The group was named for the San Francisco Muni Metro line that Hahn took down Church Street to work, as well as to band practice in the the early days. Through the years, Lance was joined by a vast array of musicians in an ever-evolving J Church lineup.
Lance Hahn was also a punk rock history writer, writing many pieces for Maximum Rock 'n' Roll, the San Francisco music zine. Additionally, he also found time to run Honey Bear Records and work on a book compiling various writings on anarcho-punk bands. Lance Hahn passed away on October 21, 2007, aged 40, after falling into a coma nine days earlier due to complications from kidney dialysis.
Band Members included:
Guitar / Vocals
Lance Hahn (1991-2007)
Second Guitarist
David DiDonato (2002-2005)
Bass Players
Ben White (2002-2007)
Jeff Bursley (1999-2002)
Scott Bradley (1998-1999)
Gardner Maxam (1991-1998)
Drummers
Chris Pfeffer (2002-2007)
Adam Pfahler (1998-2002)
Andee Connors (1997-2000)
Reed Burgoyne (1995-1997)
Wade Arnold Driver Jr (1994-1995)
Brendan Murdoch (1992-1994)
Adam Pfahler (1992-1993)
Aaron Olson (1991-1992)
http://www.j-church.com
Sacrifice
J Church Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A red device,
To say she could be traded or bought,
I know that it's a bankrupt thought,
I know,
The fetish that controls your mind has come too easy to define
She said she wouldn't give herself away,
"No tomorrow" everyday,
No hope of spontaneity,
Regenerated society
"Is that all there is?" you say,
"Is that all there is?" you say,
'Cause I've been traveling so far and I've looked so hard,
And I think I've lost my way,
"Is that all there is?" you say,
"Is that all there is?" you say,
'Cause I've been traveling so far and I've looked so hard,
And I think I've lost my way
The song Sacrifice, by J Church, tells the story of a person who refuses to give up their life built on passion and the pursuit of happiness. The person refers to a "red device," which could represent a symbol for some kind of societal pressure or expectation, perhaps representing conformity or control. The person says that they would not allow themselves to be traded or bought out by society's demands, as they recognize it as a futile and empty pursuit. The person acknowledges the world's fetish for control, and how it has been all too easy to define the willingness of individuals to let go of their passions in order to fit in.
The person recognizes that "no tomorrow" is repeated every day, and the revolution and plight for change is always shifting. They see the same societal norms and behaviors repeated over and over, and they fear losing their spontaneity and creativity in the process of conforming. The society they describe is not one that allows for individual thought or expression, and the result is a "regenerated society," one that has lost its passion and creativity.
The repeated refrain of "Is that all there is?" represents the singer's disillusionment with the way things are. The person has been traveling and searching, trying to find meaning and purpose, but they feel they have lost their way. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the feeling of disillusionment and despair, as if the singer is questioning the very foundation of their beliefs and dreams.
Overall, the song Sacrifice paints a picture of a society that demands conformity and control, and the struggle of a person trying to maintain their individuality and passion in the face of this pressure.
Line by Line Meaning
She said she wouldn't sacrifice a life constructed on passion,
She declared that she would not compromise the life she built based on her fervent interests.
A red device,
A symbol of warning that one's principles may be at risk of being exchanged for something else.
To say she could be traded or bought,
She refused to acknowledge that she is a commodity that could be bartered or purchased.
I know that it's a bankrupt thought,
I am aware that it is a futile idea to suggest that she could be bought or sold.
I know,
I am cognizant of the reality of the situation.
The fetish that controls your mind has come too easy to define
The fixation that dominates your thoughts has become too clear and effortless to understand.
She said she wouldn't give herself away,
She professed that she would not surrender her autonomy.
"No tomorrow" everyday,
She adopted the attitude of living in the moment, without worrying about the future.
Their revolution and their plight is changing almost every night,
Their rebellion and struggles are in a state of constant flux, evolving regularly.
No hope of spontaneity,
There is no optimism for impulsive, unscripted behavior.
Regenerated society
A society that has been reborn or revitalized.
"Is that all there is?" you say,
You question whether there is a deeper meaning or purpose.
"Cause I've been traveling so far and I've looked so hard,
After a long and arduous journey, you feel that you have made a significant effort.
And I think I've lost my way,"
You have lost your direction and purpose.
"Is that all there is?" you say,
You continue to question if there is anything more.
"Cause I've been traveling so far and I've looked so hard,
Despite your extensive search, you have not found any answers.
And I think I've lost my way
You feel lost and uncertain about your path forward.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DANNY MARQUEZ, DAVID BOWERS, DOUG MOORE, SEAN GARDEN, STEVE FAULKNER, TRACY THORSTAD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind