The former Stairs bassist/vocalist Edgar Jones brings you his latest offeri… Read Full Bio ↴The former Stairs bassist/vocalist Edgar Jones brings you his latest offering; Edgar Jones and the Joneses. This is a band that you know when you've heard, bringing the old fashioned soul and blues back into the picture with songs such as More Than You've Ever Had. Comparable artists include: James Brown, Dr John, Gil Scott Heron, Toussaint, to name but a few influences that you can hear thrown into Edgar's funky mix.

MySpace. Currently releasing albums on the Viper label.

Necessary Evil
Edgar 'Jones' Jones Lyrics

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[chorus]
Necessary evil, necessary evil
Of keeping round ever for asking yourselves
She said evil, necessary evil
Kept out a chance and ask

I didn't took no other
As far as I can see

So heavenly father
Have a mercy on me

Give me the strength
To deal with every fool I see, yeah
Try not enough to harm
Or be mean on me

[chorus]
Necessary evil, necessary evil
Of keeping down ever for asking yourselves
She said evil, necessary evil
Kept out a chance and ask

Come on everybody tell 'em all now
I didn't do no wrong, no I ain't do no wrong
As far as I can see, as far as I can see
So heavenly father, so heavenly father,
Have a mercy on me, have a mercy, have a mercy on me
Give me the strength, give me the strength
To do what whatever I could, to do what whatever I could, I see
Try not to be to harsh, try not to get to harsh,
On merely old me

[chorus]

Is comin' to get you, right about now
Ladies and gentlemen, Osmond's Septet

[chorus]

[scatting]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Edgar 'Jones' Jones's song "Necessary Evil" seem to allude to the concept of human fallibility, and the inevitability of good coexisting with bad. The repeated phrase "necessary evil" is used to emphasize that there is a degree of evil that is essential in order to maintain balance in the world. The song seems to suggest that despite attempts to be good, there are situations where acting in a way that can be deemed "evil" may be necessary to protect oneself or others. The chorus of the song calls upon the listener to consider themselves and question whether they have unknowingly committed acts that can be perceived as "evil." The singer seeks divine mercy even though they may have committed these necessary evils, asking for the strength to deal with the foolishness of others, without causing harm.

The repetitive use of the phrase "as far as I can see" also suggests that the singer is not entirely sure of their actions, and is seeking guidance to navigate through life's complexities. The penultimate line of the song alludes to the singer acknowledging their own shortcomings and asking others to not judge them too harshly. The use of scatting towards the end of the song is a stylistic nod to jazz, indicating an eclectic mix of influences in Edgar 'Jones' Jones's music.

Line by Line Meaning

Necessary evil, necessary evil
Acknowledging a negative thing that you must keep around in your life

Of keeping round ever for asking yourselves
Keeping something negative around to remind yourself to avoid it

She said evil, necessary evil
Referring to the personification of the negative thing in question as 'evil'

Kept out a chance and ask
Preventing any opportunity to question its necessity

I didn't took no other
Not choosing any other option

As far as I can see
To my perspective

So heavenly father
Addressing a prayer to God

Have a mercy on me
Requesting forgiveness or help from God

Give me the strength
Asking for inner strength

To deal with every fool I see, yeah
To handle every person who may bother or aggravate me

Try not enough to harm
Striving not to hurt others