"Dance in the Graveyards"
A Song by Delta Rae
About the Band
Ian Hölljes is the origin for the lyrics and idea of creating his band, Delta Rae. He and his brother Eric, sister Brittany, and Elizabeth Hopkins formed the band in their hometown of Durham, North Carolina. The first major performance for the band was at Duke University in 2009. In 2010 they added two members to the band, Mike McKee and Grant Emerson, in order to add a unique sound to the music. Their songs are very different from popular pop songs because they are a folk rock band, which gives their music it's own unique category. They released their first album, "Carry the Fire," in June 19, 2012. NAS
Relation to "Tragic Events"
The meaning behind the song is to celebrate loved ones who have passed away and to always remember their accomplishments in life. The message behind the song will help teenagers cope with the loss of a loved one. NAS
"Dance in the Graveyards"
When I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
Gloria, like some other name we kept on calling ya and waiting for change
But I belong to all of your mysteries
And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, but we keep rising up and walking the wires
So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning
’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
Oh my love, don’t cry when I’m gone
I will lift you up, the air in your lungs
And when you reach for me, we’ll dance in the darkness
And we will walk beyond
Our daughters and sons, they will carry on
Like when we were young, and we will stand beside and breathe in their new life
’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards NAS
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
Gloria, like some other name we kept on calling ya and waiting for change
But I belong to all of your mysteries
And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, but we keep rising up and walking the wires
So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning
’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards
Oh my love, don’t cry when I’m gone
I will lift you up, the air in your lungs
And when you reach for me, we’ll dance in the darkness
And we will walk beyond
Our daughters and sons, they will carry on
Like when we were young, and we will stand beside and breathe in their new life
’Cause when I die
I don’t want to rest in peace
I want to dance in joy
I want to dance in the graveyards, the graveyards
And while I’m alive
I don’t want to be alone
Mourning the ones who came before
I want to dance with them some more
Let’s dance in the graveyards NAS
Music Video of "Dance In The Graveyards"
Found by: NAS
Uploaded by: RLS
Uploaded by: RLS
Discussion Questions and Activities
1. What is the main symbol used throughout the entire song? What do you think the band’s message is for their listeners? Think about the title of the song.
2. What are the differences between this song and "If I Die Young?" Which one has a stronger message behind the meaning of the lyrics? Determine which of the songs does a better job helping the listener understand their message? Which one do you like better? Why?
3. How does the song incorporate a longing for the loss of a loved one? List your answers below.
4. Watch the music video. How does the relation to the Day of the Dead festival help define the meaning of the song? For additional help, see the video below on the Day of the Dead and pay special attention to the quote at the beginning. NAS
2. What are the differences between this song and "If I Die Young?" Which one has a stronger message behind the meaning of the lyrics? Determine which of the songs does a better job helping the listener understand their message? Which one do you like better? Why?
3. How does the song incorporate a longing for the loss of a loved one? List your answers below.
4. Watch the music video. How does the relation to the Day of the Dead festival help define the meaning of the song? For additional help, see the video below on the Day of the Dead and pay special attention to the quote at the beginning. NAS
"Mexico, El Dia De Los Muertos" (Mexico, Day of the Dead)
Found by: CJF
Uploaded by: RLS
Uploaded by: RLS
Essay and Response Questions
1. What does the phrase "dance in the graveyard" signify? Look up information about the Day of the Dead festival and the purpose of the holiday.
2. Does the wording in the following quote make the lyric positive or negative: "And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, but we keep rising up and walking the wires/So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning?" Does the feeling behind the quote change between this song and "If I Die Young?" Which one has a stronger message behind the meaning of the lyrics?
3. Is it okay to let go of a loved one? If so what is the best way to still maintain their memory while moving on?
4. How is the entire meaning of the song shown through the first few lines of the song: "When I die/I don’t want to rest in peace/I want to dance in joy?" Think about the significance of celebrating the accomplishments of a loved one. NAS
2. Does the wording in the following quote make the lyric positive or negative: "And all of us, we’re meant for the fire, but we keep rising up and walking the wires/So when we go below don’t lose us in mourning?" Does the feeling behind the quote change between this song and "If I Die Young?" Which one has a stronger message behind the meaning of the lyrics?
3. Is it okay to let go of a loved one? If so what is the best way to still maintain their memory while moving on?
4. How is the entire meaning of the song shown through the first few lines of the song: "When I die/I don’t want to rest in peace/I want to dance in joy?" Think about the significance of celebrating the accomplishments of a loved one. NAS
Formatting by: RLS