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Dave Matthews Band — Bartender
Album: Busted Stuff
Avg rating:
5.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1564









Released: 2002
Length: 8:14
Plays (last 30 days): 0
If I go
Before I'm old,
Oh, brother of mine,
Please don't forget me if I go.

Bartender, please,
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus
That set him free after three days in the ground.

Oh, and if I die
Before my time,
Oh, sweet sister of mine,
Please don't regret me if I die.

Bartender, please,
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus
That set him free after three days in the ground.

Bartender, please,
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus
That set him free after three days in the ground.

I'm on bended knees,
I pray, Bartender please.

When I was young,
I didn't think about it;
Now I can't get it out of my mind.

I'm on bended knees,
Father, please.

Oh, and if all this gold
Should steal my soul away,
Oh, dear mother of mine,
Please redirect me if this gold...

Bartender, you see,
The wine that's drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas
From the Devil's tree,
His roots deep, deep in the ground.

Bartender, you see,
The wine that's drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas
From the Devil's tree,
It's roots deep, deep in the ground, ground.

I'm on bended knees,
Oh, Bartender, please.

I'm on bended knees,
Father, please.

When I was young,
I didn't think about it;
Now I just want to run and hide.

I'm on bended knees, oh, Bartender, please,
Bartender, please...
Comments (308)add comment
Sounds like a Pearl Jam impersonation or parody.
"FYI: This guy gave the Dixie Chicks a 9" bwahahahaha 
 optinout.ii wrote:

Like most art, this song came along at a time where it took on more significance to me than it might have otherwise. One persons racket is another's revelation.



Never heard this before but I quite like it. I haven't heard DMB in quite a while... 
Being in a sepulcher isn't really the same thing as being in the ground, now is it?
The Dave Matthews Band are all great musicians but I think that Carter Beauford is one of the greatest rock drummers on the scene today. He really drives the band!  
 manuleto wrote:
J'adore le jeu de batterie !
 
You talking to me? You talking to me?
Woohoo!
Energizer Bunny.
everybody fights against death, dave fought and won aginst satan... best way agree
I always preferred the acoustic, more stripped down version of this song over the studio recording.
Like most art, this song came along at a time where it took on more significance to me than it might have otherwise. One persons racket is another's revelation.
Haters gonna hate. No changing that. Perhaps you should go C&W for a change of pace.
 trevc wrote:
 Horrible racket.
 
Concise summary.
J'adore le jeu de batterie !
 FRP wrote:
Carter Beauford rocks!       10        {#Dancingbanana}


 
Wrote this comment 5 years ago and still do my air drums on this one.
I get all of the negativity...hell my own family won't listen to DMB in the car.

That said, there is a layering to the foolishly long ending that is beautifully artistic.  The slow rise in intensity is really enjoyable (to me).  
For an alcoholic or a sinner this song is very powerful, and I'll be willing to bet all my gold that there are very few people in North America that don't fall into one of those categories.  Oh, and he sings good, too
 ExploitingChaos wrote:
Can't hate any of this.
The lyrics are shallow? No disrespect, but maybe you are?
 
It's another Lazarus song... I like it, as well as the thought of rising...8 for me :')
 fuzzy_logic wrote:

No, not really. 

He is skilled, surely can be a teacher, but not amazing. Put the pipe down and listen/watch a drumming god. Your eyes will open.

(Yes, I have watched Carter play.)
Perhaps your statement is to be taken as hyperbole. If so, then rock on! 
 
Is this a contest with definite results?
Can't hate any of this.
The lyrics are shallow? No disrespect, but maybe you are?
My, a lot of haters. Oh well, to each his own, i like it. It's fun and passionate and  features good musicians.
ok enough Dave... Tschau...
Everything and the kitchen sink thrown into that one, but acceptable today.
I like Dave as he has a very unique writing style...Sounds good to my ears
Why are all the comments I see on RP years old?
Never read so many negative comments on a piece.
But I do have to agree. 5.8 is generous
Noisy yet banal.
I've tried to like DMB, but I just can't. 

