The band's history starts with a failed short solo career, Everlast teamed up with DJ Lethal and high school friend Danny Boy to form House of Pain. The group was signed to Tommy Boy Records, and their self-titled debut album (1992) went multi-platinum, spawning the successful DJ Muggs produced single Jump Around.
Fashioning themselves as rowdy Irish-American hooligans (Lethal is actually of Latvian heritage), they toured with various rap and alternative-rock bands after their breakthrough. They participated together with Helmet, along with several other rap acts, on the influential 1993 rock-rap collaborative Judgement Night movie soundtrack.
Sophomore album and decline in popularity
Their follow-up effort, 1994's Same As It Ever Was, went gold despite minimal airplay and no major hits. The first single, "On Point," is noted for taking a swipe at another American rapper with a strong Irish heritage, Mark Wahlberg ("Calvin Klein's no friend of mine/So I don't like Marky"). Like Cypress Hill, who, with House of Pain, were a part of the loosely-affiliated Soul Assassins posse, they found urban radio airplay an increasingly closed path, which affected album sales.
Third album
House of Pain abruptly broke up in 1996 after the release of their third album, Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again, which featured guest appearances by rappers Sadat X of Brand Nubian, Guru of Gang Starr, producer/rapper Divine Styler and reggae singjay Cockni O'Dire (credited as the Scheme Team). On the release date of the album, Everlast announced his departure from the group.
Split, solo and current affairs
From this point on, the status of the group would seem to be in the past tense, though the members would continue their careers separately. Danny Boy would found an art company, DJ Lethal became a member of nu metal band Limp Bizkit, and Everlast would finally get multi-platinum solo fame in 1998. In that year his acoustic rock/blues-inflected Whitey Ford Sings the Blues album hit the charts, together with the single "What It's Like". In 2000, a feud between Everlast and rapper Eminem coincided with the gold-selling Eat at Whitey's, which had minor hits like "Black Jesus" and "Black Coffee", and featured a collaboration with Carlos Santana. After the sale of the Tommy Boy Records catalogue of master tapes to Warner Bros. Music, Everlast signed with Island/Def Jam, and released the solo LP White Trash Beautiful in 2004.
Later the same year Rhino Records, a subdivision of Warner Music, has released a hit collection, Shamrocks & Shenanigans, with singles from Everlast's early solo days, the House of Pain and his post-group solo efforts. Prior to the release, Everlast announced on his official message board that he was not endorsing the compilation album.
Founded by Danny Boy in early 2006, La Coka Nostra is a new project that has reunited him, Everlast and DJ Lethal for the first time since House of Pain's split. Other group members include Ill Bill of Non Phixion, and newcomers Slaine and Big Left.
Members
* Everlast
* Danny Boy
* DJ Lethal
Albums
House of Pain (Fine Malt Lyrics)
* Released: July 21, 1992
* Billboard 200 chart position: #14
* R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #16
* Singles: "Jump Around" & "Shamrocks and Shenanigans"
Same As It Ever Was
* Released: June 28, 1994
* Billboard 200 chart position: #12
* R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #12
* Singles: "On Point", "Who's The Man?" & "Word Is Bond"
Truth Crushed To Earth Shall Rise Again
* Released: October 10, 1996
* Billboard 200 chart position: #47
* R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #31
* Singles: "Pass The Jinn" & "Fed Up"
Shamrocks & Shenanigans
* Released: February 10, 2004
* Billboard 200 chart position: #
* R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #
* Singles: -
Singles
* Jump Around / HOP Anthem (1992)
* Shamrocks & Shenanigans (US) (1992)
* Shamrocks & Shenanigans / Who's The Man (UK) (1992)
* Top O' The Morning To Ya (Remix) (1992)
* Who's The Man? (1993)
* Legend EP (US) (1994)
* On Point (1994)
* Over There (I Don't Care) (1994)
* It Ain't Crime / Word Is Bond (UK, CD 1/2) (1994)
* Legend / It Ain't A Crime (UK, CD 2/2) (1994)
* Word Is Bond / Legend 12" (1995)
* Pass The Jinn (1996)
* Fed Up / Heart Full Of Sorrow feat. Sadat X (1996)
* Fed Up (Remix feat. Guru) (1996)
Exclusive Soundtrack Contributions
* Judgment Night (1993) -- song with Helmet "Just Another Victim"
* Who's the Man (1993) -- song "Who's the Man"
* Eddie (1996) -- song "Punch Drunk"
* Jerky Boys (1996) -- song "Beef Jerky"
Black Jesus
House of Pain Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heaven closes, hell freezes
Ego's trippin', scripts keep flippin'
Bloods keep bloodin', Crips keep crippin'
Time keeps slippin', and I keep fallin'
I can't see but I hear them callin'
Ballers ballin', Players playin',
Haters fightin', righteous prayin'
Dawn breakin', Manhattan keeps makin'
Brooklyn keeps takin', shook ones keep shakin'
No time for fakin', nah mean I ain't choppin' no pies
Just risin' like cream
If you're digging the scene
If you feelin' the vibes
Throw your hands in the air
Scream out you're alive
Singin' na na nana na na...
