Jurado's solo career began during the mid-1990s, releasing lo-fi folk based recordings on his own cassette-only label, Casa Recordings, beginning in 1995.
Jurado often makes use of found-sound and field-recording techniques, and has experimented with different forms of tape recordings. In 2000 he released Postcards and Audio Letters, a collection of found audio letters and fragments that he had found from sources such as thrift store tape players and answering machines. Also released in 2000 was Ghost of David,, Jurado's bleakest and most personal sounding record to date. I Break Chairs, (2002) was produced by long time friend, David Bazan. It was his last album for Sub Pop, and was a much rockier, electric affair. After signing for the Indiana-based label Secretly Canadian, Damien Jurado reverted to his trademark folk ballad-based style, releasing six more albums: Where Shall You Take Me? (2003), On My Way To Absence (2005), And Now That I'm In Your Shadow (2006), Caught in the Trees (2008), Saint Bartlett (2010) and Maraqopa (2012).
Official blog: iamcaughtinthetrees.blogspot.com
On The Land Blues
Damien Jurado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Failed as a man and a friend
I know who i was then
I know who i am now
Land it rolls into water
Fools they go and follow after
Chasing the light like a sun
Burned out before they could shine
Salvations pain glory be
Follow me down on this road
One more hand to let go
Kindly spoke cried on your shoulder
Better a ghost than a living man
You see through i suppose
Visions of us on the land
Far out to where we were then
Gathered and stolen by storm
Waiting here till you return
The song "On the Land Blues" by Damien Jurado reflects on a past failure in relationships and the desire for redemption. The first stanza illustrates the singer's struggles as he tried to be a brother, a man, and a friend but failed in all three aspects. He acknowledges his past mistakes and reflects on the changes he has undergone since then. The second stanza portrays the theme of the journey, and how the land rolls into water. The fools who follow only chase the light, only to be burned out before they could shine. The singer prays for salvation and rejoices in the glory that will come, as he walks down the road, hoping to let go of his past mistakes.
The lyrics of this song contain metaphors that build upon one another to create a vivid image of the singer's journey towards redemption. The land that rolls into water is symbolic of how our lives can seem so solid and reliable, but can slip away unexpectedly. The light that the fools chase is the illusion of success, which only leads to burnout. The imagery helps to create a reflective atmosphere and highlights the importance of letting go of the past and embracing redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
Tried my hand as a brother
I attempted to fulfill the role of a brother.
Failed as a man and a friend
However, I was unsuccessful in being both a decent adult and companion to others.
I know who i was then
I possess awareness of my past self.
I know who i am now
Likewise, I am confident in my current identity.
Land it rolls into water
The piece of land is blending into the ocean.
Fools they go and follow after
Ignorant people replicate negative behaviors despite prior knowledge of the consequences.
Chasing the light like a sun
These individuals pursue success and happiness which seems nearly impossible to achieve.
Burned out before they could shine
These people fail significantly before experiencing their success.
Lord take the weight i won't need it
I am requesting that God lessen my burdens since I do not need them.
Salvations pain glory be
I am undergoing the hardships of obtaining salvation, yet I am still grateful for it.
Follow me down on this road
Join me on this journey.
One more hand to let go
One less person to hold onto, as people often come and go.
Kindly spoke cried on your shoulder
I spoke kindly to you while releasing my pain through tears.
Better a ghost than a living man
It is preferable to be a dead ghost than a struggling living person.
You see through i suppose
You may be able to perceive my true feelings or intentions.
Visions of us on the land
I imagine us being in that area of the land.
Far out to where we were then
However, it was in the distant past.
Gathered and stolen by storm
Our memories and emotions are being taken away abruptly, just like how a storm takes away everything in its path.
Waiting here till you return
I will be waiting for your comeback patiently.
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.