10 Best Dave Matthews Songs

As most fans know, all Dave Matthews Band songs sound better live, as the group tends to feature improve renditions of new and old songs during their annual summer tours. And with a discography that covers almost two decades and incorporates jazz, soul, bluegrass, and rock genres, it's hard to chose the best DMB songs. Here we feature the highest-rated, off albums ranging from 1994's 'Under the Table and Dreaming' to 2009's 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.'

'Grey Street'

This Dave Matthews Band song is inspired by the life of the poet Anne Sexton, who suffered from depression and took her own life in 1974. In concert this song has been played over 260 times, especially between 2000 and 2002 when it was first released.

Best Live Version: When 'Grey Street' debuted it originally had three verses, the last of which was cut. For a great recording of the original version, check out 'Live Trax Volume 3.'

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'Satellite'

This song's guitar part evolved from a finger exercise that Matthews used to do. The song reached No. 18 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart.

Best Live Version: 'Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95,' the band's first full concert release.

iTunes

'Ants Marching'

'Ants Marching' is arguably the group's most recognizable song, and also their most played. In their almost 20-year existence, 'Ants' has been played just under 1,000 times since its debut as 'No New Directions' on Oct. 22, 1991.

Best Live Version: 'Live at Red Rocks 8.15.95.'

iTunes

'Warehouse'

'Warehouse' takes its name from the now-famous pink warehouse in DMB's hometown of Charlottesville, Va. It was on the roof of this building that the band performed their first paying gig.

Best Live Version: A fan-favorite version of 'Warehouse,' complete with 'Louie, Louie' interpolation, can be found on the bonus disc available with 'The Best of What's Around' greatest hits compilation.

iTunes

Dave Matthews Band Under the Table and Dreaming

'Crash Into Me'

Matthews has said that this song is about the worship of women from the perspective of a man who is somewhat of a Peeping Tom. He joked that instead of going to prison, he wrote this song. It was also listed on the 2001 Clear Channel memorandum, which highlighted songs with questionable lyrics after the September 11th attacks.

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax Volume 7,' one of the most beloved shows in the DMB community, contains a beautiful version of 'Crash Into Me' that features Bela Fleck and former Flecktones member Paul McCandless.

iTunes

'Funny the Way It Is'

'Funny the Way It Is' comes from the 2009 album 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King,' and it has quickly become one of the most popular Dave Matthews Bad songs on AOL Radio. Regarding the album's name, GrooGrux King is a nod to the band's late saxophonist, LeRoi Moore. The first half of the album name comes from a drunk harmonica player the band met during a photo shoot that was asking for money so he could buy a big whiskey.

iTunes

'Say Goodbye'

The studio cut of 'Say Goodbye' is one of the most acclaimed studio recordings in the fan community. The song is actually an evolved version of an early Dave Matthews Band song which was named by fans, 'Any Noise/Anti Noise.' The song made an appearance in concert three years before it was featured on the album 'Crash.'

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax Volume 3' also contains an outstanding version of 'Say Goodbye.'

iTunes

'Crush'

This Dave Matthews Band song was almost withheld from the album because the band had such a tough time playing it. Thankfully, bassist Stefan Lessard created the opening riff that had the whole band excited and set the tone for the rest of the song, which was also released as a single. The album's track clocks at over 8 minutes; it was cut down to 4 minutes for the radio version.

Best Live Version: 'Live Trax 2008' tour sampler.

iTunes

'#41'

'#41,' named after the fact that it was the 41st song the band wrote, holds the record for the longest performance in the band's history. On April 20th, 2002, for a whopping 32 minutes, DMB jammed with friends and show openers Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Best Live Version: 'Listener Supported.'

iTunes

'Two Step'

'Two Step' is generally accepted as being the consummate DMB song. Incorporating everything that makes the band special, from improvised lyrical intros, to some of Dave's most sing-a-long-worthy lyrics and melodies, 'Two Step' brings down the house every single time it's played.

Best Live Version: For a perfect example of the power of 'Two Step,' listen to the version on 'The Central Park Concert.'

iTunes

What's Your Favorite Dave Matthews Song?

Let us know what would make your list of the 10 Best Dave Matthews Songs in the comments.

Listen to All Dave Matthews on AOL Radio

Filed under: Best Songs, Top 10 Lists, Rock, Jazz

Reader Comments

(Page 2)

51. where is Dancing Nancies ???!!!

Posted at 1:34PM on Jun 13th 2009 by freeseedboxx

52. pretty good list considering how many great songs dmb has. Thank you for not putting ants marching higher than it is. Two step is certainly worthy to hold the #1 spot.

Posted at 8:55PM on Jun 13th 2009 by fredmcgriff

53. Saw DMB live for the first time at Hyde Park 28.7.09 totally blown away
agree All along the watch tower and dont drink the water should be up there!!

