Gene Loves Jezebel is a Welsh gothic rock band from the early 1980s founded… Read Full Bio ↴Gene Loves Jezebel is a Welsh gothic rock band from the early 1980s founded by twin brothers, Michael and Jay Aston.

Michael Aston (vocals) was the poetic, goth-leaning side of the twin brothers while Jay Aston’s distinctive banshee-like, wailing vocals supplied Gene Loves Jezebel with one of their many trademark quirks.

Originally called Slav Aryan, Gene Loves Jezebel began in 1980 with the brothers, guitarist Ian Hudson, and a drum machine. The Astons grew up in Porthcawl, South Wales, making the move to London in 1981. With a new home, and shortly thereafter, the new name, the trio played several live shows and was signed by Situation Two. In May 1982, the label released Gene Loves Jezebel's demo and a single "Shaving My Neck." The band then added bassist Julianne Regan followed, Regan was replaced by Ian Hudson on Bass (and Albi DeLuca took over the guitar role) and went on to form All About Eve, Gene Loves Jezebel underwent a dozen or so line up changes between 1981-1985 alone! The band was really about the twins after all.

The band released two more singles in 1983 before their debut album Promise peaked at number 8 in the U.K.'s indie charts. In 1984, the group recorded a John Peel radio session for BBC and toured America with fellow Welsh artist John Cale. The second album, Immigrant, was released in mid-1985. However, during an agonizing American tour for Immigrant, founding member Ian Hudson suffered a nervous breakdown and was replaced by former Gen X guitarist James Stevenson.

During 1986, the group moved contract to Situation Two's parent company, Beggar's Banquet Records and distribution rights in USA to Geffen Records. The subsequent promotion increased pop-chart success for the group. The single "Sweetest Thing" briefly hit the Top 75 in U.K. and the album, Discover, reached number 32 in UK Albums Chart. At this time, the group also found heavy rotations on college and alternative radio stations across America. The band had slowly turned their attention to dance music. The slick and catchy guitar hooks of singles "Desire" and "Heartache" leapt to #6 and #72, respectively, on Los Angeles' famous New Wave station, KROQ. Later that year, Chris Bell became the band's fifth drummer.

Gene Loves Jezebel's fourth album, The House of Dolls, was released late in 1987 and yielded the singles, "20 Killer Hurts" and "The Motion of Love" that grazed the U.S. pop charts. The third single from The House of Dolls, "Suspicion", for the first time, surfaced on The Billboard Hot 100. Despite rising mainstream success, the new pop-oriented direction proved to be too polished and commercial for the poetic and more goth-like brother, Michael. He parted ways with Jay in 1989.

While Michael pursued his solo work, Jay continued using the Gene Loves Jezebel name and recorded two albums, Kiss of Life in 1989, followed by Heavenly Bodies. reached #68 on Billboard's Hot 100. Three years later, Jay Aston and company released Heavenly Bodies, which did well in Europe and on American college radio. Unfortunately, after dispointing record sales record sales and the collapse of Savage Records (David Bowie) American label folded one year later, and, after a few more live shows, so did Gene Loves Jezebel.

While Jay performed occasional acoustic shows under his own name, Michael played with members of Scenic, then formed a new band called the Immigrants (re-named Edith Grove) and later released a pimarily acoustic solo album, Why Me, Why This, Why Now. Michael and Jay began working together again throughout the 90's , and also recorded two songs for a GLJ best-of compilation "from the mouths of Babes' on Michael Aston's label Bonnaire records , released in September 1995.

A reunion tour followed in 1997, but the brothers' reconciliation was short-lived. In October 1997, Jay sued his twin brother over rights to the name "Gene Loves Jezebel" after leaving the band. After a protracted court battle, Jay eventually dropped all charges "with prejudice" meaning Michael can never be challenged for the name again and consequently Michael owns the exclusive rights to the mark. Michael also trademarked "Gene Loves Jezebel" and toured both the U.S. and the U.K. extensively supporting Gene Loves Jezebel releases: Love Lies Bleeding (1999) - Live in Voodoo City (1999) - Giving Up the Ghost (2001) – and Exploding Girls (2003)

Beyond Doubt
Gene Loves Jezebel Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Living day by day
We're dodging in and out
Tell me where we're going to
Put it beyond all doubt

Would it be so foolish
To be caught in two minds
For me must make that choice

No point in looking back

I do not possess the words always done
To put you at your ease
Except that you should go

Is there something you should tell me
Is this the time of bliss
Should I live without you

I dare not contemplate

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Beyond Doubt" by Gene Loves Jezebel speak about uncertainty in a relationship and the fear of making the wrong decision. The singer is questioning whether it is wise to be indecisive and hesitant in a relationship, as it can lead to unnecessary complications and conflicts. They express their concern about not knowing where the relationship is heading and the need to put everything beyond doubt.

The lyrics also suggest that the singer may be considering ending the relationship, as they are asking if it would be best to live without their partner. They admit that they do not have the words to make their partner feel at ease, and they fear contemplating a future without them.

Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of longing for clarity and stability in a relationship, but also the fear of making the wrong choices and facing the consequences.

Line by Line Meaning

Living day by day
We are just trying to get through each day

We're dodging in and out
We are constantly avoiding obstacles

Tell me where we're going to
Please provide me with a clear direction

Put it beyond all doubt
I need complete assurance and clarity

Would it be so foolish
Is it unwise to consider multiple options

To be caught in two minds
To be unsure and indecisive

For me must make that choice
I need to make a definite decision

No point in looking back
It is not productive to dwell on the past

I do not possess the words always done
I don't have the right words to always comfort you

To put you at your ease
To make you feel calm and comfortable

Except that you should go
The best option for you is to leave