But then again, I love the Dead, Phish, and the Rheostatics, and friends say the same thing, they just don't find the music accessible.

So I guess each to their own. 
DuMB

psd

sucko-barfo-palooza 
 fitmartin wrote:
the drummer is amazing!
{#Drummer}

 
No, not really. 

He is skilled, surely can be a teacher, but not amazing. Put the pipe down and listen/watch a drumming god. Your eyes will open.

(Yes, I have watched Carter play.)
Perhaps your statement is to be taken as hyperbole. If so, then rock on! 
 lily34 wrote:
i  try hard not to like him/them, because i really don't normally like jam bands. or their followings. but i like this song a lot.

 
You need therapy
 fitmartin wrote:
the drummer is amazing!
{#Drummer}

 
yes but the rest of it is irritating as hell.  I usually switch RP off when this guy comes on but I muscled through this one and I am glad the pain is over.  
 
the drummer is amazing!
{#Drummer}
Horrible racket.
Geez, I heard some of the lyrics this time. I have no real opinion about this group, other than to note that this is pretty wretched! Not only does this piece grate horribly upon my ears, but it seems interminable. Knowing when something is finished is a skill not possessed by everyone.
DMB lyrics are so empty and shallow.
Seems a bit contrived and trying too hard....but "close" to being quite good, but not quite.
Nails. On. A. Blackboard.
Absolutely love this whole album {#Good-vibes}
never knew Jesus had a bartender. It all makes sense now. :-)
Carter Beauford rocks!       10        {#Dancingbanana}
What did my ears ever do to Dave Matthews to deserve this. My PSD isn't working. Begging to be raptured. Save me.
I gave it a chance.......not again. PSD will happen next time.
 ppopp wrote:
I would rather slide down a staircase bannister made of razor blades using my testicles as a brake than listen to Dave Matthews' voice.

 
I would rather listen to Dave Matthews' voice endlessly than read such sophomoric analogies.  
 NeuroGeek wrote:
now that was a transition!  (from PJ Harvey- White Chalk)

 
Love that as well  {#Wave}
This is enough to make me switch off RP. *click*
now that was a transition!  (from PJ Harvey- White Chalk)
I voted 4 because it seemed that 4 was underrated in the poll, and sucko barfo didn't seem appropriate.  This guy grates, really, if you think about it.  
 ppopp wrote:
I would rather slide down a staircase bannister made of razor blades using my testicles as a brake than listen to Dave Matthews' voice.

 
Clicking the PSD button would be a lot less painful.
I would rather slide down a staircase bannister made of razor blades using my testicles as a brake than listen to Dave Matthews' voice.
Love the Penny Whistle at the end of the song.  RIP Leroi Moore.
Love a lot of Dave's stuff - not this one though.  He caterwauls too much.
You hear of a DMB or a Phish being good "jam" bands and okay but give me a "Crush" or "Heavy Things" and I'm good.... but this one is an example of one I'd sit through 4sure... oh yeah.... and thanks Bill Grateful Dead was my next example! ;-)
Yeah, you don't play enough DMB - thanks!
Most artists have a limited number of cards to shuffle and reshuffle
and deal, but never get a new deck to play with. In fact, that goes for
all of humankind.
Dave Matthews has been writing and re-writing the same song for going on 10 years now.

 




 Cynaera wrote:
I bumped this from 8 to 9 - I only have a handful of DMB songs that I really like. Most of his stuff is either over my head or it bores me.  This song is pretty darned good!  Adding it to that handful of likeable DMB songs. (Damn - I need another hand! Good thing I have one to spare.)

 

Miss you so much, Cynaera...

love this song...
 
Has it finished yet?

