Johannes has significantly contributed to albums by Chris Cornell, Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, Desert Sessions and the Mark Lanegan Band as well as mixing, recording and producing a number of other records. He also frequently tours with other bands and artists, most notably the hard rock band Queens of the Stone Age throughout 2005 and 2006 (Natasha Shneider also joined him on this tour).
Most recently Johannes recorded new material with Brody Dalle and Eleven bandmate Jack Irons as part of Spinnerette. They released their first EP 'Ghetto Love' in 2008, though Johannes isn't joining them on tour. Johannes is releasing his first solo record, Spark, on Oct. 5th, 2010. He continues to perform live solo, and tour with Them Crooked Vultures.
Make God Jealous
Alain Johannes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heaven spent it's last dime to remind me
But the tears still fall under umbrellas
Tore the sky apart to make God jealous
But still afraid that the day never ends
And I don't really know what to do to pretend
Is it all so simply overstated
It's the child in me that wants me jaded
Footsteps and a knock that stops the fading
But still afraid that the day never ends
And I don't really know what to do to pretend
So I walk in place just to wait for myself
And the truth disappears
'Cause it hates being chased
The lyrics of Alain Johannes's song "Make God Jealous" are intense and emotional, laden with vivid imagery and metaphors. The first verse speaks of a feeling of hopelessness and a sense of being let down. The singer feels as if he has lost his hope and feels alone, but Heaven has sent a reminder to him that there is still hope in the world. However, the tears still fall under the shelter of umbrellas, implying a sense of sadness and defeat.
The second line of the first verse suggests that the singer has attempted to gain attention from God by tearing apart the sky, but still feels as though he has fallen short. The chorus suggests that the singer is afraid of the day ending, suggesting that he is afraid of what will become of him. He doesn't know what to do or how to cope, so he pretends.
The second verse introduces the concept of being jaded. It is the child in him that wants him to be jaded, as though it is an escape from the hardships of life. The singer seems to be waiting for someone but doesn't know who. He hears footsteps and a knock, but the fading continues. Once again, the singer is afraid of the day ending - afraid of the unknown. The final line of the verse "the truth disappears 'cause it hates being chased" suggests that the singer is running away from the truth, or perhaps that truth is elusive and cannot be caught.
Overall, the song seems to be about someone who is lost and searching for meaning. The singer's attempts to gain God's attention illustrate his desperation and dissatisfaction with life. He is afraid of the future and doesn't know how to cope.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it hope that lays down beside me
The feeling of hope is present in my life but it is uncertain if it will comfort me.
Heaven spent it's last dime to remind me
Somewhere deep inside, there is a belief that divine intervention is likely to happen.
But the tears still fall under umbrellas
Despite taking protective measures, the sorrow persists.
Tore the sky apart to make God jealous
The desire to create something extraordinary to impress a higher power.
But still afraid that the day never ends
Intense fear of confronting the idea of eternity.
And I don't really know what to do to pretend
Uncertainty on how to fake feelings or actions.
Is it all so simply overstated
Skepticism about the authenticity of common beliefs.
It's the child in me that wants me jaded
The part of self that never grew up recognizes the injustice in the world.
Behind the furthest door I sit there waiting
Lingering in the last corner, waiting for something to happen.
Footsteps and a knock that stops the fading
Hope arises when someone or something shows up unexpectedly.
So I walk in place just to wait for myself
Going through the motions whilst waiting for an epiphany or solution to present itself.
And the truth disappears
The elusive nature of truth that is often concealed.
'Cause it hates being chased
Attempts to reveal the truth only further suppress it.
Contributed by Sydney G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Billy Keith
One of the greatest musicians of all time. I saw Eleven in 1994 when they opened for Soundgarden and it changed the way I play guitar and write songs. This guy is simply killer.
Florian Posch
Actually, this makes lots of guitar player jealous... god should be proud of this creation.
Hector Sanhueza
Hermosa interpretación.. bello lugar donde pasaron tantas cosas . Grande Alain
leahinparadise
just googled you, Alain. Now I know why I love QOTSA so much, seems I've heard your voice and guitar many times. this is the first time I've heard an acoustic solo. You don't need a band. You are such an exceptional guitar player, and sing with such passion and conviction, I could listen again and agin. Thank you!!!
Joseph McKenzie
I came to be a fan of Alain when he was with Queens of the Stone Age. When I followed him after playing with them, I find he is playing on albums, on stage, or producing records for a lot of people I listen too. He is an incredible musician.
John Galaxy
Omg what a legend! I wish he would sit in front of my fireplace and assortment of instruments. And then just shred one of my guitars! Careful Alain! 😅❤️❤️❤️ Thank you! You can play for me any time!
#acoustagrunge
Tsarina Mccowat
the Arabic slight feel in the scales are fucking perfectly placed to keep it a rock style don't ya think...fuck..awesome...what a writer just what a great melody ..oh these chords ...what an ear he has !! yep he is not credited enough for his genius writing ...thankyou for the amazing music Alain!! xxx
Level Headed
Too good bro - awesome work!
Martín Nicolás Moreno
le pones magia a mi vida Alain, gracias por tanta magia
Jonas Sharpe
Beautiful piece of music.