Jimkata is a four piece electro-rock band based out of Ithaca, NY. Intertwi… Read Full Bio ↴Jimkata is a four piece electro-rock band based out of Ithaca, NY. Intertwining electric guitars, bass and drum kit with synthesizers and electronic drums, Jimkata is a reminder of the modern lengths that a quartet can reach without leaving their rock roots. Described as "one of the best up and coming bands" by jambase.com members Evan Friedell (guitar/vocals), Aaron Gorsch (guitar/synth), Dave Rossi (bass) and Packy Lunn (drums) have forged a truly unique and appealing sound through both high quality, in depth studio albums and their notoriously explosive live rock shows.

The fall of 2009 saw the release of Jimkata's debut studio album, Burn My Money, to both critical acclaim and over 2,000 free downloads through their new website, jimkata.com. Comprised of 13 new and road-tested tunes "Burn My Money" has a nuance to it that allows the listener to comfortably split their concentration; partly feeling the beat of the music, and partly connecting to its timely lyrics. You can download their new record for free or donation at jimkata.com.

Jimkata is also sponsored by Brewery Ommegang and tours up and down the East Coast. They have been fortunate enough to share the bill with such acts as Snoop Dogg, Umphrey's McGee, Bob Weir and Ratdog, The Wailers, The Disco Biscuits and have been favorites at festivals including Camp Bisco, Up North, Grassroots Festival, Great Blue Heron Festival, and Starscape Festival. They have just finished their highly successful Spring Tour and are getting ready to record the follow up to Burn My Money in June 2010 amidst a busy summer festival season.

Release
Jimkata Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Walking on the pavement. It's a warm day. I wave to Jake and I tell him that I'm feeling alright.
The sun is shining. Ain't that all we can ask for?
He says "yeah well I guess I'm feeling alright too."

And we all feel stuck sometimes. Yes we all feel stuck.
We feel stuck up, stuffed up, sticky like we'll never get out.
But there's a reason why the geese fly south for the winter.
We should not be afraid of release. No we should not be afraid.

He's staring up from the bottom of a bottle singing "he's got too much to lose."
He's been trying to find that feeling that things are turning around.
And now he sees that the trees worship the skies though their roots are in the ground.

And we all feel stuck sometimes...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jimkata's "Release" describe a moment of connection between two friends on a warm day, as they walk down the pavement and enjoy the sunshine. Despite the simplicity of the scene, there is a deeper theme present: the idea that we all feel stuck sometimes, and that we should not be afraid of releasing ourselves from that feeling of stagnation.

The singer mentions that he and his friend feel "alright" in the moment, but acknowledges that feeling stuck is a universal experience. The imagery of geese flying south for the winter suggests that there is a natural rhythm to life, and that we should not be afraid to move and grow, even if it means leaving our comfort zone.

Later in the song, the singer encounters someone who is struggling to find that feeling of optimism and change. However, he notes that even the trees are capable of worshiping the sky--that is, of reaching upward and embracing change--while remaining firmly grounded. The message here seems to be that change and growth are possible, no matter where we find ourselves in life.

Overall, "Release" is a song that celebrates the potential for growth and change, even in the face of feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Its gentle, folksy sound perfectly underscores the song's theme of finding peace and release amidst the complexities of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Walking on the pavement. It's a warm day. I wave to Jake and I tell him that I'm feeling alright.
It's a nice day outside, and I greet my friend Jake and tell him I'm doing well.

The sun is shining. Ain't that all we can ask for?
The weather is great, and we should be grateful for that.

He says 'yeah well I guess I'm feeling alright too.'
Jake reciprocates my sentiment and indicates that he's doing okay as well.

And we all feel stuck sometimes. Yes we all feel stuck.
Everyone experiences feelings of being trapped or stagnant at some point in their life.

We feel stuck up, stuffed up, sticky like we'll never get out.
These feelings manifest in different ways, like feeling conceited, congested, or suffocated.

But there's a reason why the geese fly south for the winter.
Just as birds migrate to escape unfavorable conditions, we too should seek change when we can't progress.

We should not be afraid of release. No we should not be afraid.
We shouldn't be scared of taking a chance and breaking free of what's holding us back.

He's staring up from the bottom of a bottle singing 'he's got too much to lose.'
Someone is struggling and using substances to cope, but is aware of the stakes.

He's been trying to find that feeling that things are turning around.
This person is seeking optimism and hope for the future.

And now he sees that the trees worship the skies though their roots are in the ground.
In an analogy, the trees, which are firmly rooted in one place, still reach for something greater; just like we should aspire for our goals, even if they seem out of reach at times.

And we all feel stuck sometimes...
The chorus repeats with the same message that everyone goes through periods of feeling stuck.

Contributed by Mia M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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