He also has a solo career, having released the albums Boggy Depot in 1998 and Degradation Trip Volumes 1 & 2 in 2002. Cantrell has also collaborated and performed with Heart, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Pantera, Circus of Power, Metal Church, Gov't Mule, Damageplan, Pearl Jam, The Cult, Stone Temple Pilots, Danzig, Glenn Hughes, Duff McKagan and Deftones, among others.
Cantrell was named "Riff Lord" by British hard rock/metal magazine Metal Hammer in 2006. Guitar World Magazine ranked Cantrell as the 38th out of "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time" in 2004, and the 37th "Greatest Guitar Player of All Time" in 2012. Guitar World also ranked Cantrell's solo in "Man In The Box" at No. 77 on its list of "100 Greatest Guitar Solos" in 2008.
He also contributed to the soundtrack of The Cable Guy (1996), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017) and Dark Nights: Metal (2018), and has made cameos in films such as Jerry Maguire (1996), Rock Slyde (2009) and Deadwood: The Movie. Cantrell also acted in the Alice in Chains mockumentaries The Nona Tapes (1995) and AIC 23 (2013).
Cantrell is a recovering addict and alcoholic and has been sober since 2003. He was awarded the 2012 Stevie Ray Vaughan Award from MusiCares, for his work helping other addicts with the recovery process. Cantrell said in his acceptance speech, "I crash landed here almost 9 years ago, in Los Angeles. Sean [Kinney] was at the door with my brother, so my choices were open the door and go to rehab or jump out the back window down a cliff into some black berry bushes. That’s the choice I took. Luckily they caught me because I couldn’t go anywhere, I was kind of stuck in a bush at the bottom of a cliff bleeding, and I ended up here. I didn’t intend to get here but I’m very grateful I am here, and it took a lot of people to help me get here. It's been an amazing day. It's overwhelming. I'm as imperfect as they come. I just don't get high today and wake up the next morning and try and do the same thing. A lot of people stand and get the fuck back up after falling. Some people don't get that chance. My band's been a harsh example of that – what happens when you don't deal with it." Cantrell and his Alice in Chains bandmates played a five-song set at the awards event and Cantrell stated, "We really miss Layne [Staley] and Mike [Starr], and we carry them with us in our hearts".
Jesus Hands
Jerry Cantrell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you're ever past the starlight
If you're ever unassured
Forever you will burn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Can be found
Can be found
If you ever crack your small mind
If you're ever much disturbed
If you ever reach the shore
Forever be your turn
As you sleep unearthly grace
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
To this sea you've been shot down
Now find the shore, it can be found
Can be found
Can be found
The lyrics of Jerry Cantrell’s “Jesus Hands” reflect a sense of uncertainty and fear, depicting a journey where the singer is searching for guidance and redemption. The first few lines suggest that if someone burns bridges or strays off the path, they will be doomed to suffer the consequences forever. The lyrics also talk about feeling lost and unsure of oneself, which further emphasizes the theme of searching for something greater.
In the second half of the song, the lyrics take on a more comforting tone, speaking of “Jesus hands” laying upon the singer's face as they find their way towards the shore. The chorus repeats the phrase “can be found,” suggesting that hope and salvation are within reach if one keeps searching.
Overall, the lyrics of “Jesus Hands” reflect a deep spiritual journey, with the singer seeking guidance and comfort in the face of uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
If you ever torch your bridges
If you ever burn your bridges and cut off connections
If you're ever past the starlight
If you've ever lost your way or left behind your goals
If you're ever unassured
If you're ever unsure of yourself or your path
Forever you will burn
You will suffer the consequences of your actions forever
As you sleep unearthly grace
During your rest, may you find peace and comfort
Lay Jesus hands upon your face
May you find the guidance and support of a higher power
To this sea you've been shot down
You may have fallen or failed, but there is hope for recovery
Now find the shore, it can be found
You can find your way back and reach your destination
If you ever crack your small mind
If you ever lose your mental stability or sanity
If you're ever much disturbed
If you're ever greatly troubled or distressed
If you ever reach the shore
If you ever succeed in your journey
Forever be your turn
May you enjoy your success forever
Can be found
There is hope and a way forward
Can be found
Hope and direction are always available
Can be found
There is always a path to follow and hope to hold onto
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Jerry Cantrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Duff787
on Dickeye
It's all about Layne. Jerry was pissed that he recorded with mad season. Born traitor. Layne and Jerry did lots of drugs together. Only thing he came here looking for. Injected concrete is a not so subtle reference to what dealers cut heroin with. Layne frequently shot up between his toes to hide track marks. Hide bloody feet.