Still, Harvey Danger has attracted U.S. attention due to their critical praise, with the All Music Guide calling the release 'Little By Little' "a smart and compelling pop album". In contrast, the band is little known in Europe, the aforementioned issues compounded since the band focused on selling themselves in America (especially Seattle) and thus made it very difficult for fans to get albums in Europe. The original drummer, Evan Sult, moved to Chicago and now drums in the band Bound Stems. For a short-time, he was replaced by Michael Welke, formerly of the band No. 226.
As a symbol of the group's close connection to its fans, they published their last album as a free download along with other materials. In 2009, they announced on their website they've called it quits. According to them, their decision was mutual, and they felt the band has run its course. The single "Flagpole Sitta" remains popular on various radio stations as well as having notoriety from being the theme song to the popular British comedy program 'Peep Show'.
On March 6, 2016, bass player and founding member, Aaron Huffman, died of respiratory failure.
Jack The Lion
Harvey Danger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's the last day of my visit upstate New York
To pay respects to the old man
He's still got his sense of humor
But his body fails him
He's surrounded by loved ones
But that only goes so far
I doubt it.
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside crying holding his hands
Strong hands
Finally get a moment alone with the old man
He's having trouble breathing and he's not the only one
He wonders where time goes
And why we haven't spoken for so long
He regrets it
He forgets it
And none too soon
Because he's closing his eyes and fading
We thank you for uniting
We thank you for the cause
We thank you for the lion
We thank you for the claws
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Bop bop bop
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside, crying, holding his hands
Strong hands
The lyrics to Harvey Danger’s “Jack the Lion” evoke a sense of nostalgia and loss. The song paints a picture of a visit to a loved one who is approaching the end of their life. It is autumn in Upstate New York, and the singer is helping to rake leaves in Pleasant Valley. The purpose of the visit is to pay respects to the old man. The old man is still in good spirits and has his sense of humor, but his body is failing him. He is surrounded by loved ones, but the singer wonders if he knows where he is. The song portrays the final moments of the old man's life as he slowly fades away, with loved ones crying at his bedside.
Line by Line Meaning
Rake up all the leaves in pleasant valley
Preparing for the end of a trip and uncertain of the future.
It's the last day of my visit upstate New York
Reflecting on the past and accepting the present.
To pay respects to the old man
Visiting a loved one who is at the end of their life.
He's still got his sense of humor
Despite his condition, he is still able to make light of things.
But his body fails him
He is losing the ability to function properly.
He's surrounded by loved ones
His family and friends are there to support him in his final days.
But that only goes so far
There is only so much that they can do to help him.
And does he know where he is?
He may not be fully aware of his surroundings.
I doubt it.
The artist is uncertain about his loved one's state of mind.
Jack the lion roaring his last
The old man is like a powerful lion, but nearing the end of his life.
Like a vision sent from the past
The singer is reminded of past memories of the old man.
Bedside crying holding his hands
The artist is emotionally overwhelmed while holding the old man's hands.
Strong hands
The hands of the old man are strong and powerful.
Finally get a moment alone with the old man
The singer is grateful for the opportunity to be alone with the old man one last time.
He's having trouble breathing and he's not the only one
The old man's difficulties are affecting everyone around him.
He wonders where time goes
The old man reflects on the past and how quickly time has passed.
And why we haven't spoken for so long
The artist regrets not spending more time with the old man.
He regrets it
The singer feels remorse for neglecting his loved one.
He forgets it
The singer decides to let go of his guilt and regret.
And none too soon
It is the right time to let go of past mistakes and focus on the present.
Because he's closing his eyes and fading
The old man is close to passing away.
We thank you for uniting
The artist is grateful for the family coming together in this difficult time.
We thank you for the cause
The singer recognizes the purpose and meaning of the old man's life.
We thank you for the lion
The old man's spirit and strength are compared to that of a lion.
We thank you for the claws
The old man's fighting spirit and tenacity are appreciated.
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
Come see him again
The singer encourages others to visit their loved ones before it's too late.
Bop bop bop
Jack the lion roaring his last
Like a vision sent from the past
Bedside, crying, holding his hands
Strong hands
The emotions and memories of the old man's final moments are overwhelming the singer.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HUFFMAN, LIN, NELSON, SULT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind