Together they began working on four-track recordings aided by drum machines until they asked Chris Daly, previously the drummer for Texas Is the Reason, to join them. Daly created the name "Jets to Brazil" (perhaps taken from a poster seen in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's), and the band joined Jade Tree Records in 1997.
It was under Jade Tree that they recorded their first (and, following the successes of their previous bands, highly anticipated) album, Orange Rhyming Dictionary. Following its eventual success they went on to release Four Cornered Night, which introduced the fourth member of the band: former Van Pelt guitarist, Brian Maryansky. In 2002, Jets to Brazil launched their third — and what was to be final — album, Perfecting Loneliness. By 2003 the band had broken up, for unspecified reasons.
King Medicine
Jets to Brazil Lyrics
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hit by the coming daylight cut up in a quick succession
a pointed confession really stripped of all your armor
down to your very nature beneath the haze and vapor gaze
you're such a willing stick to beckon that wanting knife
you've been looking for it the right blade all your life
saying "who's gonna cut me down to a size that suits me?
is there a worthy sculptor among all you fine young knives?"
to cut the heart out of your chest they'll come for that as well
tell me how you do that crazy trick where you walk around asleep
save it for your doctor friend the one who keeps you under lock and key
you'll soon go screaming like bargain basement lunatic who's
not so specialized that they couldn't just replace you
why don't you start crying for all that you've got left here
why don't you stop dying before you go and get it right
now you're selling off the house so you can buy the farm
you cut the heart out of your chest to let the light in through your arm
it's enough to make you take your head and put it in a bag
to cut the teeth out at the pink now there's nothing in the bag
foul weather friend you are so dying an amateur chemist now
king medicine when is it perfect? where is it taking you?
there is no cure only reprieve some fleeting joy posing as balance
nothing is sure so every four hours king medicine
this subject loves you
The lyrics of the song King Medicine by Jets to Brazil are very intense and thought-provoking. The song seems to be about someone who is struggling with their mental health and may even be contemplating suicide. The lyrics describe a person who feels like they are "going crazy" and are "stripped of all [their] armor." They seem to be searching for some kind of relief, represented by the "king medicine" referenced in the chorus. However, the singer acknowledges that there is no real cure for their pain, only temporary reprieves.
The verses of the song seem to be a continuous stream of consciousness, with the singer jumping from one image or idea to the next. There are references to "whittling sticks," "fine young knives," and "bargain basement lunatics," all of which seem to symbolize different aspects of the singer's mental state. The singer is also somewhat resigned to their fate, acknowledging that they will "soon go screaming" like a lunatic and that they are a "foul weather friend." The overall effect of the song is quite dark and unsettling, but also strangely beautiful in the way that the lyrics flow and interconnect.
Overall, King Medicine is a haunting and powerful song that deals with difficult themes like mental illness and suicide. It is a testament to the skill of the band in crafting an emotionally resonant piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
know that you'll soon go crazy just like a whittling stick
Realize that soon you'll lose your sanity, like a stick being recklessly whittled.
hit by the coming daylight cut up in a quick succession
Be overwhelmed by the light of reality, dissected before you can even react.
a pointed confession really stripped of all your armor
A sincere declaration that exposes your true self without any defenses.
down to your very nature beneath the haze and vapor gaze
Your true essence is revealed despite the deceptive environment you are in.
you're such a willing stick to beckon that wanting knife
You are eager to invite the pain and hurt that you know is coming.
you've been looking for it the right blade all your life
You've been searching for the perfect infliction of hurt and pain for so long.
saying "who's gonna cut me down to a size that suits me?
Asking who will hurt you enough to make you feel adequate.
is there a worthy sculptor among all you fine young knives?"
Questioning if anyone is skilled enough to hurt you perfectly.
it's enough to make you take your head and put it on a shelf
The pain and hurt may become too much for you to bear.
to cut the heart out of your chest they'll come for that as well
They will not stop until they have taken everything from you, including your emotions.
tell me how you do that crazy trick where you walk around asleep
Asking how you are able to go through life in such a numb state.
save it for your doctor friend the one who keeps you under lock and key
Keep your facade for the person who is keeping you sane and restrained.
you'll soon go screaming like bargain basement lunatic who's
You will eventually break down like a madman, like someone who is cheap and easily replaceable.
not so specialized that they couldn't just replace you
You feel like you are replaceable and insignificant.
why don't you start crying for all that you've got left here
You should mourn for what you have left before it's taken from you.
why don't you stop dying before you go and get it right
You should stop surrendering your life before you find what you're looking for.
now you're selling off the house so you can buy the farm
Now you're giving up everything for something that will ultimately lead to your demise.
you cut the heart out of your chest to let the light in through your arm
You sacrifice your emotions to let in something that will never replace them.
it's enough to make you take your head and put it in a bag
The overwhelming pain may make you want to bury yourself.
to cut the teeth out at the pink now there's nothing in the bag
To remove every part of yourself until there is nothing left.
foul weather friend you are so dying an amateur chemist now
You are a disloyal companion and now you are self-destructing like a novice scientist.
king medicine when is it perfect? where is it taking you?
Asking when will the pain and medicine stop being imperfect and where will they take you.
there is no cure only reprieve some fleeting joy posing as balance
There is no permanent solution, only temporary relief that pretends to be equilibrium.
nothing is sure so every four hours king medicine
Nothing is guaranteed, so take the medicine every four hours to try and survive.
this subject loves you
This subject is drawn to the pain and hurt that you offer them.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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