They call me black Jesus, white Moses
Heaven freezes, hell closes
B.Boy poses, and punk rock chicks
The kids are all right but I need my fix
If you're diggin' the mix, you're feelin' the drugs
If you're keepin' it real, if you're livin' like thugs
I spit kisses and hugs like 45 slugs
Come back on the one and kiss my love gun
Gotta look that will kill, a voice that will carry
Half a dozen women that I think I wanna marry
The trouble on my mind I'm refusin' to lose
Still I've gotta find someone to abuse
So won't you run spread the news
Help say the word
And jump the fuck back
And just act like you heard
They call me white devil, black Jesus
Heaven closes, Hell freezes
Black Jesus, white Moses
Heaven freezes, Hell closes
Singin' na na nana na na...
They call me white sinner, black martyr
Live wire, fire starter
Jungle brother, red neck cracker
Freak of nature, new world slacker
Sex junkie lookin' for a dealer
You can play the leaper girl and I can play the healer
Shit is only getting realer baby haven't you heard
That the Bird, bird, bird, yes the bird is the word
They go one for the trouble
Two for the time, three for my homies
And four for the dimes
Singin' lemons to the lime till the break of dawn
Excuse me every six minutes, Everlast you're on
And they go on and on
Like a rolling stone, baby
Anywhere I lay my hat is my home
They call me white devil, black Jesus
Heaven closes, Hell freezes
Black Jesus, White Moses
Heaven freezes, Hell closes
Singin' na na nana na na...
The lyrics of House of Pain's song Black Jesus is a mixture of contradictions, as the title itself suggests. The song is rife with polarization, from the opening line "They call me white devil, black Jesus" emphasizes the duality that exists throughout the song. The image of a white devil contradicts the traditional image of Jesus, who is often depicted as pure and with powers to save people. However, the reference to Jesus also implies that the singer identifies himself as a savior or someone who has transcendent powers.
Continuing on, the song describes the world's conflicts- the Bloods and Crips fighting, egos tripping, scripts flipping, while the righteous are praying. Amidst these conflicts, the singer is falling but can hear people calling out to him. Then, the song references ballers balling, players playing and haters fighting, emphasizing the hedonistic nature of society.
The song ends with the singer being referred to as a white sinner and black martyr, among other contradicting titles. The lyrics ultimately highlight the inherent contradictions of society and the individual, the different roles people play, and how people go through life trying to reconcile it all.
Line by Line Meaning
They call me white devil, black Jesus
People view me as both an evil white person and a savior-like black figure
Heaven closes, hell freezes
There is chaos and turmoil wherever I go
Ego's trippin', scripts keep flippin'
I struggle with my own pride and things keep changing around me
Bloods keep bloodin', Crips keep crippin'
Gangs keep doing what they do, regardless of any outside influences
Time keeps slippin', and I keep fallin'
I am running out of time and experiencing setbacks
I can't see but I hear them callin'
I am not sure where I am going, but I can sense others calling out to me
Ballers ballin', Players playin'
People continue to do what they do best, even in the midst of chaos
Haters fightin', righteous prayin'
There is conflict between those who hate and those who try to do good
Dawn breakin', Manhattan keeps makin'
A new day is starting, and the city continues to thrive
Brooklyn keeps takin', shook ones keep shakin'
Brooklyn is still taking what it wants, and people are still struggling to survive
No time for fakin', nah mean I ain't choppin' no pies
I don't have time for fake people, and I am not involved in any illegal activities
Just risin' like cream
I am moving up and succeeding
If you're digging the scene
If you enjoy this lifestyle or environment
If you feelin' the vibes
If you are feeling the energy or atmosphere
Throw your hands in the air
Celebrate with enthusiasm
Scream out you're alive
Express that you are alive and present in the moment
They call me black Jesus, white Moses
People see me as both a powerful black figure and a wise, guiding white figure
B.Boy poses, and punk rock chicks
I am surrounded by different types of people with unique styles
The kids are all right but I need my fix
The younger generation is doing okay, but I still have my own struggles
If you're keepin' it real, if you're livin' like thugs
If you are being genuine and living dangerously
I spit kisses and hugs like 45 slugs
