Jack Ass
Beck Lyrics


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I been drifting along in the same stale shoes
Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind
If you thought that you were making your way
To where the puzzles and pagans lay

I'll put it together
It's a strange invitation
When I wake up someone will sweep up my lazy bones
And we will rise in the cool of the evening
I remember the way that you smiled
When the gravity shackles were wild

And something is vacant when I think it's all beginning
I been drifting along in the same stale shoes
Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind

If you thought that you were making your way




To where the puzzles and pagans lay
I'll put it together: It's a strange invitation

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Beck's Jack-Ass seem to be about feeling stagnant and trapped in a monotonous routine, with loose ends tying the noose in the back of the singer's mind. The mention of puzzles and pagans suggests a desire for something more stimulating and unconventional, but the invitation to put it together is strange, perhaps indicating some doubt or hesitation about making a change. The imagery of someone sweeping up the singer's lazy bones and rising in the cool of the evening seems to suggest a hopeful change, possibly the result of a new relationship or opportunity, something that brought a smile to the singer's face even in the face of wild gravity shackles. Nonetheless, something is still vacant, and it's unclear whether the singer is ready to take the leap into something new and strange.


Line by Line Meaning

I been drifting along in the same stale shoes
I have been aimlessly wandering, without any clear direction or purpose, in the same old worn-out shoes.


Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind
My unresolved issues and problems are weighing heavy on my mind, like a noose slowly tightening around my neck.


If you thought that you were making your way To where the puzzles and pagans lay
If you believed that you were making progress towards discovering the truth and understanding the complexities of the unknown world.


I'll put it together It's a strange invitation
I will make sense of it all and come to the realization that the journey of discovery is an unusual and unexpected experience.


When I wake up someone will sweep up my lazy bones
When I eventually wake up, someone else will have to clean up and take care of my lazy and unmotivated self.


And we will rise in the cool of the evening
We will emerge and persevere, even in difficult or challenging situations, during the cool and refreshing time of the evening.


I remember the way that you smiled When the gravity shackles were wild
I recall the joy and happiness that you displayed, even in the midst of tumultuous and overpowering obstacles.


And something is vacant when I think it's all beginning
There is a sense of emptiness and loss that I experience when I realize the beginning of my journey.


I been drifting along in the same stale shoes Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind
Once again, I find myself aimlessly wandering in the same old worn-out shoes, with my problems and worries weighing heavy on my mind like a noose tightening around my neck.


If you thought that you were making your way To where the puzzles and pagans lay I'll put it together: It's a strange invitation
Once again, if you believed that you were making progress towards understanding the unknown and the complexities of the world, you will come to realize that this journey is a strange and unique opportunity.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BECK HANSEN, BOB DYLAN, JOHN ROBERT KING, MICHAEL S. SIMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

PrinceOfDenmark

I been drifting along in the same stale shoes
Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind
If you thought that you were making your way
To where the puzzles and pagans lay

I'll put it together
It's a strange invitation
When I wake up someone will sweep up my lazy bones
And we will rise in the cool of the evening
I remember the way that you smiled
When the gravity shackles were wild

And something is vacant when I think it's all beginning
I been drifting along in the same stale shoes
Loose ends tying the noose in the back of my mind

If you thought that you were making your way
To where the puzzles and pagans lay
I'll put it together: It's a strange invitation



All comments from YouTube:

Sieg Howdy

Beck is the absolute underappreciated master of blending ironic/surreal and sincere/heartfelt songwriting. The mainstream always just seems to know him as "wacky soy un perdador loser guy that does 8000000 genres" or whatever but his real mastery will always be in his folk-roots. And those that have sat down to given this, Rowboat, Modesto, Heartland Feeling, Whiskeyclone, Blackhole, Lampshade, Don't Get Bent Out of Shape, etc. etc. and his earlier cassette stuff an honest listen know it.

Uncle Bob

People might argue with me but, listening to this after a 20 year gap of not hearing this, I would have to say this is the best Beck song.

🔴 Bucket Head

I dunno.. Sea Change album has a bunch too.. hard call, man! 😊 I’m listening to everything today. I’m happy spring is almost here! Sending love from Las Vegas ❤

Ele LaEffe

One of my favourite songs for sure! Stratosphere from his latest album is amazing as well. But so many of his just give me joy and make my day special… Chemtrails, Where it’s at, The New Pollution, Dear Life, Morning, even Wave… all of them are very special to me.
I might not be able to choose the best one, but I am pretty sure Beck is and will always be my favourite artist.
Hey, have a good one!
- A friend from Italy

Royden Bellman

One of my favorite songs ever. What a fantastic artist Beck is. Much love and respect to all the beautiful music and lyrics put forth by this great man and his musicians.

PatrickRob82

Got this album just as I was discovering weed. My favorite thing to do was smoke, put on a "trippy" song and imagine I was floating. This was my absolute favorite song for that. Unbelievably magical memories.

picklesandcheese25

me too

Goofballhero

You rock Pat

doombuggy

This was #2 in my riding around with friends getting high in the 90's CD. #1 was 40.oz to Freedom. I made a hell of a lot people Sublime fans

Goofballhero

Something about this song is incredibly peaceful. So glad I decided to get into Beck.

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