Nelson".
Yeah, this is good....good and terrible! Barfo-suckoville!!!!
toastee wrote:
wow...this song definitely doesn't suck...people amaze me...I gave it an 8 ....an extra point just out of spite :P
Then prepare to be amazed. 'Cause I've never been able to stand Dave Matthews. In any time, shape or form. I utterly fail to see what there is to like about this guy's music. Of all the music that I hear on RP, ONLY Dave Matthews gets my unadulterated low ratings. Very nearly EVERYTHING ELSE I hear I enjoy in at least some respects. But Dave Matthews gets all Sucko-Barfos. He's way overrated ... 'cuase he just sucks.
Is the bridge on the cover of this album the same one they dumped doo-doo from?
Interesting to look at the assault he received in '03. For me this is actually a nice change of pace from the traditional Matthews sound which has grown tiring.
nellymoser wrote:
"Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying.
I heard that the ashes references was due to the fact that they burned the diseased bodies and the ashes flew everywhere. Such a nice, cheery childrens' song, isnt' it?
Musically, it's okay. I can even handle his voice here. But these lyrics are just plain awful. Burying a child is a sad thing - but somehow he manages to make it sound like just a drag, like when the convenience store is out of mochas and you have to settle for a Mountain Dew.
This is the first time I've heard the studio version of this song. The live version is SOOOO much better.
Old Dave Matthews is always nice to hear, but I really can't stand his new stuff. Next Please :roll:
wow...this song definitely doesn't suck...people amaze me...I gave it an 8 ....an extra point just out of spite :P
Kinda like this song, but there's TOO much Dave Matthews on RP!!
Let's see: tedious or mediocre. Mediocre or tedious. Tedious or mediocre. It's just so hard to say. Can I pick both?
ndanger666 wrote:
If this song sucked any harder, it would disappear into itself.
well said!
nellymoser wrote:
An urban legend is that Ring Around The Rosey started in the days of the Black Plague - The "ring around a rosie": the round, red rash supposedly the first symptom of the disease. They carried flowers and placed them around the infected person for protection: "a pocket full of posies." "Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying. Many say this is a load of crap. Anyway, I love this song! I've never heard it on RP until today. Had to stick up for it, is it ever getting run through the muck here!
More than urban legend: https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/onthefuture/A288966 That link also has the correct words I learnt at my Grandmother's knee. Most Americans seem to know a variation distorted by some form of Chinese whispering.
Spliff wrote:
I like the concept of this song but the Ring Around The Rosey part lost me. The idea might work if someone like Richard Thompson composed it.
An urban legend is that Ring Around The Rosey started in the days of the Black Plague - The "ring around a rosie": the round, red rash supposedly the first symptom of the disease. They carried flowers and placed them around the infected person for protection: "a pocket full of posies." "Ashes" (Aa-choo?): a corruption or imitation of the infected person sneezing. Finally, "we all fall down" describes all the people dying. Many say this is a load of crap. Anyway, I love this song! I've never heard it on RP until today. Had to stick up for it, is it ever getting run through the muck here!
Hey gravedigger, when you're done, throw this song in there too.
For the love of Christ, bury him already.
Technically competent, I suppose, but cripes what a moan. Please no more! I get it here, and on the local radio. Gives me rigor mortis to hear it so often.
I think this song is fantastic though dark 8) . There is a lot passion in the vocals, plus the lyrics are deep and not typical. I believe the band is musically tight on this one!
good song, thanks RP! -chief
eric wrote:
For f++k's sake! Twice a day now?!
Interesting Response. Was it motivated by a dislike of DM, or do you just have it in for Bill? When Grateful Dead's Go To Heaven album came out, Jim Ladd, on the old KMET, played Alabama Getaway three times in a row 'cause he liked it so much. Then he played it every night for I don't know how long. Message Here: When the person picking the tunes is excited by them, the end result is superior. So, chill out
Must this song play every day??
This one is really growing on me. I don't care much for the acoustic version which can also be heard around here, but I really dig this one.
BillG wrote:
Nope. You must have been listening to another station earlier today. Most recent play before now was yesterday (9/2) at 4am.
Nope: 8:57 am
eric wrote:
For f**k's sake! Twice a day now?!
Nope. You must have been listening to another station earlier today. Most recent play before now was yesterday (9/2) at 4am.
For fuck's sake! Twice a day now?!
I heard this one for the first time a few summers ago live acoustic. I wasn\'t sure of it at the time but it really grows on you. One correction on the listing though, this is just Dave Matthews. It is his solo project and didn\'t involve the rest of the band.
As long as he's digging a grave, could he dig an extra to deposit this tune in? This wins the 2003 Banal Song of the Year Award -- hands down! If this song sucked any harder, it would disappear into itself.
A pretty good song, but it is being driven into the ground on this station. Give it a rest.
If there's one musician who gets WAY too much play time on RP it's D. Matthews and frankly, this is one of the worst of his. Move on, RP... remember, you're not like other radio stations!
As long as he\'s digging a grave, could he dig an extra to deposit this tune in? This wins the 2003 Banal Song of the Year Award -- hands down!
Is there some reason this is getting airplay every day? I'd expect it from commercial radio, not this one.
Another great song about grave digging...like J-Lo songs about \"keepin\' it real\"....I never get sick of \'em. :roll:
i'm with ya, Heathen. never have seen the appeal.
Heathen wrote:
Am I the only person in the world that thinks DM can't sing? Oh well... I'm not a fan of DMB, I've tried to listen to them, but I just don't like 'em.
You're not the only one, but I enjoy the sound of his voice. Bob Dylan can't/couldn't sing either but that doesn't stop people from enjoying his music.
a new sound for DMB - bit proggy in parts - not bad
what a set...bill, did someone just die in your family? if so, my condolences...if not, for the sake of all the rest of us with a pulse, would it be possible to play something UPBEAT???...this hour has been like time lapse photography...
Am I the only person in the world that thinks DM can't sing? Oh well... I'm not a fan of DMB, I've tried to listen to them, but I just don't like 'em.
Amazing! Intense performance. Love the weight of this song. Bill, Gravedigger really isn't Dave Matthews Band - just Dave Matthews.. Not being picky or anything - but it's a solo Dave CD. Trey Anastasio from Phish plays lead guitar on this one.
I like the concept of this song but the Ring Around The Rosey part lost me. The idea might work if someone like Richard Thompson composed it.