The following albums saw large shifts in style. Much Afraid saw them releasing gorgeous - sometimes brittle - music, which the Band intended to have a "timeless" sound, while If I Left the Zoo is a quirkier but musically brilliant album, featuring considerably more keys and experimentation. The Eleventh Hour is their first true "rock" album. They returned to acoustic guitars for the "Furthermore" project, which featured two EPs - a live disc and an acoustic disc. The band's 5th album, Who We Are Instead continued some of the band's earlier sonic experiments and showcased some new gospel, bluegrass, and hymnsong influences. The hymnsong approach was continued on an album of new arrangements of classic hymns - Redemption Songs.
Good Monsters was released on Sept. 05, 2006. The album was hailed by CCM Magazine as "Album of the Year" - a controversial move considering that this announcement was made in August. "Good Monsters" further showcases the diverse style of the venerable quartet and is considered by the band to be their first true "rock" record. It is a rock driven record with electric guitars having prevalence on more of the songs than any previous albums. The album also has other stylistic influences and even includes a choir of African school children, while lyrically, it hits the darker side of their self-shaped genre.
In 2007, Jars of Clay announced that they were leaving Essential Records and were creating their own record label, Gray Matters. Jars of Clay released Christmas Songs through Gray Matters in 2007, and the Closer EP was released in the Summer of 2008.
April 21, 2009 marked the release of The Long Fall Back to Earth, containing two tracks from the Closer EP and 12 additional tracks. Two Hands is the first single from that release.
After the Fight
Jars of Clay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get to fight with the lightning, talk back to the thunder
I want more wind in this tornado cause it isn't moving fast enough yet
Gonna burn this temple to the ground once I have the fuses set
But after the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
I have a hand full of feathers and blood stains on my skin
Is there an angel left to wrestle, white horses they haven't broken in
I get up from the canvas swinging like I think I might just win
And we go around and round and round and round again
After the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Return my fists to fingers after the final round
Will walking be a reminder of punches I let by
Will walking be a reminder of punches I let by
I let by
Another thorn in my side
I let by
After the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover
After the fight is over will I talk so tough
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Return my fists to fingers after the final round
Will I get by
I let by
The song "After the Fight" by Jars of Clay explores themes of pride, conflict, and emotional resilience. The singer sings about his tendency to be combative, both physically and emotionally, and his fear of not being able to handle the aftermath of a confrontation. He acknowledges that he enjoys the rush of adrenaline and power that comes with fighting, but wonders if he will be able to "talk so tough" after the fight is over. The lyrics also suggest that the singer has been hurt in the past, and is struggling to reconcile his desire for revenge with his need for compassion and forgiveness.
Throughout the song, there are references to biblical themes and imagery. The line "Is there an angel left to wrestle, white horses they haven't broken in" alludes to the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel in the book of Genesis. The reference to "burning the temple to the ground" could be interpreted as a metaphor for destroying one's own inner spiritual or emotional life. However, the song ultimately offers hope for redemption, as the singer resolves to "return my fists to fingers after the final round" and move forward with a spirit of forgiveness and grace.
Overall, "After the Fight" is a powerful exploration of the struggle to overcome pride and anger, and to find healing and reconciliation after conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
You can blame it on my pride or the spell that I'm under
I have a tendency to fight and not back down, whether it's because of my own ego or because I'm caught up in the moment.
I get to fight with the lightning, talk back to the thunder
I feel like I can take on anything and anyone, even the elements of nature.
I want more wind in this tornado cause it isn't moving fast enough yet
I want the intensity of the situation to increase, because I need to feel a sense of urgency to act.
Gonna burn this temple to the ground once I have the fuses set
I plan on destroying everything and everyone involved in this situation once I have the perfect opportunity to do so.
But after the fight is over will I talk so tough
After everything is said and done, will I still have the same audacity and confidence as I did during the conflict?
Will I run for cover after the gloves come off
Will I back down and try to escape the aftermath of the fight once I'm no longer 'protected' by the rules of engagement?
Yeah when the black eye lingers will I stand my ground
Even when the consequences of the fight are apparent and painful, will I defend my actions and stand by my decisions?
Return my fists to fingers after the final round
Will I be able to let go of my aggressive behavior and go back to being peaceful and non-combative?
I have a hand full of feathers and blood stains on my skin
I have both innocent and guilty blood on my hands, and the physical evidence of the fight is still present on me.
Is there an angel left to wrestle, white horses they haven't broken in
Is there anyone left for me to fight, or have I already burned all my bridges and left no one on my side? Have I made enemies out of those who were once pure and innocent?
I get up from the canvas swinging like I think I might just win
Even though I have been knocked down, I still have the mentality that I am going to come out on top.
And we go around and round and round and round again
This conflict seems never-ending, and we keep getting caught in the same cycle of fighting and making up.
Will walking be a reminder of punches I let by
Will the aftermath of the fight haunt me, and make me regret not retaliating or standing up for myself more?
Another thorn in my side
This situation is yet another painful burden or obstacle that is causing me discomfort and difficulty.
Will I get by
Will I be able to move on and heal from this conflict?
I let by
I let some things slide or didn't fight back as hard as I should have, and now I have to deal with the consequences.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CHARLES LOWELL, DANIEL HASELTINE, MATTHEW ODMARK, STEPHEN MASON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dartanianswordsman
I've been listening to Jars of Clay since "The Flood" and even though I am more Agnostic than practicing Christian these days I still love this band. Maybe if they continue making contemporary sounding songs that contain spiritual messages I might find my way back. Pray for me everybody. G.W.
proverbs18:24
@Shawn White I'm a Christian, when I get time to listen to your music I will!
Shawn White
@proverbs18:24 Well I am mostly agnostic. I do believe there's a God actually if I was to guess. Agnostic just means you don't know for sure. What do you believe?
proverbs18:24
@Shawn White Will do, but I thought in one of your other comments you said you wer agnostic? No need to offend just want understanding 😊
Shawn White
@proverbs18:24 True and I just discovered it now. It's sad they have faded away. Check out the music on my channel and give me a sub if you like. Some of its spiritual and some not but its very diverse and interesting at least.
proverbs18:24
@Shawn White Well they made that come seven years ago lol.
Moni B
Okay, the part right after the bridge is definitely my favorite moment... The lyrics are sharp! and I guess the writing on this record will be a landmark of your career. Twenty-awesome-years later, you never fail to put us in awe. Best. Band. Ever.
Christian Michels
love it when the bridge gets quiet. Lyrics as deep as always! Always look forward to a band that actually has substance to the words they put in their songs. Keep praising the Lord! Jars of Clay rocks!
Haru Sophia Tacy
Amo essa música
blueangel 7
I have this disc in my car. Its great driving music!!🥰🥳 I love the whole album!😎