Back to edit, I actually liked the noodling flute seeing it out of hearing. 
remember when dmb's tour bus offloaded its toilet over the river in chicago a few years back and there happened to be a boat passing by underneath?  that's pretty much what he's doing to our ears here.  {#Cowboy}
I'm not a DMB hater, but I'm making an exception for this song. Boring, overwrought and too long.
I don't get it.
Dave Matthews has been writing and re-writing the same song for going on 10 years now.
Yikes. This is awful.
 ScottN wrote:
Thanks RP for PSD.
 

oh yes indeed.  fleet foxes on psd - trumping the dmb  {#Cowboy}
 wrangler wrote:
something keeps farting in my left ear.  and i'm not in to that sort of thing  {#Cowboy}
 

Gassy Sax!
something keeps farting in my left ear.  and i'm not in to that sort of thing  {#Cowboy}
Thanks RP for PSD.
Drummer carries a song on his back which otherwise might get boring after 6 minutes… gotta appreciate that.
please make him stop.
 lily34 wrote:
i  try hard not to like him/them, because i really don't normally like jam bands. or their followings. but i like this song a lot.
 
{#Yes}
Bartender, fill my glass, I can't stand this song.
i  try hard not to like him/them, because i really don't normally like jam bands. or their followings. but i like this song a lot.
 Keef wrote:

Lillywhite's back!  new album 9/11/2012.
 



I Know! I Know! Lillywhite's actually a neighbor of mine and he's been super excited about Dave's new album and the one he's doing with The Killers. So far I'm luke warm on the DMB single but the Killers song, "Runaways" has me excited for the LP - also out next month.
Although I'm a hardcore old Davehead, this is not my favorite song. It is, however, very dramatic and moving when you hear it live. I tend to categorize Dave songs, and this one falls into the Epic category, along with the likes of Seek Up and others in which he wails in the live show. Sometime listen to a live version. If you just hate Dave, don't bother. One way or another, you might understand the song better.
 Poacher wrote:
Yep, I don't get it either. I have no axe to grind, Dave Matthews is certainly not on my wavelength over here in the UK so what I hear is, in isolation, on RP. This track in particular is rather good. 
I suspect, much like Coldplay, a band gets overplayed and over hyped and the haters come out because of that alone. I'll give this track a solid 9 on its own merit.  
 
With you, here. Saw him in June in Toronto along with about 20 000 others. I guess he has some fans. You'd never know it reading these comments.
 Hannio wrote:
I really like how Dave, being the consummate artiste, has dispensed of anything so pedestrian and mundane as a tune or melody or coherent lyrics.  He opes his mouth,  et voila!  Art spews forth.
 

My opinion remains unchanged.
 h8rhater wrote:

Wow... an intolerant deadhead.  Wonders never cease.
  
If you don't like the music hater likes, you are intolerant.   It's just that simple.
 Sasha2001 wrote:


I don't agree with this statement at all. Certainly there are haters out there who, for no other reason then not liking the "scene" associated with his music, don't like the DMB. But discernible music fans such as those who listen to RP on a regular basis have heard enough of his music to judge for themselves. I think if there's any real backlash against his stuff its from his older fans who felt the sacking of longtime producer Steve Lillywhite led to more corporate-friendly music and less improvisation, which had always been the strength of the band's musicians. Any way you slice it, DMB's earlier tunes are far superior to the post Lillywhite offerings. And maybe its because of their high quality, along with the unrelenting air play they received, that music officianados decided to tuning them out. Does that mean we can't enjoy a little DMB every now and then on RP? Of course not.
 
Lillywhite's back!  new album 9/11/2012.
I too don't understand all the DMB hate around here. The only thing I don't like about this song is that it drones on a bit too long for my tastes. The very end, however is quite nice and makes up for it.
 Sasha2001 wrote:


I don't agree with this statement at all. Certainly there are haters out there who, for no other reason then not liking the "scene" associated with his music, don't like the DMB. But discernible music fans such as those who listen to RP on a regular basis have heard enough of his music to judge for themselves. I think if there's any real backlash against his stuff its from his older fans who felt the sacking of longtime producer Steve Lillywhite led to more corporate-friendly music and less improvisation, which had always been the strength of the band's musicians. Any way you slice it, DMB's earlier tunes are far superior to the post Lillywhite offerings. And maybe its because of their high quality, along with the unrelenting air play they received, that music officianados decided to tuning them out. Does that mean we can't enjoy a little DMB every now and then on RP? Of course not.
 