Posted at 11:08AM on Jun 30th 2009 by Gerald Humphries

54. What is the name of the song with lyrics "and she believes in me, I'll never know just what she sees in me"?

Posted at 12:13PM on Jun 30th 2009 by betty marshall

55. totally agree with this list

Posted at 7:03PM on Jul 1st 2009 by Sam

56. Can't we all just get along? A top ten list is subjective and obviously will vary among different people. Let's just enjoy the great music Dave gives us and stop bickering!

Posted at 2:23PM on Jul 8th 2009 by lovely lady

57. dmb music and style has always im pressed me. keep doing your thing.r.i.p leroi.

Posted at 4:24PM on Jul 9th 2009 by kerry k smokey

58. DAVE MATTHEWS IS THE GREATEST LIVE BAND TO EVER WALK ON STAGE. ALL HATERS ARE WHITE RAPPERS, OR HIP-HOP LOVERS. NO TALENT, UNLIKE DAVE, THEY ARE TALENTED MUSICIANS. ALL HATERS GO BUY THE NEW "LIL WAYNE CD" LISTEN TO THAT NO TALENT CRAP!!! HATERS!!!

Posted at 10:02AM on Jul 14th 2009 by VINNY PRETO

59. 1. ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER ( LIVE AT RED ROCKS )
2. DON'T DRINK THE WATER
3. TWO STEP
4. CRASH INTO ME
5. CRUSH
6. WAREHOUSE
7. GRACE IS GONE
8. EAT TOO MUCH
9. ANT'S MARCHING
10. ONE SWEET WORLD

Posted at 10:01AM on Jul 14th 2009 by VINNY PRETO

60. What about Gravedigger
What about Dreamgirl ?
What about Mother/Father

I could go on and on

Posted at 8:06PM on Jul 16th 2009 by JeppieLee

61. oh and also.. If you don't like Dave Matthews, get the hell off the Dave Matthews board.. sheesh

Posted at 8:07PM on Jul 16th 2009 by JeppieLee

62. And..seriously
IF you don't like the DMB, get the Hell off of the board.. geesh

Posted at 11:04PM on Jul 16th 2009 by JeppieLee

63. A top 25 list would've have been more appropriate. No way in hell to have a perfect top 10.

Love DMB. Saw them yesterday at Jones Beach. Only my third time seeing them. Still a newbie. LOL

Posted at 9:45AM on Jul 22nd 2009 by Carididdy

64. How about "What Would You Say"? It's impossible to keep your feet from moving while listening to that song.

Posted at 10:57AM on Jul 31st 2009 by Elizabeth

65. Dave Mathews is awesome you just can't appreciate sophisticated music

Posted at 3:20PM on Aug 13th 2009 by Christian Michalak

66. I agree, you can NOT limit great dave songs to 10 .. although they are all great songs... there are many, many more....my personal favorite is "Ill Back You Up" (wich is going to be my wedding song)

Posted at 11:46AM on Aug 11th 2009 by Cassie k

67. Because people with good taste in music love him and there are obviously several people (yourself excluded of course) that have good taste!

Posted at 7:40PM on Aug 13th 2009 by Jen

68. these are good music and song IT'S SO COOL AND NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT

Posted at 12:42AM on Aug 16th 2009 by secret

69. LOVE the song it so
cool

Posted at 12:43AM on Aug 16th 2009 by secret

70. Not completely right, but it's ok. I think Funny the Way It Is is DMB's best song, the "standing on a bridge..." part is the best part ever made. Also Warehouse is a top 3 song.

Posted at 9:03AM on Aug 16th 2009 by Bla

71. I may be alone, but.. when I heard "Grace Is Gone" in concert, before there was any official release, I thought is was the most beautiful thing Dave ever sung- A live version would be in my top 10.

Posted at 4:23PM on Aug 24th 2009 by Fred

72. Everyone makes such a big deal out of it, the list is good. If your opinion is differnt, than good.. cause its your opinion. And this list does not say, these are plain proven fact of top ten DMB songs.. Make such a huge deal people. DMB is great, mellow, chill, getn laid music. Probably why some of u cant relate. Go get laid and quit b!tchn about top ten lists. haha..

Posted at 2:56AM on Aug 25th 2009 by AbSo

73. While I enjoy all DMB songs (including those in this list), I feel that Bartender and The Stone deserve a place in the top ten.

Posted at 4:51AM on Sep 14th 2009 by Carrie

74. I make a CD every year when a bunch of guys go down to Florida for a golf week. My buddy asked me to put some DMB songs on the CD. So I came here to find a selection of the best since he couldn't remember any actual song titles. I have listened and downloaded a few. I have to say I don't get it. I know you have to listen to any songs to let the music settle in and grab you. It is not even coming to close for me so I guess he will enjoy them alone. These comments could have ended with No 1 for me but to each his own. We will have some laughs in Florida when we rip each other with our comments on the songs.

