Jimmie's Chicken Shack has always produced an indie grunge/funk/jazz/ska sound similar: Incubus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, etc. Mainstream popularity has fallen for Jimmie's Chicken Shack after a brief peak thanks to heavy MTV support for Do Right. After an extended hiatus, JCS reformed w/ a slightly modified lineup, maintaining a substantial fan following.
Released four studio albums; Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope (1997), Bring Your Own Stereo (1999), Re.Present (2004) and Fail On Cue (2008). Prominent singles include "High" and "Dropping Anchor" (both from Pushing...), "Do Right" (from Bring Your Own Stereo), and "Falling Out" (featuring Aaron Lewis of Staind) (from Re.present). A fourth studio album, Fail On Cue, was released in January 2008.
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Dropping Anchor
Jimmie's Chicken Shack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That we sink
Not falling in
Not falling in
We've all been tied to words
That we sink
Not falling in
I'm not falling in
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want from you
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
We've all been tied to words
That we sink
Not falling in
Not falling in
We've all been tied to words
That we sink
Not falling in
Not falling in
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want from you
And I hope that I never do
Don't know what I want to do
And I hope that I never do
And I will not play my hand just yet
And I will not and I will not
Play my hand just yet
And I will not can't believe
Though I know I said it
Kick myself
But I won't regret it
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
Dropping anchor
The lyrics of Jimmie's Chicken Shack's song "Dropping Anchor" describe the struggle of being unable to make decisions and feeling trapped by words, unable to move forward. The refrain of "We've all been tied to words that we sink, not falling in. I'm not falling in" expresses the resistance to being pulled under by the weight of these words.
The verses contain a repetition of "Don't know what I want to do, and I hope that I never do, don't know what I want from you, and I hope that I never do." This implies a fear of commitment, and a desire to maintain the freedom of not choosing a particular path, or relationship.
The bridge contains the lines "And I will not play my hand just yet, and I will not, and I will not, play my hand just yet. And I will not, can't believe, though I know I said it, kick myself, but I won't regret it." This suggests a hesitance to make a move or decision, despite having previously expressed intention.
Overall, the song communicates a sense of uncertainty and frustration, while also expressing a defiant refusal to be dragged down by these feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
We've all been tied to words
Sometimes we're affected by words that hold us back
That we sink
These words weigh us down like an anchor
Not falling in
We don't want to be consumed by these words or their meaning
I'm not falling in
I'm trying to resist the impact of these words
Don't know what I want to do
I'm feeling uncertain about my future decisions
And I hope that I never do
I'm afraid of the consequences of making the wrong choice
Don't know what I want from you
I'm not sure what I need or want from others
Dropping anchor
I'm finally making a decision to let go of my anchor and move forward
And I will not play my hand just yet
I'm not ready to reveal my intentions or make a move
And I will not and I will not
I'm determined to stay true to my choice
Play my hand just yet
I'll wait until I feel ready to move forward with my decision
And I will not can't believe
I can't believe I'm making this choice, but I know it's right
Though I know I said it
I know I made this decision, but it's still difficult
Kick myself
I may regret it later, but for now, I'm sticking to my decision
But I won't regret it
Despite the potential for regret, I won't let it hold me back from moving forward
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JAMES E. CHANEY, JAMES R. JR. DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ashnlik14
Best album still to this day!!! First one I ever purchased that I could listen to start to finish. Thanks Jimmie for all great times allowing me to jam to this 🙏
@thegreatelberto
In my car I only played this CD for 3 straight years. Love the album. Man, they are so young looking in video.
@GeorgeWashingtonX
I saw them live in Ocean City MD, summer of '99.. damn good show.
@Shazta80
Still play this album to this day. Saw them at the Chili Cook Off one year, fantastic live!
@CarlRencer
Loo they stink so much you have such bad taste
@jackass437
Best fucckin comcert was in the amphitheater out in Jax beach!!!!!!
@MyShadowblue
Even 25 years later this is one of my favorite bands. We were both making the rounds of the local music scene at the same time. The first time I saw them I was awestruck. I was sure they'd be super stars.
@Kong2x
Who are you?
@failure2
One of my favorite JCS songs of all time. You guys are awesome and the music you made was a huge part of my life and still is. Thank you so much.
@hydevonhitchcock7474
Honored to call you all personal friends years later... This is still one of my absolute favorites!