Founded by Farrell and original bass guitarist Eric Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell's previous band Psi Com, Jane's Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Jane's Addiction's first release was a self-titled live album in 1987 and quickly caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band's first two studio albums, Nothing's Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane's Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the "Alternative Nation". The band's initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.
The band briefly reunited in 1997, with Flea, of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, replacing Avery on bass guitar. In 2001, a second reunion took place, with Martyn LeNoble—and later Chris Chaney—occupying the role of bass guitarist. In 2003, the band released its third studio album, Strays, before dissolving again the following year.
In 2008, the band's original line-up reunited and embarked on a world tour. Eric Avery, however, subsequently left the band in early 2010 as the group began working on new material. The band released its fourth studio album The Great Escape Artist in 2011, with Chaney returning to the band for its recording and subsequent tour. In 2016, Jane's Addiction were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Underground
Jane's Addiction Lyrics
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There just ain't enough to go around
How you doing bro' is New York
Holding you up, or is it letting you down?
I have missed you all heaps and I've replanted
My feet back in the underground
Hustler
I'll never give up the underground
I came back to pay respect to another fallen angel
At the old canteen
Someone had to float the cash
Pay up for the wake and so we all agreed
We're all hustlers
Hustlers
I try to find some love from up high
There just ain't enough to go around
Someone had to pay up for the waste
Taking place down in the underground
Come on
I couldn't get up
We're all hustlers
Hustlers
I try to find some love from up high
There just ain't enough to go around
Someone had to pay up for the waste
Taking place down in the underground
The lyrics to "Underground" by Jane's Addiction recount a story of a hustler who tries to get some love from "up high" but finds that there is just not enough to go around. The opening lines suggest the singer is seeking some form of higher power, perhaps looking for a sense of purpose or clarity in life. He is questioning whether New York is holding him up or letting him down, suggesting he may have lost his way or feel disillusioned. He then speaks of his return to the underground after being away for some time. The underground appears to be a place where the singer feels he can be himself, free from societal constraints and expectations.
The reference to a "fallen angel" highlights a sense of loss and mourning, possibly for someone who was part of the same underground community. The singer explains that the group had to pull together to pay for the wake, echoing the idea that they help each other out in times of need. The repeated refrain of "We're all hustlers" emphasizes the gritty, self-made nature of the underground culture and the resilience of those who inhabit it.
The song ends with a cry for help, "Come on, I couldn't get up" suggesting that even the strongest person can falter and need assistance from others. Overall, the lyrics of "Underground" paint a picture of a community of people who are united by their shared experiences of hustling and surviving in the underground, and who rely on each other for support.
Line by Line Meaning
I try and get some love from up high
I'm looking for validation and acceptance from authority figures.
There just ain't enough to go around
I keep getting rejected, there's not enough success or acceptance for everyone to share.
How you doing bro' is New York
Are you succeeding here in the city, or are you struggling?
Holding you up, or is it letting you down?
Is the city supporting you, or is it hindering your progress?
I have missed you all heaps and I've replanted
I've returned and reconnected with the underground community that accepts me.
My feet back in the underground
I've returned to the scene where I feel I belong.
I'm a hustler
I'm willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
I'll never give up the underground
I'll always stay true to the community that accepts me.
I came back to pay respect to another fallen angel
I returned to honor a person who was a part of the underground community.
At the old canteen
A place where the community used to gather.
Someone had to float the cash
Someone had to pay for the expenses.
Pay up for the wake and so we all agreed
We all decided to pool our resources to pay for the funeral.
Come on
Encouragement to move forward and not give up.
I couldn't get up
I couldn't succeed and rise to the top.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PERRY FARRELL, DAVID MICHAEL NAVARRO, STEPHEN ANDREW PERKINS, DAVID ANDREW SITEK, CARL R. RESTIVO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Maggie Trayanova
LYRICS:
I try and get some love from up high
There just ain't enough to go around
How you doing bro' is New York
Holding you up, or is it letting you down?
I have missed you all heaps and I've replanted
My feet back in the underground
I'm a hustler
Hustler
I'll never give up the underground
I came back to pay respect to another fallen angel
At the old canteen
Someone had to float the cash
Pay up for the wake and so we all agreed
We're all hustlers
Hustlers
I try to find some love from up high
There just ain't enough to go around
Someone had to pay up for the waste
Taking place down in the underground
Come on
I couldn't get up
We're all hustlers
Hustlers
I try to find some love from up high
There just ain't enough to go around
Someone had to pay up for the waste
Taking place down in the underground
Matthew Alsante
The most under appreciated Jane's song and one of Dave's top solos!
Lexis
One of my favorite janes songs, it's very electric, dark, and of course underground.
graphicartdude
One of my favorite songs by this band. The vocals give you chills, the guitar solo rocks and the chorus is great.
Rachel Byrnes
Janes Addiction never disappoints me, all their music is amazingly awesome. :)
WARBORN
One of the greatest bands ever!!!
Angela Rivera
So excited to see them play tomorrow!!! 💖💗💖💗🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
MithunOnThe.Net
Great drumming, guitar solo and an amazing vocalist! Ah... a real rock band.
gus barrera
No one can ever capture the sound and talent of Janes Addiction!!
Kevin
Great album right there my son ! Irresistible Force was my sons walkout song in college ! Good stuff !
Saul Bennett
This is one of their best songs ever