Posted at 9:12PM on Oct 23rd 2009 by JDR

75. You people are CRAZY!!! Comment back after you hear The Idea of you,Break free and Crazy Easy.The old songs are great but these 3 songs are sick!And remember its only what songs you love that matter!!!

Posted at 11:51PM on Oct 23rd 2009 by bcdeadahead

76. 10. #34
9. You Might Die Trying
8. Cornbread
7. Rapunzel
6. Grey Street
5. Don't Drink the Water
4. Where Are You Going
3. Pig
2. You Never Know
1. The Stone

Aside from the other classics listed these are songs that I could listen to over and over and never get old from it. The Stone is a definite first but the others are just my top ten favorites. But that's just me.

Posted at 11:55PM on Jan 14th 2010 by ehhee41

77. I love DMB, but i don't really think this is the top 10 best songs, this might be the top 10 listened songs.

Posted at 1:46PM on Jan 27th 2010 by Gui

78. I like to hear the top 10 lists of individual "Dave" (DMB)fans because they are all so different. It also seems like most DMB fans change their top 10 favorites often. The sound of the DMB with such talented musicians in the band, Dave's unique/amazing voice, and the poetic lyrics all combine to create such fun, good-feeling wonderful music. Thanks DMB!!!!

Posted at 11:49AM on Feb 3rd 2010 by Jerome

79. I like the list but would have to rank Dancing Nancies somewhere in the top 4 or 5. I look up at the sky and my mouth is open wide. Lick and taste, what's the use in worrying? What's the use in hurrying? Turn to turn we almost become dizzy... Amazing. And the aggressive lyrical conclusion to Warehouse. Words cannot describe the intensity of emotion conveyed and inspired by Warehouse and so so many other DMB songs... Big fan. Big Big fan.

Posted at 10:00PM on Feb 18th 2010 by frelinkay

80. My son and I were Dave Matthews die hards, even lied in a hammac all one hot summer taking care of his dying father. Our Ipods had every single song corresponding as we'd listen. Dad pulled through, but Boy took his own life with Dave singing to him. He was cremated with his Ipod next to his ashes and a beautiful pic of the way he was. Hard to listen to my Ipod, but haven't missed a day in three years. He took me to my first concert and now I see all I can. Thank you Dave for sweet and sour memories.

Posted at 8:54AM on Feb 23rd 2010 by Lost Boy

81. Been to alot of dmb concerts, the fans are mostly colleage female students and very attractive.Who ever said dmb sucks is either gay or knows nothing about well written or performed music. What music do you like ? head banging metal or beer drinkin country?

Posted at 3:46PM on Mar 7th 2010 by bill smiley

82. I love Dave Matthews!! I grew up listening to him. It's hard to pick a favorite song of his.

Posted at 1:00AM on Mar 21st 2010 by Kristy Smith

83. Dave is always tough to do a countdown for. He has so many great songs, so my top 10 always changes but here it is for today in no particular order:
- Granny
- Lie in Our Graves
- Warehouse
- #41
- Song that Jane likes
- You and Me
- Sugarwill
- Don't Drink the Water
- You Might Die Trying
- Grey Street

Posted at 1:42PM on Mar 22nd 2010 by LMG 18

84. ok whoever said dmb sucks, go fuck a door knob. if u hate them so much, then why r u here?
keep ur crap opinions to urself.

Posted at 6:16PM on Apr 13th 2010 by RAWR

85. At 57 years old I have seen just about every major band that the younger generation could only know from radio or cds. Zepplin, Jethro Tull, Rolling stones, Beatles, ELP, Jimi Hendrix, Santana you get my point. The DMB is one of the best bands I have ever seen. Being a drummer myself Carter is probably the best in this and any generation. I am just happy there was more positive reviews of Dave because there live shows maybe the best I have ever seen. One thing I can say Woodstock was the best musical era of all time.

Posted at 10:09PM on Apr 25th 2010 by Dennis Faggella

86. Great!

http://www.davematthewsbandpolska.com

Best regards form Poland!

Posted at 5:40PM on May 15th 2010 by Marcin

87. I'm gonna not sit here and say DMB is the greatest band ever, because that's just based on opinion but I am a HUGE fan of the band and being a guitar player Daves style as influenced me greatly. This list, is not accurate to most people, again it's opinion based and this is the opinion of AOL, so let it be. And to those haters out there, I'd love to hear why you think such an amazing flow of musical fusion could be so bad to you, please tell me, I'm quite interested, you voiced your opinion and now you have my full attention.

