They released their first three full length albums, Constantines, Shine a Light and Tournament of Hearts on the Canadian label Three Gut Records. Following the demise of that label in 2007 they released their fourth album, Kensignton Heights on the Arts and Crafts label in the spring of 2008. Outside Canada they are on the Sub Pop label.
Justice
Constantines Lyrics
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And you've been led by the tusk
To the aid of a friend who's down a busted
To a sister who's lost the lust
This is the Easter of your skin, son
This is the making of your tongue
You shock me
You shock me
That eucharistic beatbox
Can take some shots
Darling, you delinquent
Oh, I'm shocked
When your words won't do no justice
And your time ain't enough
And somebody's calling on the same truth
That you've been long afraid of
These are the errands of mercy
These are the politics of love
You shock me
You shock me
You shock me
That eucharistic beatbox
Can take some shots
Darling, you delinquent
Oh, I'm shocked
These islands of flesh
Can take some shots
Darling, you're reckless
Oh, I'm shocked
I'm shocked
In "Justice," Constantines explore themes of struggle and resilience in the face of adversity. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where justice is hard to come by, and people must rely on each other to survive. The singer of the song is someone who has been led by the "tusk" to help a friend who is down and out, or to aid a sister who has lost her way. But when words are not enough, and time is running out, what can we do? How can we find justice in such a world?
The answer, according to Constantines, lies in the "errands of mercy" and the "politics of love." These are the ways in which we can fight back against injustice, and make a difference in the lives of those around us. But it won't be easy; we will be shocked by what we find. This shock is both physical and emotional, a visceral reaction to the world we live in.
On a deeper level, "Justice" is also a meditation on the power of words and music to heal and inspire. The "eucharistic beatbox" is a symbol of the transformative power of music, which can move us to action and give us hope in the face of despair. The phrase "Easter of your skin" suggests that we can find salvation and renewal within ourselves, if only we are brave enough to seek it out.
Overall, "Justice" is a profound and thought-provoking song that engages with complex themes of justice, mercy, and love. By exploring these themes through vivid lyrics and powerful music, Constantines have created a work of art that resonates with listeners on multiple levels.
Line by Line Meaning
When your words won't do no justice
When your words are not enough to express the true meaning
And you've been led by the tusk
And you have been guided by instinct
To the aid of a friend who's down a busted
To help a friend who is in trouble
To a sister who's lost the lust
To a sister who has lost her passion
This is the Easter of your skin, son
This is the time of renewal for you, my child
This is the making of your tongue
This is the time for you to find your voice
You shock me
You surprise me
That eucharistic beatbox
The rhythm of life
Can take some shots
Can handle difficulties
Darling, you delinquent
My love, you rebel
Oh, I'm shocked
Oh, I am surprised
And your time ain't enough
And you don't have enough time
And somebody's calling on the same truth
And someone is calling for the same thing you believe in
That you've been long afraid of
That you have been scared of for a long time
These are the errands of mercy
These are the good deeds done out of compassion
These are the politics of love
This is how love can shape the world
These islands of flesh
Our physical bodies
Can take some shots
Can handle difficulties
Darling, you're reckless
My dear, you are bold
Oh, I'm shocked
Oh, I am surprised
I'm shocked
I am surprised
Lyrics © ARTS & CRAFTS MUSIC INC DBA GALLERYAC MUSIC
Written by: BRYAN WEBB, DALLAS WEHRLE, DOUG MACGREGOR, STEVEN LAMBKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind