Ani DiFranco - Swan Dive (Live in New York) | Moshcam

Ani DiFranco performing Swan Dive live at Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York on 18 November 2011

Ani DiFranco was born in Buffalo, New York, to Elizabeth and Dante DiFranco, who had met while attending MIT. She started playing Beatles covers at local bars and busking with her guitar teacher, Michael Meldrum, at the age of nine.

DiFranco's guitar playing is often characterized by a signature staccato style, rapid fingerpicking and many alternate tunings. She delivers many of her lines in a speaking style notable for its rhythmic variation. Her lyrics, which often include alliteration, metaphor, word play and a more or less gentle irony, have also received praise for their sophistication.

She has continued touring through 2011. As of 2008 her backing band consists of Todd Sickafoose on upright bass, Allison Miller on drums, and Mike Dillon on percussion and vibes.

[gsmith]

So aggressive. Love it. One of my favorite songs in the whole wide world. Bob Dylan had Ani for an opener on one of his tours late 90's at Blossom (CLE, OH). Tough bouncer/guy surveying the lawn was apparently paying attention 'cause when she sang, "I'm going to do my best Swan Dive, into shark infested waters, I'm gonna pull out my tampon, and start splashing around . . ." He gave a half-look turn-around toward the stage and we could see him mouth, "What the fuck did she just say?!"

[killjoy]

I love Ani Difranco! By far the best musician in my lifetime.

Not only does she make beautiful music that makes me set aside personal differences and pre-judgements, she is a beautiful woman inside and out.

Many blessings to Ani for changing a once hardened heart.

[literaltrash]

I teeter between tired and really really tired is the most relatable line ever!

[jillcarter]

Thank you Ani. Seriously, all I can say is thank you for this song....

[AshleyWilliams-grkl]

I absolutely love Ani DiFranco. Best musician. I listened to her as a teen. And still to this day. Her songs speak to me. And make me feel great.

[NatureSmitten]

That was incredible. She really makes me feel.

[lc]

Freaking this song! Thank you Ani for creating such a magical song!

[MoreNaturalDisaster]

What does that guitar owe her? Needless to say MAGNIFICENT !!!

[Acoustribute]

Totally in the zone by the end there!!!

[annebeaumier]

Can't believe Ani Di Franco is not using a Diva Cup!!? First I get in touch again with her work since 1996. Happy to contact with it again!! Thanks for sharing :)

[Lostcause]

If this doesn't stir you into movement, I don't know what will.

[fictivevein]

I don't care if they eat me alive. I've got better things to do than survive.

[hareblood]

The tuning is FADGAE, not standard but certainly less bizarre than most of Ani's tunings. anitabs.net is the way to go.

[raven]

this is what i am say to for all us love u

[kikitam]

'does anyone know if she is using standard tuning and if there are any video tutorials for this song?

[emilymaleahtench]

so, jumping is easy, and falling is fun? <3