Deconstruction is also the acclaimed alternative/progressive/indie rock band and eponymous album in 1994 spearheaded by bassist Eric Avery, following his departure from Jane's Addiction (and namely, Perry Farrell). He is also joined by Jane's guitarist Dave Navarro. Jane's drummer Stephen Perkins did not take part in the project, choosing instead to join Farrell in the other Jane's offshoot, Porno for Pyros. The album contains many of the powerful, melodic passages, dark chugging grooves, and ecstatic explosions of classic Jane's Addiction material, though without the iconoclastic wail and L.A. street poetry of Farrell. Avery handles the lyric writing and singing here, and does well with his own style of City of Angeles storytelling. His voice recalls a Peter Murphy-like droan, which suites this music fine. The band never toured or released more than their excellent debut album. It is evident, though, that Avery's hypnotic, soupy bass lines were a vital part of the legendary Jane's Addiction sound, something that was missed on further Jane's reunions, none of which Avery took part.
Get at 'Em
Deconstruction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm too many heartbeats a minute
My bed is sheet-twisted and I'm sleepless
My brain is baffled, boggled, and battle-fatigued
I'm my career, I'm radio static, I am my income, traffic, the car I drive
I'm panic and I need TV for my dreams
Seventh eleven seventh heaven
I am addicted I am six digits
Ambitions bloating I'm busy noisy
Infidelities to the dream I had of who I might to
I'm caffeinated and incorporated
Cog in the wheel of machinery
Naked aggressive, nightly newsish, and stress related
I'm crack cocaine and cholesterol
I play hard ball, I mean business and I've got a hard on for hate
What is a god and whose is this country
When it's only chity me and mine
I see my life flash before me when I try to sleep
I am a product
Not a whole lot, not a whole lot changes
I can I...can...I...can
The lyrics of Deconstruction's song Get at 'Em convey the singer's sense of overwhelming pressure in a society that values productivity over well-being. The repetition of "not a whole lot changes" suggests that despite technological advancements and social progressions, individuals are still caught in the same cycle of stress and anxiety. The imagery used in the song accentuates this point, as the singer describes their physical state, their addiction to convenience, caffeine, and business success. The singer also alludes to societal divisions, questioning the concept of a god and the country's disunity. The final line, "I am a product," emphasizes the commodification of human beings as a result of capitalist systems.
The song's message aligns with the theme of deconstructionism, which challenges conventional thinking and breaks down societal constructs. The lyrics of Get at 'Em show how societal norms can lead to individual breakdowns. The speed and rhythmic structure of the song mirror the urgency and chaos of modern life, further emphasizing the song's message.
Line by Line Meaning
Not a whole lot, not a whole lot changes
I don't see much significant change happening
I'm too many heartbeats a minute
I'm anxious and overstimulated
My bed is sheet-twisted and I'm sleepless
I can't sleep properly and I'm restless
My brain is baffled, boggled, and battle-fatigued
I'm mentally exhausted and confused
I'm my career, I'm radio static, I am my income, traffic, the car I drive
I define myself by my job, my finances, and my possessions
I'm panic and I need TV for my dreams
I'm constantly anxious and use TV to escape reality
Seventh eleven seventh heaven
A play on words referencing the convenience store 7-Eleven and the religious concept of heaven
I'm green I want I need I want I need convenience
I prioritize convenience above all else and am always wanting more
I am addicted I am six digits
I'm addicted to money (referring to a six-digit salary)
Ambitions bloating I'm busy noisy
My ambitions keep growing and I'm always busy and loud
Infidelities to the dream I had of who I might to
I've strayed from the ideal version of myself that I used to dream of
I'm caffeinated and incorporated
I use caffeine to stay alert and I work for a corporation
Cog in the wheel of machinery
I'm just a small part in the bigger system
Naked aggressive, nightly newsish, and stress related
I'm exposed and hostile, like a sensational news story, and under a lot of stress
I'm crack cocaine and cholesterol
I have bad habits that are both addictive and harmful to my health
I play hard ball, I mean business and I've got a hard on for hate
I'm aggressive and competitive, I take business seriously and I enjoy conflict
What is a god and whose is this country
I question the existence of a higher power and the ownership of this country
When it's only chity me and mine
I feel like I'm only looking out for myself and those close to me
I see my life flash before me when I try to sleep
I get existential and introspective when I try to sleep
I am a product
I feel like I'm more of a commodity than a person
Not a whole lot, not a whole lot changes
Reiteration of the lack of significant change in life
I can I...can...I...can
Indecision and uncertainty about what I'm capable of
Contributed by Emily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shanni S
Love Dave's solo! As always, Eric jams. I bought this CD when it first came out. It still rocks.
westsidecooz
Love how Dave isn't afraid to keep it low key with a few chords( jane says) but will also get at ya with outrageous playing like on this
Bil Black
the most underrated Album of it's time
borishopper
I agree this is Dave and Erics' best work... Still sounds as good as it did when I heard it ten years ago... Hard to top really.
musicmankenn
LOVE David Navarro's guitar solo on this song...........
superlativevideo
just listen to those outstanding dirty bass lines and that ripping guitar! well done Dave and Eric
twistingedge
Dave really cut loose on this album the way he rarely did in Jane's
Eric Glassavery
Great album. Iris
Bil Black
beautiful.
disklxik
WOW!