Jell-O
Ariel Pink Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Negative Ed
Don't put my face head
Negative Ed
They say you're a nervous Ned
Negative Ed
Lives in my brain, out of his head
Negative Ed
He's not ok and I'm just dead

Ned
Don't bump the negative Ed
Don't bump the negative Ed
Don't bump the negative Ed
Wow

Negative Ed
Yeah yeah yeah yeah


I think it's
My name is Ariel dickhead
Negative Ed
Negative Ed
Out of his way
He's anti-dead

Ned
Don't bump the negative Ed
Don't bump the negative Ed
Don't bump the negatory





Negatory Negatory
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ariel Pink's "Jell-O" are cryptic and abstract, making it a challenge to pinpoint their exact meaning. However, one possible interpretation is that "Negative Ed" represents the voice inside the singer's head that constantly brings him down and makes him feel anxious and uneasy. The line "They say you're a nervous Ned" could signify how others view the singer as apprehensive and unsure of himself. "Negative Ed" "lives in my brain, out of his head." This line brings forward the idea that Negative Ed might be a figment of the singer's imagination, who is in his head and not in the real world. The singer feels mentally exhausted and drained from the constant negativity of Negative Ed. He feels dead inside, as indicated by the last line "He's not ok and I'm just dead."


The repetition of the phrase "Don't bump the negative Ed" could be the singer warning both himself and others not to provoke Negative Ed or trigger his negativity. He's asking people to be careful so that Negative Ed doesn't get any worse. In the second verse, he clarifies that his name is Ariel but Negative Ed doesn't care, and Ariel stresses that he must stay out of Negative Ed's way if he doesn't want to suffer.


Overall, the song is a representation of battling one's inner demons and trying to overcome negative thoughts and low self-esteem. It is an interesting commentary on the complexities of mental health, and how negative thoughts and self-doubt can feel powerful and suffocating.


Line by Line Meaning

Negative Ed
The persona personifies a negative train of thought by naming it Ed.


Don't put my face head
The persona requests to not be associated with this negative way of thinking.


They say you're a nervous Ned
The persona acknowledges that the negativity can lead to anxiety and restlessness.


Lives in my brain, out of his head
The persona confirms that the negative thoughts are a part of their consciousness but are irrational and not based in reality.


He's not okay and I'm just dead
The persona recognizes that these negative thoughts can be harmful and draining to their mental well-being.


Don't bump the negative Ed
The persona warns to avoid triggering or indulging in these negative thoughts.


Wow
Expressing the intensity of the warning and the importance of avoiding negative thoughts.


Out of his way
To stay away from negative thoughts and actively work to avoid them.


He's anti-dead
The persona makes a play on words by stating that avoiding negative thoughts is 'anti-dead,' meaning life-affirming and promoting well-being.


Negatory Negatory
Repeating the warning in a catchy, memorable way.


Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the importance of avoiding negative thoughts.




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: T 31158611

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

sonicleaves

I heard this a few days ago and I can't stop listening, this song is constantly stuck in my head. It sounds like a commercial from the 80's, this dude is a damn genius.

Nick Robinson

Definitely captures the look and feel of Kim Fowley's home movies.

Joey Danielski

I think this is such a great song. Was Pom Pom overlooked? I've never met anyone who's ever heard it before.

LfunkeyA

it was not overlooked. but the average person does not listen to Ariel.

Chumon In Chains

This makes me so happy. And it gives me nirvana vibes. I love the effects

4AD

The official video for 'Jell-o' by Ariel Pink. He's also announced new dates, including a London club show on 17th June: http://www.4AD.com.

oseaaa rubi

This couldn't be any more clear ❤️

Follgen

This looks like a big joke sounding incredibly good x)

Jared

Follgen that’s ariel..

Adhesive Boi

Why aren't all music videos like this!

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