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!
Love Will Fuck Us Apart
Andrew Jackson Jihad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And me
Go together like carrots and peas
We should be a happy family
Or a traveling travesty at least
And love
Will fuck us up
Love will fuck us up
Breathe
In deep
Breathe as deeply as you can breathe
Breathe deep 'til you're drunk with glee
Breathe deep 'til you're drunk with glee
And love
Will fuck us up
Love will fuck us up
The lyrics of Andrew Jackson Jihad’s song “Love Will Fuck Us Apart” can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. At first glance, they may seem to express a poetic observation about the destructive nature of love, but the core message of the song is much deeper than that. The first verse highlights the fact that certain couples, despite their differences, seem to fit perfectly together, and suggests that this "ideal" relationship should be sustained. However, it also acknowledges that a perfect relationship does not always guarantee a happy life.
The second verse encourages the listener to "breathe deep 'til you're drunk with glee." This line is a metaphorical representation of the blissful feeling of falling in love. In contrast, the chorus provides a grim reminder of the reality of love. The phrase "Love will fuck us up" is repeated twice, and it evokes a sense of sadness and despair. The message being conveyed is that love can bring joy and happiness, but it can also cause immense pain and suffering.
Overall, the song conveys a feeling of hopelessness, and a sense that true love is elusive and unattainable. It suggests that even the most perfect relationships may not be able to overcome the inevitable challenges that love brings. However, it also acknowledges that despite the flaws, love remains an essential part of life, and that we must embrace it, even if it will ultimately "fuck us up."
Line by Line Meaning
You
Referring to the singer and their significant other
And me
The singer's partner
Go together like carrots and peas
The singer and their partner fit together well
We should be a happy family
The artist wants to be happy with their partner
Or a traveling travesty at least
The artist is willing to accept a chaotic life with their partner
And love
The emotions and feelings between the singer and their partner
Will fuck us up
Love can cause problems and complications
Breathe
The artist is urging their partner to take a deep breath
In deep
To breathe in as much air as possible
Breathe as deeply as you can breathe
To take in as much oxygen as possible
Breathe deep 'til you're drunk with glee
Breathing deeply can create a feeling of happiness
And love
The emotions and feelings between the artist and their partner
Will fuck us up
Love can cause problems and complications
Contributed by Annabelle L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.