The first release, the Heart Ache EP, was released in 2004 and featured Broadrick playing all of the instruments. It was followed in 2005 by the full-length self-titled LP, which featured the addition of bassist Diarmuid Dalton and drummer Ted Parsons, although not every song featured both new members.
With their third release, 2006's four song Silver EP, jesu took a more melodic and layered approach, gaining comparison to shoegazing band My Bloody Valentine.
Their second full-length album, titled Conqueror, was released in February 2007 in the US, UK, in Europe and Japan. The Japanese edition also contained a bonus disc featuring the two tracks that constitute the 'Sun Down'/'Sun Rise' EP, released elsewhere as a 12" album on April 23.
The band made their United States live debut, in March of 2007, as an opening act for Isis, although work permit problems caused them to miss the first three weeks of the tour. Neither Ted Parsons nor Diarmuid Dalton were able to participate in the tour and were temporarily replaced by Danny Walker, of Intronaut, and long time Broadrick collaborator, Dave Cochrane, respectively. During this tour, jesu also made its South by Southwest debut as part of a Hydra Head showcase.
'Pale Sketches', a collection of older solo works from 2000-2007 was released in October 2007 on Justin Broadrick's own label, Avalanche along with a new four song EP entitled Lifeline, released by Hydra Head in the United States and Daymare in Japan.
Broadrick has also contributed remixes of songs, using the jesu name, for Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Explosions in the Sky. Future releases include split 12" albums with both Eluvium and Battle of Mice.
Bandcamp / Soundcloud
End of the Road
Jesu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a path somewhere I can't find
Losing again, I don't mind
I'll be at peace, still inside
These scars don't heal, I don't mind
There's a path somewhere I can't find
Losing again, I don't mind
The lyrics of Jesu's song "End of the Road" resonates with a feeling of loss and acceptance. The singer acknowledges their scars, both physical and emotional, and seems unaffected by their inability to heal, accepting them as a part of their journey. They talk about searching for a path, a purpose, or a direction that they, unfortunately, cannot seem to find or follow. Despite their repeated failures, they remain accepting of losing, as it is something that they are willing to do to achieve a sense of inner peace.
The song's theme of acceptance and surrender to the difficulty of life, especially in the face of loss or trauma, is deeply moving. The opening line of "These scars don't heal, I don't mind" sets the tone of acceptance that echoes throughout the song. It's a compelling reminder that some scars are permanent, and we must learn to embrace them as a part of our identity. The search for purpose and meaning is also something that many people can relate to, and the song acknowledges that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we cannot find the answers we seek.
Overall, Jesu's "End of the Road" is a song that speaks to the human experience of accepting loss, feeling lost, and being at peace with oneself. It's a song that encourages reflection and understanding of our journey in life - one that is not always smooth, but one we can accept with grace and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
These scars don't heal, I don't mind
Although my emotional wounds have not healed, I am okay with accepting them as they are.
There's a path somewhere I can't find
I am lost and unsure of where my life is headed or what my purpose is.
Losing again, I don't mind
Despite experiencing loss and setbacks, I am still content with what I have in the present moment.
I'll be at peace, still inside
Even in the face of turmoil and uncertainty, I am capable of finding inner peace and tranquility.
Contributed by Gavin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.