I show affection and love in my own powerful way
Come back on the one and kiss my love gun
Return with your own passion and love me back
Gotta look that will kill, a voice that will carry
I have a deadly appearance and a commanding voice
Half a dozen women that I think I wanna marry
I have many women in my life that I am considering marrying
The trouble on my mind I'm refusin' to lose
I am facing problems and refusing to give up
Still I've gotta find someone to abuse
I am still looking for someone to take my frustrations out on
So won't you run spread the news
Tell others what you have witnessed and experienced
Help say the word
Assist in spreading the message
And jump the fuck back
Get out of the way because things are about to get intense
And just act like you heard
Pretend like you already know what's going on
They call me white sinner, black martyr
People see me as both guilty of sin and willing to suffer for others
Live wire, fire starter
I have high energy and I start things that cause controversy
Jungle brother, red neck cracker
I have a diverse background and identity
Freak of nature, new world slacker
I am unique and different from others, but I am also lazy in adapting to the world around me
Sex junkie lookin' for a dealer
I am addicted to sex and I am seeking someone to satisfy that need
You can play the leaper girl and I can play the healer
You can be damaged and I will help you heal
Shit is only getting realer baby haven't you heard
The world is becoming more serious and difficult to navigate
That the Bird, bird, bird, yes the bird is the word
I am referencing a popular catchphrase that is meaningless
They go one for the trouble
They are starting a session or performance with energy
Two for the time, three for my homies
Acknowledging the people who are present and those who are no longer around
And four for the dimes
Referring to beautiful women
Singin' lemons to the lime till the break of dawn
Singing and having a good time until morning
Excuse me every six minutes, Everlast you're on
I am reminding people that it's time for me to perform
Like a rolling stone, baby
I am always moving and never stagnant
Anywhere I lay my hat is my home
I am comfortable anywhere I go and can make any place my own
Contributed by Leah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MOST PUBLISHED POET ON THE WEB !
JESUS EASTER SONG %
There once was a traveler driven out of town
On His shoulders was a burden that pushed Him to the ground.
On His head was a crown made of thorns from a bush
The street was so crowded the guards had to push.
They beat Him with nine tail each step of the way
Where Christ found the strength, only God could say.
They stopped at some sandstone at the top of a hill
There was a round hole the cross would soon fill.
They made Him lie down upon that wood cross
There they nailed Him to prove who was boss.
The beam was up-ended by the muscles of men
As it plunged down the hole it was carved to fit in.
Jesus looked up at the lightning that flew
Cried, God, my Father, they know not what they do.
They crucified our Lord as His blood flowed to Earth
Inside if you believe, you feel what love’s worth.
They wrapped Him in loincloth when He was taken down
Carefully removed His scarlet stained crown.
They placed Him in a cave with a large, round, stone door
Before sealing forever, they lay lilies on the floor.
It wasn't very long the stone rolled away
Jesus resurrected, to rise Easter Day!
No greater love has ever been shown
No greater love has ever been known.
Hum = !!!!!!!!
By Tom Zart
Google = Most Published Poet On The Web
Tom’s 1,650 Poems Are Free To Share!
Google = George Bush Tom Zart
Google = Love War And More
calamity germaine
Everlast-
honey, how did you ever make it out?
Not 'make it out' like now you are making paper,
but 'make it out' like now you can be happy?
Or... I mean.. it's just...
I'm poor new world Irish too and
I still ain't been able to figure
the riddle of historically losing everything, growing up with nothing and still tryin' to be something.
Your art is a balm to my old heart- so thanks.
Kiss yo' mama and papa, or whoever whomever done brung you up-
they did good with you.
rich martens
Everlast is an incredible song writer, extremely under appreciated!
Marty Golden
Huh?
john thalongcak
Better them tupac
Kim Harris
rich martens
Brad K
He started shot with Eminem and got merked lol hence the Country sound
Darla Lawrence
Almost 2022 and I still love Everlast and his music❣❣❣
fabian nunez
thanks darla lawrence!!!
Kayla Braz teixeira
Lol I'm still here
janinabbjdjf Only Musik
Me too, I like this Album since it came out 2000
stereo 1308
Stone in my hand in 2022 ✌️