You know that feeling when a bassline hits and suddenly you’re back in 1998? That’s "Crush." For a lot of us, the crush lyrics dave matthews band released on Before These Crowded Streets aren't just words on a page. They're a whole mood. Honestly, it’s one of those rare tracks that manages to be incredibly sophisticated and yet totally primal at the same time.
It's long. Over eight minutes on the album version. But it doesn't feel like it.
The Story Behind the Bassline
Most people don’t realize that "Crush" almost didn't make the cut. Can you imagine that? The album was basically coming together, and this song was just kind of floating around. It was Stefan Lessard, the band's bassist, who saved it. He came up with that iconic, walking opening line that feels like a heartbeat.
Once Stefan laid that down, the whole thing clicked.
Dave has gone on record saying the song is a "worship-of-women" type of track. It’s not a secret. He’s always been pretty open about his reverence for the female spirit, and this song is the pinnacle of that. But it’s not just a "I like you" song. It’s about being absolutely leveled by someone.
Breaking Down the Crush Lyrics Dave Matthews Band Wrote
The song starts with a very specific kind of intimacy. “Sitting, smoking, feeling high / And in this moment, ah, it feels so right.” It’s tactile. You can almost smell the clove cigarettes and the late-night air.
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Then you get into the meat of the song:
- The Power Shift: “Lovely lady, I am at your feet.” This isn't a song about conquest. It’s about surrender.
- The Physicality: “You crush me with the things you do.” It's a heavy word, "crush." It implies weight.
- The Desire: “God, I want you so badly.” No metaphors there. Just raw honesty.
The bridge is where things get really interesting, though. When he starts singing about driving until the morning comes and watching the sunrise, the music swells. It stops being a smoky lounge song and turns into an anthem.
Why Jay-Z Loves This Song
Here is a weird bit of trivia for you: Jay-Z loves this song.
He’s called it one of his favorites. Dave actually told a story about sitting next to Jay-Z at a club once and being too nervous to say hello. He called himself a "spineless prick" for not just walking up and telling him he was a fan. It’s funny because you think of Dave Matthews as this massive rock star, but he gets starstruck just like anyone else.
The appeal makes sense, though. "Crush" has a groove that crosses genres. It’s got that jazzy, bluesy undercurrent that works whether you’re a jam band fan or a hip-hop head.
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Recording at the Peak of Their Power
The late 90s were a wild time for DMB. They were coming off the massive success of Crash, and the pressure was on. They went into the studio with producer Steve Lillywhite, and the result was Before These Crowded Streets.
This album is darker than their earlier stuff. It’s denser.
"Crush" sits right in the middle of that evolution. It features Tim Reynolds on electric guitar and Butch Taylor on piano, adding layers that the band’s live shows were becoming famous for.
The Music Video Vibe
The video is all black and white. It’s moody. It features the band playing in what looks like a rehearsal space or a club, interspersed with shots of a woman (of course). It captures that "1:00 AM in a basement bar" feeling perfectly.
Common Misconceptions About the Lyrics
A lot of people mix up "Crush" and "Crash Into Me."
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"Crash Into Me" is the one with the whole "peeping tom" vibe—the "I watch you there through the window" part. Dave has admitted that one is a little creepy, written from the perspective of a guy you'd probably call the cops on.
"Crush" is different. It’s mutual. It’s about a deep, soulful connection between two people who are actually in the room together. One is about watching; the other is about being with.
Actionable Takeaways for DMB Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of this song, here is what you should do:
- Listen to the Central Park Concert version. It’s arguably the best live version ever recorded. The way the band jams out the ending is legendary.
- Pay attention to Carter Beauford's drumming. Especially during the "drive till the morning comes" section. His ghost notes on the snare are what keep the song from feeling too slow.
- Check out the radio edit versus the album version. The radio edit chops off about five minutes. It’s a completely different experience and helps you see how the "pop" elements of the song were highlighted for the mainstream.
- Look for the 2023 Farm Aid performance. Dave and Tim Reynolds do an acoustic version that strips away all the production and shows just how strong the songwriting is at its core.
The crush lyrics dave matthews band gave us back in '98 haven't aged a day. They still capture that dizzying, slightly overwhelming feeling of being completely into someone. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovered them on a "90s Acoustic" playlist, there's no denying the staying power of this track.
It’s a masterclass in how to write a love song that actually has some teeth.
Next time you hear that bassline kick in, don't just let it play in the background. Really listen to the way the violin and the saxophone weave around each other during the solo sections. It’s not just a song; it’s a conversation between five (or six) incredible musicians at the absolute top of their game.