The band is led by singer-songwriter Mike Edwards. They have released six studio albums, with the latest, 'Culture Vulture', published through Mi5 Recordings in 2004. They also have made two live albums and continue to tour. For more information, see their official website here.
Need To Know
Jesus Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
what will make us happy?
and i need to know
will you always love me?
i need to know
where on earth is elvis?
i need to know
'cause it's no good
taking second best
i need to know
where all the energy goes
and i need to know
are there really U.F.O.s?
'cause it's no good
taking second best
it's no good
when you put it to the test
i need to know
will i really go to hell?
i need to know
if we only cry for ourselves
i DON'T need to know
who kill laura palmer?
i need to know
what's the winning formula?
'cause it's no good
taking second best
it's no good
when you put it to the test
The lyrics in Jesus Jones's "Need to Know" are a series of questions that highlight the human need for answers, whether they are practical or more philosophical in nature. The first set of questions asks what will bring happiness, and if the love of the person they are addressing is unconditional. The second set of questions shows a fascination with popular culture and a desire for knowledge of the unknown - where Elvis is, if there are really U.F.O.s. The chorus emphasizes that it is not enough to settle for second best or to be complacent in finding answers. The questions become more personal in the final set, with an existential question of going to hell and whether our tears are only for ourselves. Finally, the song ends with a statement that the singer doesn't need to know who killed Laura Palmer from the TV show Twin Peaks, but instead desires to know the winning formula.
The overall message of the song seems to be that seeking knowledge and striving for the best possible outcome is important, but it is also important to focus on the things that truly matter, such as love and personal growth, rather than superficial or trivial pursuits.
Line by Line Meaning
i need to know
The singer has a great need to find out something important.
what will make us happy?
The singer wants to know the key to happiness.
will you always love me?
The singer seeks assurance of endless love in their relationship.
where on earth is elvis?
The artist wonders about the current location of Elvis Presley.
why you even listen to this
The artist questions the appeal of something they do not find interesting.
'cause it's no good
The singer is emphasizing that something is not beneficial or worthwhile.
taking second best
The singer warns against settling for a suboptimal option.
where all the energy goes
The artist is curious about where all the energy in the world is utilized.
are there really U.F.O.s?
The artist wonders if the existence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) is real or not.
will i really go to hell?
The artist is anxious about their ultimate fate and whether they will go to hell.
if we only cry for ourselves
The singer ponders whether humans express emotions only for themselves or for others as well.
i DON'T need to know
The artist emphasizes that they don't want to learn about a particular subject.
who kill laura palmer?
The singer doesn't want to learn about the killer of a fictional character.
what's the winning formula?
The singer wants to know the recipe for success.
when you put it to the test
The singer implies that something will fail or succeed when given a trial-run.
Contributed by Kaylee E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.