True story.
 kingart wrote:
Terrific song. Very thoughtful — all too few tackle this kind of content in the mainstream. Alcoholism? Religion? Loneliness? Death? Whew, that's a menu. 
That drummer is the joint, and this is high quality musicianship and real passion. 
Sucko barfo ratings? Get real. 

 
 

Word!
My friend Caryn's two-part plan to improve the Dave Matthew's Band:

1) Get new band members 2) Replace Dave Matthews
 terrapin52 wrote:
I can honestly say, I never liked any of Dave Matthew's songs.  I had two front row seats to his concert and gave them away.  This guy is over-rated in my opinion.  Riding the coat tails of the only jam band that mattered, the Dead.
 
Wow... an intolerant deadhead.  Wonders never cease.
So surprised that this song has an overall rating of 5.8. I mean I have it at a 7 and think that its really a masterful work regardless of tastes.
 
 CoYoT51 wrote:
Quite interesting band with a nice discography.
Can't understand the haters huge community.
THIS is quite good music. {#Clap}
 
Yep, I don't get it either. I have no axe to grind, Dave Matthews is certainly not on my wavelength over here in the UK so what I hear is, in isolation, on RP. This track in particular is rather good. 

I suspect, much like Coldplay, a band gets overplayed and over hyped and the haters come out because of that alone. I'll give this track a solid 9 on its own merit.  
 lemmoth wrote:


Definitely agree with you on this. There are only 14 Dave Matthews tunes on RP - quite low for a group with a large following and of relatively recent vintage - Wait - how many Coldplay songs - who to me are in the same boat - some good big hit songs - let me check -ugh  - 50 - that just ain't right.

Vs say pearl jam amd radohead with 39 snf 54 respectively. 
 
Totally agree.  Love RP, but there selection of DMB songs kind of sucks.  So many great songs and so many great live versions of there great songs.  I do love this song though.  brings back memories of my buddy Thomas who died tragically.
Terrific song. Very thoughtful — all too few tackle this kind of content in the mainstream. Alcoholism? Religion? Loneliness? Death? Whew, that's a menu. 
That drummer is the joint, and this is high quality musicianship and real passion. 
Sucko barfo ratings? Get real. 

 
Quite interesting band with a nice discography.
Can't understand the haters huge community.
THIS is quite good music. {#Clap}
 dpvest wrote:

DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 

Definitely agree with you on this. There are only 14 Dave Matthews tunes on RP - quite low for a group with a large following and of relatively recent vintage - Wait - how many Coldplay songs - who to me are in the same boat - some good big hit songs - let me check -ugh  - 50 - that just ain't right.

Vs say pearl jam amd radohead with 39 snf 54 respectively. 


Hey, bartender!
Looks like there are about 60 "sucko barfo" ratings which weighs down overall ratings. Hard to believe there are that many people who find this song unlistenable. "Haters got to hate."

It really is a great song. Like many Matthews songs, it asks people to pay attention for a while and develops things and in an instant gratification society such as ours, that is always a dangerous move.
 

Badfish81 wrote:

If this was posted with an unknown name, it might not be an 8, but it certainly wouldn't be a 5.8.
C'mon "enlightened" music listeners...prejudice is supposed to be for the ignorant.
      

 


I'm by no means a DMB hater, but lordy this one's annoying!
His vocals always brings the brilliant music down for me. 

If this was posted with an unknown name, it might not be an 8, but it certainly wouldn't be a 5.8.
C'mon "enlightened" music listeners...prejudice is supposed to be for the ignorant.
      


I guess he's supposed to sound like he's had far too many
Just heard today that DMB is working on a new album with Steve Lillywhite.  DMB fans rejoice!
I can´t give this less than 8 {#Exclaim}
it sounded like he was trying to channel peter gabriel on this song.......and failed.
"Aiiireee I glow eore aieee ohhhh
Ohhhh udder myyyy, easeee dohhn forget eeee iffeye Ohhh" 


Their finest moment.
This song is an example of all that's wrong with the DMB...
 MiracleDrug wrote:
the musicianship in this band is staggering...{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano}{#Boohoo}{#Bananajam}
 
Where's the penny whistler?

