Singer / songwriter / bassist Napolitano formed the band Dream 6 with guitarist James Mankey in Los Angeles in 1982, releasing an eponymous EP in France on the Happy Hermit label in 1983. When they signed with IRS in 1986, labelmate Michael Stipe suggested the name Concrete Blonde, describing the contrast between their hard rock music and introspective lyrics. They were joined by drummer Harry Rushakoff on their eponymous debut album. Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson replaced Rushakoff on Bloodletting and several tracks on Mexican Moon, while Rushakoff was in treatment for drug addiction. Rushakoff was kicked out of the band in 2002 for failing to show up for several rehearsals and shows. He was replaced by Gabriel Ramirez.
Their most popular album was 1990's Bloodletting. The band broke up in 1995, but reunited in 2001, releasing Group Therapy in 2002 and Mojave in 2004.
Jesus Forgive Me
Concrete Blonde Lyrics
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I killed you in my mind today
I cut you up, I watched you bleed
I killed you in my heart today
For everything you did to me
I murdered you a hundred times
I killed you in my mind today
I laughed and watched you die
Screaming at me all on fire
Liar, liar, liar
I buried you with my desire
Liar, liar, liar
I buried you so far below
Liar, liar, liar
I hate to see you go
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
On my knees beside my bed
Liar, liar, liar
I'm sorry for the things I said
Liar, liar, liar
I've washed the sheets a million times
Liar, liar, liar
I'm paying for my crime
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
I killed you in my mind today
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
I killed you in my mind today
Somehow
The song "Jesus Forgive Me" by Concrete Blonde is a haunting exploration of the singer's remorse for their thoughts and actions towards Jesus. The song starts with a plea for forgiveness, acknowledging that the upcoming lyrics will be unpleasant. The singer admits to "killing" Jesus in their mind and heart because of what Jesus did to them. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize the singer's desire to hurt Jesus, depicting Jesus as bleeding, being shot, and ultimately dying in a joyless manner. The chorus features the words "liar, liar, liar" repeated thrice, perhaps indicating that the singer feels like Jesus has betrayed them in some way. The lyrics suggest that the singer feels guilty and wants forgiveness, as they ask for Jesus's forgiveness and apologize for what they have done.
The song has been interpreted in different ways. Some believe that the song delves into the conflict between spirituality and revenge, where the singer is grappling with how to reconcile their belief in Jesus's message of forgiveness with their desire for revenge. Others see the song as a representation of the struggle with mental illness, where the singer is grappling with their violent thoughts and trying to make sense of them. Regardless of interpretation, "Jesus Forgive Me" is a powerful and evocative song that illustrates the complexities of human emotions and the difficulty of forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me for the things I'm about to say
The singer is asking Jesus to forgive them in advance for the hurtful things they are about to say.
I killed you in my mind today
The singer's thoughts have turned dark and they have imagined killing Jesus.
I cut you up, I watched you bleed
Continuing their disturbing thoughts, the singer has imagined mutilating and hurting Jesus.
I killed you in my heart today
For everything you did to me
The singer has experienced some sort of personal betrayal or hurt from Jesus, causing them to metaphorically kill Jesus in their heart.
I murdered you a hundred times
I shot you dead and never cried
I killed you in my mind today
I laughed and watched you die
The singer's violent thoughts continue to worsen and they imagine killing Jesus multiple times, without feeling remorse.
Screaming at me all on fire
Liar, liar, liar
I buried you with my desire
Liar, liar, liar
I buried you so far below
Liar, liar, liar
I hate to see you go
The singer is consumed with anger and feels like they have been deceived by Jesus. They are struggling to let go of these feelings and desire for revenge.
On my knees beside my bed
Liar, liar, liar
I'm sorry for the things I said
Liar, liar, liar
I've washed the sheets a million times
Liar, liar, liar
I'm paying for my crime
After their disturbing thoughts, the singer feels guilty and apologizes to Jesus. They are trying to make amends for their thoughts and actions.
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
The singer continues to plead for forgiveness from Jesus.
I killed you in my mind today
Oh, Jesus, please forgive me
I killed you in my mind today
Somehow
The song ends with a repeated plea for forgiveness after the singer's violent and disturbing thoughts.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHNETTE LIN NAPOLITANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind