Jandek plays a very strange and frequently atonal form of folk and blues music, often using an open and unconventional chord structure. Jandek's music is unique, but his lyrics closely mirror the country blues and folk traditions of Eastern Texas.
Barely a handful of people claim to have contacted Jandek, whose steadfastness in anonymity is legendary. Without any conventional attempts at promotion, he releases albums through his own record label Corwood Industries, which is addressed at a Houston post office box. Fans can write to Corwood for a typewritten catalogue and order Jandekâs albums, usually at inexpensive prices. Jandekâs work has been available on vinyl and on compact discs. Many of his albums feature pictures of the same young man (seen above) at various ages; in light of Jandek's live performances it is almost entirely certain that the person featured on the album covers is Jandek himself.
Jandekâs first album, Ready for the House (1978), was first accredited to a band called âThe Unitsâ but it was obviously a solo work. Jandek presumably plays acoustic guitar and has recorded much of his work apparently unaccompanied (assuming that the person singing is also the person playing guitar). However many other songs feature female vocals and/or different male vocalists. Others feature bass guitar, electric guitar and/or drums, presumably played by collaborators. No proper credits list has ever appeared on an album, but song titles have included "Nancy Sings" and "John Plays Drums".
Some of Jandekâs allure stems from his small but devoted fan base which has included Sonic Youth frontman Thurston Moore, Kurt Cobain, Indian Jewelry, and K Records founder Calvin Johnson.
The mystery of Jandek's identity was partially resolved in October 2004 when Jandek performed live in Scotland, at the Instal 04 music festival in Glasgow. This was Jandek's first known live appearance and performed with Richard Youngs (bass) and Alex Neilson (drums). The man on stage was obviously the same man who appears on the album covers. Corwood stipulated that the performance was not publicized in advance. Since then, "The Representative of Corwood Industries" (as Jandek sometimes insists on being called) has played a lot of concerts and recorded all of them for future releases. The last years have seen an even higher release frequency, even for Jandek.
For more information, you may go here:
www.tisue.net/jandek
www.jandekoncorwood.com
Wrong Time
Jandek Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something's wrong, but I'm gonna do it anyway
You can put your bloody mind in a paper bag and eat it for lunch
What is God?
What are you doing here? Or there?
I am a fool
Forgive me
If a door is open
The lyrics in "Wrong Time" by Jandek convey a sense of uncertainty and recklessness. The singer seems to be aware that something is not right, yet they are determined to go through with their actions anyway. This is indicated in the opening lines, "It's not the right time, something's wrong, but I'm gonna do it anyway." The following line, "You can put your bloody mind in a paper bag and eat it for lunch," is a strange and somewhat disturbing image that could possibly represent the singer's disregard for the thoughts and opinions of others.
The lyrics continue with existential questions, "What is God?" and "What are you doing here? Or there?" These questions suggest that the singer is grappling with larger metaphysical concepts, perhaps as a result of feeling lost or unsure of their place in the world. The line "I am a fool, forgive me" could indicate a recognition of mistakes or a sense of guilt. Finally, the closing line, "If a door is open, I should be back soon," seems to suggest a possibility of return or redemption, but it is uncertain what the singer is returning to or from.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not the right time
The current situation is unfavorable for the intended action
Something's wrong, but I'm gonna do it anyway
Despite feeling that things may not be right, the action will still be taken
You can put your bloody mind in a paper bag and eat it for lunch
A dismissive statement towards someone's thoughts or ideas
What is God?
A philosophical question about the concept of a deity
What are you doing here? Or there?
A wondering of one's purpose or place in a certain location
I am a fool
Self-deprecating admission of one's own foolishness
Forgive me
A plea for forgiveness for past wrongdoings
If a door is open
Contemplation of the possibility of an opportunity
I should be back soon
Commitment to returning in the near future
Lyrics Š O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ColorfulWonders
That quote at the end hit me like a ton of bricks. Iâm so sorry for your loss. May your brothers memory be a blessing.
@anatomy-house
May he rest in peace and I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for the amazing Don Hertzfeldt quote, It's Such a Beautiful Day makes me cry every time i watch it.
@selbi182
Rest in piece to your brother. An eerily fitting album for that.
@anephemeralcollation3865
My condolences on the passing of your brother.
@CactusMalpractice
Thank you I appreciate it âĽď¸
@ehi8243
âIf someone charted this on Clone Hero, they are sick and twisted.â
Do not tempt me, I can make it my passion project.
@hungryburger1170
Do it. No balls.
@glumburger
Got super excited when I saw the return of Jandek to the channel! Also Im not surprised people have been suggesting Bull of Heaven. Hoping to tackle their first album eventually! I think your friend Chris would like it.
Our condolences as well. For what it's worth, us many strangers out here on the internet will keep you and your family in our minds during this time. <3
@TeenBeatArchive
i wanna do a scientific experiment where we raise a kid in a bizarro truman show controlled environment where the only music in that world is music covered on WAEM. would they be conditioned to enjoy the music, as its the only kind that exists? or would they be inspired to make something better? and be known as "the kid who was a little cooler" in that lil' bubble.
@ZachGatesHere
You know it's funny because it'd be hard to say! A lot of music developed because of "inherent" feelings from certain sounds (minor keys are sad, major are happy, dissonance is tense), but I wonder what would happen if someone were only exposed to "bad" music like this...