Posted at 12:32AM on Jun 10th 2010 by Jon Picco

88. I have to say, I'm a pretty new fan and not as educated about DMB's music as alot of you are. But i can say, i agree with the poster (sorry, i forgot your name) who said Don't Drink the Water should be on this list. I saw them for the first time at the Nats Satdium this past Friday night and was BLOWN AWAY by the energy and brilliant musicianship!! I don't know alot of their music, but i left that show WANTING to know it!! oh, and to all the haters, if you don't like DMB, why did you open this thread to begin with? you really need a live and some grace!

Posted at 11:58AM on Jul 29th 2010 by Cari

89. The Stone and the All Along the Watchtower cover are definitely up there, especially in concert. For my money, you can't beat the instrumental part in the middle of #41 though. Good times.

Posted at 2:10PM on Aug 2nd 2010 by gb

90. The original Grey Street on the Lillywhite album is one of my favorites!
medicare supplement comparison

Posted at 2:12PM on Aug 2nd 2010 by Jonathan

91. I'm impressed. Must have had a real Dave fan do this list.

Posted at 1:23AM on Aug 7th 2010 by B Mac

92. How can u guys put 'funny the way it is' and not add 'Lie in our graves' that song is AMAzing live!!

Posted at 11:47AM on Aug 23rd 2010 by John

93. Although these songs are great (since it's Dave, let's get real), this isn't what I would have chosen to be the top 10. Here's my opinion:

10. Bartender
9. American Babay
8. Dodo
7. Don't Drink the Water
6. Big Eyed Fish
5. Grey Street
4. Two Step
3. Shake Me Like a Monkey
2. Stay or Leave
1. #41

Posted at 12:07AM on Sep 2nd 2010 by osoccerxgilmoreo

94. i LOVE dave! going to his concert sept. 18 in Chicago. My faves are "what would you say" and "rapunzel" right now. Also, i agree his version of All Along the Watchtower is GREAT!!

Posted at 10:29PM on Sep 8th 2010 by vivian

95. I have to toally agree with all these people. One of the only things I do not understand is why these people that cut DMB down are even on this site......obviously, "You don't get being a Warehouse fan!"

About the list: I would take off, "Grey Street" and put on "Everyday". Who can ever forget that live version on the 'Live at Folsom Field' Boulder, Colorado?!

I also think we are all "off-base". We need to create a TOP 20 Songs of DMB. I guess we could come up with a great "set-list" for their next show!

Add to orginal list: Stay, Jimi Thing, The Stone, Pig, Dancing Nancies, You & Me, Lie in Our Graves, Granny, So Much Too Say (into Too Much) and Bartender.

All this should be played at Red Rocks!

Posted at 5:59PM on Sep 24th 2010 by #5

96. I definitely think "Don't Drink the Water" live at central park should be on this list. The song is powerful and has an awesome meaning. The song always gives me chills!

Posted at 4:08PM on Sep 29th 2010 by Lyds

97.
I definitely think "Don't Drink the Water" live at central park should
be on this list. The song is powerful and has an awesome meaning. The
song always gives me chills!

Posted at 4:08PM on Sep 29th 2010 by Lyds

98. My opinion is that 'You might die trying' Live from Piedmont should be #1 on that list, by far, yet it is not even mentioned! It's only complete when you hear the commentary Dave tells the crowd @ him and Carter sittin' on the bus ,watching y'all walking in here...etc. It is hilarious!!! Long Live The Dave Matthews Band- God Bless them All.

Posted at 7:25AM on Sep 30th 2010 by Lana Forguson

99. It's not just about dave, it's about a band! Top notch musicians playing music that doesn't come from a computer or make your ears bleed from distorted grungey guitars. There's not many bands that create tunes with key changes, time signature changes, syncopated rythems or generally anything not in good old trusty 4/4 plod plod no brainer songs. Most of this I think can only be apreciated by people with an actual knowledge of music theory. I'm not saying all dmb fans are trained musicians, far from it. But il bet alot of the hardcore dave fans like to play a little guitar, or drums, or violin, or sax?

That in my humble opinion is why they appeal to the masses from all walks of life, all over the world, all ages. Because they play clever, interesting tunes with some touching lyrics.

Dmb play music with "feel" not something knocked up by a computer or like many many many many other bands playing generic, standard, tried and tested (to death) types of music

DMB fans: eat, drink and be merry

The haters: go turn your slipknot cd up and stop posting your shit on blogs just to piss people off

Posted at 7:03PM on Oct 30th 2010 by Humble monkey

100. Anyone who truly appreciates music will appreciate DMB. Any musician will tell you that all members of the band are highly skilled performers. DMB will go down in history as one of the greatest bands of all time. They write songs that a real and touching. You can tell that dave puts his entire heart into every song. They will be remembered forever....

Posted at 4:31PM on Nov 15th 2010 by Sean Franklin

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