“The Ghost of Billy Royalton” serves as an ode to Dance Gavin Dance’s long-time bassist, Tim Feerick, who unfortunately passed away on April 13, 2022.
Feerick started out as a touring bassist for the band in 2009, but officially became a member in November 2012 and appeared on all releases from 201...
[Verse 1: Jon Mess]
I'm drowning in blue light
It's a new knife
In a three-legged pant
I have no qualities so don't talk to me
I'm in love with that plant
Now I can be too nice
I could do right
I can bust out a rant
I still hate the game
But I'll say the name
It's Dance Gavin Dance (Ha-ha!)
It's Dance Gavin Dance (Ha-ha!)
It's Dance Gavin Dance (Ha-ha!)
[Refrain: Tilian, Andrew Wells]
Putting all your faith in lies
I've been facing endless trials
Numbered all your days in kind
Days in kind
[Pre-Chorus: Tilian]
Try and stop me
Banking on the fragments of my shadow (Of my shadow)
Dropping off excuses on the way
[Chorus: Tilian, Jon Mess]
Thank God I know the road back home
You're a battered thief in the night
At best you'rе a parasite (Oh-oh)
Thank God I know the road back home
(Evеrybody come 'cause the Lord got in me)
(Put me on the board of the soul shine company)
You're an outed spook with a knife
(Everybody poor 'til the heart start opening up)
Go ahead, wallow in your spite
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
[Verse 2: Jon Mess]
Let's clap for healing and feeling
Alleviate pain
I'm looking in the truth of it
The root of it
Stop dragging my wings
I fear I'm not enough or I'm too much
Keep scrubbing that stain
I'm responsible, it's possible
Let it process and drain
[Verse 3: Will Swan]
What about that Skywalker OG
JP3, Alan?
Put bass down, I'll write around it
That trust just comes with the talent
Some things you can't replace
Hurt yourself if you even try it
Keep going and you will survive it
DGD always stay united
[Bridge: Tilian]
When it comes and goes
We stay composed
And we don't ever wanna talk about it
When we're on the ropes
We blow out shows
And you can try and stop me
[Pre-Chorus: Tilian]
Banking on the fragments of my shadow (Of my shadow)
Dropping off excuses on the wall
[Chorus: Tilian, Jon Mess]
Thank God I know the road back home
You're a battered thief in the night
At best you're a parasite (Oh-oh)
Thank God I know the road back home
(Everybody come 'cause the Lord got in me)
(Put me on the board of the soul shine company)
You're an outed spook with a knife
(Everybody poor 'til the heart start opening up)
Go ahead, wallow in your spite
(Never am I bored since the Lord got into me)
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
[Outro: Andrew Wells]
The pain never stops
And the world is unforgiving
But I still wish you were here
To watch it burn with me
I'll never forget our days in Tokyo, Japan
Those were the best times I ever had
And we'll carry on for however long
Walk the path that you told me
To feel your embrace
I know I'll see you again
You're a part of me always
The Ghost Of Billy Royalton was written by Will Swan & Matt Mingus & Tilian & Jon Mess & Andrew Wells & Sergio Medina.
The Ghost Of Billy Royalton was produced by Kris Crummett & Stephen Hawkes & Zach Jones.
Dance Gavin Dance released The Ghost Of Billy Royalton on Thu Aug 24 2023.
I made this video as a tribute to Tim just as the song is. I made sure to incorporate Jurassic park and Star Wars which were 2 of his favorite things. This is the kind of thing I would make and just share with him and my friends. But because he’s not here, I’m sharing it with you all.
—Will Swan vi...