 MiracleDrug wrote:
the musicianship in this band is staggering...{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano}{#Boohoo}{#Bananajam}
 
What he said.
I can't give this more than 1
the musicianship in this band is staggering...{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Bananapiano}{#Boohoo}{#Bananajam}
I can honestly say, I never liked any of Dave Matthew's songs.  I had two front row seats to his concert and gave them away.  This guy is over-rated in my opinion.  Riding the coat tails of the only jam band that mattered, the Dead.
 dpvest wrote:

DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 



I don't agree with this statement at all. Certainly there are haters out there who, for no other reason then not liking the "scene" associated with his music, don't like the DMB. But discernible music fans such as those who listen to RP on a regular basis have heard enough of his music to judge for themselves. I think if there's any real backlash against his stuff its from his older fans who felt the sacking of longtime producer Steve Lillywhite led to more corporate-friendly music and less improvisation, which had always been the strength of the band's musicians. Any way you slice it, DMB's earlier tunes are far superior to the post Lillywhite offerings. And maybe its because of their high quality, along with the unrelenting air play they received, that music officianados decided to tuning them out.

Does that mean we can't enjoy a little DMB every now and then on RP? Of course not.
I bumped this from 8 to 9 - I only have a handful of DMB songs that I really like. Most of his stuff is either over my head or it bores me.  This song is pretty darned good!  Adding it to that handful of likeable DMB songs. (Damn - I need another hand! Good thing I have one to spare.)

More DMB on RP!
 rdo wrote:

I find it remarkable that this is rated only 5.8.


 
2 years later, 5.8 has not budged.  This is a good song.  I am not much of a DMB fan.  This is the most underrated song here.


 dpvest wrote:

DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 

That sounds bout right, count me as a hater!{#Cheers}
I guess there just isn't a DMB song with a decent melody

I love Carter Beauford's drumming.
The experience of seeing DMB live is what it's all about.  Amazing musicians!
 dpvest wrote:

DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 
I agree and am not sure why so many hardcore fans of great music dismiss Dave as not being a prolific songwriter and musician.  While some of his song lyrics are simple and obvious others are great puzzles that have great depth, filled with various meanings and emotions

Reminds me of my buddy Thomas who died way to young.
 dpvest wrote:

DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 
Nothing breeds contempt more than success.

I'm actually surprised I got more than 30 seconds into one of these tunes before I (click....)
 vandal wrote:
bleh
 
You like it much more than I do.

 fortheloveofpete wrote:
DMB seems to be the only place where I diverge from the majority of my fellow RP listeners.  It is really a unfortunate loss for many folks.  I love music in general, especially almost anything on RP.  However, I have had some of the best, energized, joyful, happiest moments in my life seeing live music.  Dave has been a big part of that.  i wish more folks could experience the same.  And yes, while not required, the pot helps!{#Drool}
 
DMB became really popular w/ the college crowd in the 90's and have a huge cult following of people, many of whom are there for the "experience" more so than the music.  That shouldn't take away from the fact that Dave surrounds himself w/ great talent.  Mix that w/ his "regular guy" charisma and a bunch of catchy tunes (esp the early ones) and his popularity soared amongst not just the college crowd.  He grabbed fans from many demographics.  RP listeners are (lets face it...) very discriminating.  hence, the great music.  but the haters have seen all the obnoxious fans, consider the music overrated, and have their own bandwagon to jump on.  it's prob a bit of a backlash due to over-popularity.  a disco sucks lite (although most disco really did suck...).  and some just hate his voice (no accounting for taste).  and the beat goes on...
 fortheloveofpete wrote:
DMB seems to be the only place where I diverge from the majority of my fellow RP listeners.  It is really a unfortunate loss for many folks.  I love music in general, especially almost anything on RP.  However, I have had some of the best, energized, joyful, happiest moments in my life seeing live music.  Dave has been a big part of that.  i wish more folks could experience the same.  And yes, while not required, the pot helps!{#Drool}

 

I look forward to my yearly DMB summer fix.  Maybe you just don't get it until you see the band live.
bleh