The Meaning Behind The Song: DARE by Gorillaz
Gorillaz is a British virtual band that was created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and visual artist Jamie Hewlett. Since its inception, the band has released six studio albums and has become one of the most successful and influential acts in the music industry.
One of their most popular songs is DARE, a track that was released in 2005 as a single from their second album, Demon Days. The song features vocals from Shaun Ryder, the frontman of the legendary British band Happy Mondays.
In this article, we will explore the meaning behind DARE and the inspiration behind the lyrics.
The Story Behind the Song
According to Albarn, the idea for the song came from a conversation he had with Ryder at a party. Albarn asked Ryder to do some ad-libs for a track he was working on, and Ryder’s response was “It’s like the future, but it’s now.”
Albarn took this phrase and turned it into the chorus of DARE, with Ryder providing the vocals. The song became an instant hit, reaching the top 20 in both the UK and the US.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of DARE are often interpreted as a commentary on addiction and a call to break free from its grip. The opening lines of the song, “It’s coming up, it’s coming up, it’s coming up, it’s coming up, it’s coming up, it’s coming up, it’s DARE!”, can be seen as a reference to the rush that drug users feel when they are about to get high.
The chorus of the song, “It’s the final countdown,” is also believed to be a reference to the urgency that addicts feel when they are running out of drugs or money to buy them.
The verse that follows the chorus, “Feel good, shake it, take it,” is interpreted by some as a message to drug users to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the high.
However, there is more to the lyrics of DARE than just a commentary on addiction. The song is also seen as a celebration of living in the moment and taking risks.
The verse that follows the one mentioned above, “If you feel like happiness is the truth, because I’m happy,” can be seen as a call to embrace happiness and live life to the fullest, even if it means taking risks that might scare us.
Overall, the lyrics of DARE are open to interpretation, and different listeners may interpret them differently. However, they all convey a message of living in the present, embracing happiness, and daring to take risks.
The Music Video
The music video for DARE is as iconic as the song itself. Directed by Jamie Hewlett, the video features the band’s four animated members—2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle, and Russel Hobbs—dancing in a disco club.
The video is full of bright colors, flashing lights, and trippy visuals, which complement the song’s upbeat and energetic vibe.
One of the most memorable moments of the video is when Noodle, the band’s guitarist, breaks out of her animated form and becomes a live-action actress. This scene symbolizes the band’s creative freedom and their ability to break free from the constraints of traditional music videos.
Overall, the video for DARE is a perfect visual representation of the song’s energy and message of living in the present and breaking free from conventions.
The Legacy of DARE
Since its release in 2005, DARE has become one of the most recognizable and iconic songs of the 21st century. Its infectious chorus and upbeat melody have made it a staple of pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and video games.
However, the legacy of DARE goes beyond its popularity. The song’s message of living in the present and taking risks has inspired countless people to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams.
In an interview with NME, Albarn explained that the song’s message was inspired by a conversation he had with artist Jamie Hewlett, where they both agreed that “it’s time to really jump off and try something new.”
This spirit of experimentation and risk-taking is what has made Gorillaz one of the most innovative and influential bands of the past two decades. Through their music and visuals, they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the music industry, inspiring countless artists to follow in their footsteps.
Conclusion
DARE is a song that embodies the spirit of living in the present, embracing happiness, and taking risks. Its infectious melody and memorable chorus have made it a fan favorite, while its message of breaking free from conventions has inspired countless people to pursue their dreams and embrace their creativity.
As we look back on the legacy of DARE, we can see the impact that it has had on popular culture and the music industry as a whole. It has inspired countless artists to push the boundaries of what is possible, and its influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
