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.
He
Jars of Clay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm already dead
The pain when it grips me
For things that I've done
Well I try to make you proud
But for crying out loud
Just give me a chance to hide away
Will this someday be over?
[Chorus]
Fearful tears are running down
The pain you've laid don't speak a sound
Don't take my heart away from me
And they think I fell down again
Daddy don't you love me
Then why do you hit me?
And Momma don't you love me
Then why do you hurt me?
Well I've tried to make you proud
But for crying out loud
Just give me a chance to hide away
Exhaustion takes over
Will this someday be over?
[Chorus: x2]
A teardrop falls
From up in the heavens
Drowning the sorrow of angels in high
For the least of the helpless
The hopeless, the loveless
My Jesus, His children,
He holds in His arms
He loves you, He sees you,
He knows you, protects you,
He needs you, He holds you
The lyrics of Jars of Clay's song "He" tell the story of someone who is struggling with the pain and guilt of the things they have done. They feel as though they are already dead and the pain they experience is overwhelming. They plead to be given a chance to hide away and seek refuge from the exhaustion that has taken over. The chorus speaks to the fear and pain that consumes the singer, as tears fall and they plea not to have their heart taken away. The verses also address issues of abuse and neglect from family members, leading to a sense of worthlessness and desperation for a way out.
Overall, the song paints a picture of someone who is broken and defeated, but reaching out for help and comfort. The chorus reminds the listener that even in the midst of darkness, there is hope and someone who loves and protects. The lyrics are simple yet powerful and the melody and instrumentation of the song give it a sense of urgency and intensity.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't try to reach me
Don't bother trying to help me, as I am beyond repair.
I'm already dead
I am consumed by guilt and shame, and feel as if I am dead inside.
The pain when it grips me
I am regularly overwhelmed with feelings of intense emotional pain.
For things that I've done
I am burdened by the regret and guilt of my past mistakes.
Well I try to make you proud
I am constantly striving to earn the approval and acceptance of others.
But for crying out loud
I am frustrated with the unrealistic expectations put upon me by others.
Just give me a chance to hide away
I am overwhelmed and in need of a break from the pressures of the world.
Exhaustion takes over
I am so tired from constantly trying to impress others that I feel defeated.
Will this someday be over?
I wonder if I will ever find relief from my struggles and be at peace.
Fearful tears are running down
I am terrified and overwhelmed with emotion.
The pain you've laid don't speak a sound
The emotional pain I feel is not visible to others, even though it is debilitating.
Don't take my heart away from me
I am desperate to hold onto my hope and the goodness in my life.
And they think I fell down again
Others have little faith in me, despite my efforts to improve myself.
Daddy don't you love me
I do not feel loved or valued by my father, only mistreated.
Then why do you hit me?
I am physically abused by my father, which only worsens my emotional pain.
And Momma don't you love me
I do not feel loved or valued by my mother, only hurt.
Then why do you hurt me?
My mother's emotional abuse is damaging and contributes to my struggles.
A teardrop falls
A powerful and meaningful symbol of deep sadness.
From up in the heavens
This symbolic teardrop is from God or a higher power.
Drowning the sorrow of angels in high
Even angels in heaven are saddened by the struggles of humanity.
For the least of the helpless
God cares for the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
The hopeless, the loveless
God is there for those who feel lost, without hope or love in their lives.
My Jesus, His children,
Jesus loves and cares for all of his followers, treating them like his own children.
He holds in His arms
God offers comfort, protection, and love to those who seek it.
He loves you, He sees you,
God's love and compassion extend to all people, and he empathizes with our struggles.
He knows you, protects you,
God is aware of our needs and provides for us accordingly, serving as a protector and guide.
He needs you, He holds you
God desires a relationship with all of his followers, and offers comfort and support to those who seek it.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: CHARLIE LOWELL, DAN HASELTINE, MATTHEW RYAN BRONLEEWE, STEPHEN DANIEL MASON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind