Godhaunted Dave Matthews: Bartender and The Maker

Thanks to Gina Messina-Dysert  at Rock and Theology for the tip on this song, and video:

Dave Matthews has stated that he thinks this song, “Bartender,” is the most beautiful song he has ever written. I have to say I am inclined to agree. I sit with this song often; I am not sure there are words to accurately describe my thoughts about its beauty or its impact. So, I simply want to leave you to sit with it. This performance at Radio City Music Hall is one of my very favorite versions. Lyrics start late into the song (about 3 minutes in), but it is worth hearing the entire performance. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. - Gina Messina-Dysert

The words are below, but someone has well said that perhaps it's all said wordlessly in the "vocal"/prayer  inclusio of 2:20-3:20   and 7:40-8:31 (!!) in video at bottom of page...you may want to start with the video, and then read..


[the newer version, from summer 2000]

If I go
Before I'm old
Oh, brother of mine
Please don't forget me if I go

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

Oh, and if I die
Before my time
Oh, sweet sister of mine
Please don't regret me if I die

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

Bartender, please
Fill my glass for me
With the wine you gave Jesus that set him free
After three days in the ground

I'm on bended knees, I pray
Bartender, please

When I was young, I didn't think about it
Now I just can't get it off my mind

Im on bended knees..Father, please!

If all this gold
Should steal my soul away
Oh, dear mother of mine
Please redirect me if this gold...

Bartender, you see
The wine that's drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas from the devils tree
Its roots deep, deep in the ground

Bartender, you see
The wine that's drinking me
Came from the vine that strung Judas from the devils tree
Its roots deep, deep in the ground
In the ground...

I'm on bended knees
Oh, Bartender, please

I'm on bended knees
Father, please!

When I was young, I didn't dream about it
Now I think about it all the time

I'm on bended knees
Oh, bartender, please
Bartender, please

oh Lord 
Please
my Lord

Great full band version: Live Trax: Live full version: More lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/d/dave+matthews+band/#share

Other videos of Bartender:
-solo
-full band: live/lyrics

Bartender Lyric Meaning

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alternate version



Storms she come
and storms she go
please give me the wine
that Jesus drunk
to get him up the hill

Bartender please
pour me the wine
that you gave to Christ
to make him rise above
oh Bartender...

And then that means I fall
Bartender please....

And that means I pray
Bartender please....

And if I pray
those hearts are young
give me a second chance to fix it up

if I pray I break
And if I crush
my childrens' hearts
please give me the strength
to fix them, Lord
if I crush

Bartender please
pour me a drink
the one you gave Christ
so that he might get up again
to live

Bartender please
pour me the wine
that you gave to Christ
get him out of the grave
please Bartender, wine...

On bended knees I pray
Bartender please....

Bartender please
on bended knees
God please.... 


Then he did "The Maker" by St. Daniel Lanois:

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