Lyric discussion by JamSession 

Cover art for Dodo lyrics by Dave Matthews

The lyrics indicate what I believe to reflect Dave's critical thinking style. Things aren't always what they seem.


Once upon a time When the world was just a pancake Fears would arise That if you went too far you’d fall But with the passage of time It all became more of a ball* We’re as sure of that As we all once were when the world was flat

As we were all convinced that the Earth used to be flat, now we are convinced it is round. Could it be square? Maybe a cylinder?


So I wonder this As life billows smoke inside my head This little game where nothing is sure, oh Why would you play by the rules? Who did, you did, you Who did, you did, you

As he learns more, the more he begins to find questions in the answers he's uncovered. Smoke in the head. Why would anything keep straight when you could be anything else? Why would you play by the rules, God?


When was it killed The very last dodo bird And was she aware She was the very last one

Interesting use of the dodo. Recalling that dodos are generally viewed as being dumb, Dave is drawing a parallel to human ignorance. We're so assured in knowing our being, how do we know that this is what we are?


If all the things that you are saying love Were true enough but still What’s is all the worrying ‘bout We can work it out We can work it out


Are you right? Is that the final answer? Why worry over something we can find no answer to individually and work together to illude and fool ourselves once more.

....

Those are just my thoughts.