Hanson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He started learning guitar at four years old and by the age of 13 formed the emo/indie rock band M.I.J. Seven years later the band released a 7", an EP and a full album on Caulfield Records.
He began a solo career in 2003 and was signed to Kill Rock Stars Records after sending in an unsolicited demo tape. He has since released three albums for the label, Son in 2003 and Jeff Hanson in 2005. His third album for Kill Rock Stars titled Madam Owl was released on August 19 2008. Hanson's solo albums were recorded at Presto! Recording Studios.
Since 1996 Hanson resided in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Hanson was found dead on June 7, 2009, in his St. Paul apartment, which he had moved into a few days earlier. The cause was mixed drug toxicity.
The End of Everything Known
Jeff Hanson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And find the time another day
To leave the ends of this life
And don't decide what it is
Take it back make it this
We're now left wondering why
And everytime for everyday
Is something more with less to say
And all of me is nothing more
You decide what's it's for
Will it all lead to your life to your life
Going again round and round oh your life
How about the turnings here
Another day not quite a year
All in the end comes out right
Just because everyone feels for you
How does that turn dark into light
And all we know is what we hear
From voices that aren't very clear
Changing to be what wins out
But even though we're never there
Who decides everywhere
Leading us on to your life to your life
Going again round and round oh your life
I'm taking on all of this to choke on and die
This is just my time
Pulling back everything I said before
The time was right but now I know this part of life
to me goes on
Jeff Hanson's "The End of Everything Known" speaks about the uncertainty of life and the importance of taking control and living it to the fullest. The song begins with a plea for a loved one not to leave, emphasizing the value of time and the desire to experience life to the fullest. The lyrics suggest that one should not determine the outcome of life without giving it a chance or taking it back to make it something that is worth living. The song questions the purpose of life and whether it is determined by fate or the individual themselves. Every day is an opportunity to create something more meaningful, even if there are no words to express it.
Furthermore, the song stresses the importance of focusing on the present and not the future or the past. The truth of life is that it is uncertain and unpredictable, and one can never be fully in control. The song touches on themes of self-discovery and coming to terms with the harsh realities of life. The song's ending reflects the struggle to accept difficult moments, acknowledging that everyone has their part to play, but a part of life goes on.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't ever go away
Please do not leave
And find the time another day
Postpone your departure for some other day
To leave the ends of this life
To depart from this life
And don't decide what it is
Do not determine its fate
Take it back make it this
Retake control and make it right
We're now left wondering why
We are now pondering the reason for your departure
And everytime for everyday
Each and every occasion and day
Is something more with less to say
There is more implied than is communicated
Turning around and around
Revolving continually
And all of me is nothing more
All of my being is worthless
You decide what's it's for
You dictate its purpose
Will it all lead to your life to your life
Will it all lead to your existence
Going again round and round oh your life
Continuing to revolve around your life
How about the turnings here
What about these twists and turns
Another day not quite a year
Another day, but not quite a full year
All in the end comes out right
Inevitably things will turn out alright
Just because everyone feels for you
Merely because everyone empathizes with you
How does that turn dark into light
How can that transform darkness into light?
And all we know is what we hear
All we know is what we are told
From voices that aren't very clear
From voices that are not distinct
Changing to be what wins out
Altering to appeal to the majority
But even though we're never there
Although we are never present
Who decides everywhere
Who decides everything
Leading us on to your life to your life
Guiding us to your existence
Going again round and round oh your life
Again revolve around your life
I'm taking on all of this to choke on and die
I am accepting all of this to suffocate and perish
This is just my time
This is merely, my time to go
Pulling back everything I said before
Retracting everything previously stated
The time was right but now I know this part of life
The timing was appropriate, but now I realize this aspect of life
to me goes on
For me, life persists.
Contributed by Kayla I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.