Andrew Jackson Jihad was formed after its original drummer, Justin James White, approached Sean Bonnette and Ben Gallaty, who had just left Rodan (not the Rodan of Kentucky fame) and The Sub-Standards. Since then, many significant Arizona musicians have sat in with the remaining duo of Sean and Ben, including John De La Cruz of Fatigo and Asleep In The Sea's Owen Evans. Dylan Cook also plays mandolin regularly with the band.
According to Songfacts, Bonnette, who is also the lyricist of the band (with upright bass player Ben Gallant handling most of the production and some vocals as well) volunteered at a suicide prevention hotline for teenagers for eight years, and worked with homeless men and women in the Phoenix, Arizona area. These experiences gave him a sometimes bleak, but at moments, hopeful outlook on life, often reflected in the band's lyrics.
On Halloween 2005, Andrew Jackson Jihad covered Neutral Milk Hotel's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea album in its entirety at CounterCulture Cafe.
Their biggest performance to date has been in their hometown with Flogging Molly and Authority Zero on St. Patrick's Day 2006.
On April 15, 2006, the band played as part of the 2006 New Times Music Showcase, nominated for Best Americana Band, and won a 2006 Best of Phoenix later that year.
Besides their local shows, where they have become arguably the most prominent representative in Arizona of the DIY ethic, they have also toured in clubs and basements across the Western United States, appearing at such venues as the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, CA. One show in Kimberly, Idaho saw the band in a cowboy bar and leaving the premises as soon as possible after the show.
Andrew Jackson Jihad also performed at St. Augustine, Florida's second annual Harvest of Hope Festival in 2010. They played a dual set with Bomb the Music Industry!
Deathlessness
Andrew Jackson Jihad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What do you see? Every pattern looks like a swastika.
What kind of mercy exists in deathlessness?
And how do we breathe in our breathlessness?
How can I learn when I make my body into violence?
What do I bring to the table when all we eat is desperate?
There was a chainsaw fight. I saw it at the water park.
And though the sun is up, it’s still getting dark.
How can I live, never knowing the beauty of forgiveness?
How can I live, never knowing the beauty of forgiveness?
The lyrics of Andrew Jackson Jihad's song "Deathlessness" delve into themes of the afterlife, violence, mercy, and forgiveness. The first few lines ask what is hidden in the sarcophagus and point out the ominous pattern of a swastika. This could be a reference to death and the continuation of life after death or the potential for evil to manifest even after one's passing. The question about mercy in deathlessness suggests a search for a silver lining in an otherwise intimidating and final concept. Breathing in breathlessness implies the struggle to find air in a suffocating situation or perhaps trying to live in a state of being indestructible.
The following lines address violence and desperation, highlighting the self-destructive tendencies innate in some individuals. Can you erase it with a magnet is a metaphor relating an eraser removing a mistake from paper. It is asking if there is a way to rid oneself of the dark impulses and wrongdoings present in one’s life in a similar manner. The mention of a chainsaw fight at a water park, gives the impression of this perfect, innocent world being shattered by an act of violence. The final lines of the song imply that there is value in forgiveness and one should seek it out to live a full life.
Line by Line Meaning
What do you have hiding in that sarcophagus?
What secrets or hidden desires do you keep locked away?
What do you see? Every pattern looks like a swastika.
Do you see darkness and danger in everything around you?
What kind of mercy exists in deathlessness?
What kind of compassion can be found in eternal life or immortality?
And how do we breathe in our breathlessness?
How can we survive or persevere when we feel overwhelmed or suffocated?
How can I learn when I make my body into violence?
How can I grow and improve when I use my own body as a weapon?
What do I bring to the table when all we eat is desperate?
What value or contribution can I offer when everyone around me is desperate or struggling?
Can you erase it with a magnet?
Is it possible to remove or forget the negative thoughts and experiences we hold onto?
There was a chainsaw fight. I saw it at the water park.
I witnessed a violent or chaotic event that disrupted the usual peaceful setting.
And though the sun is up, it’s still getting dark.
Despite the appearances of hope or positivity, things may still be getting worse or more difficult.
How can I live, never knowing the beauty of forgiveness?
How can I truly live or thrive without experiencing the freeing and healing power of forgiveness?
How can I live, never knowing the beauty of forgiveness?
How can I truly live or thrive without experiencing the freeing and healing power of forgiveness?
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Poison Joe
Really love the whole southwestern twang of this song, as a fellow Arizonan I really appreciate it.