Recently, Brion experimented Hip-Hop style as producer on Kanye West last album, "Late Registration". The result is brilliant, with real-life instruments mashed up with heavy beats. To complete this mutation, Kanye West did a live recording of his record at the mythic Abbey Road Studio, Jon Brion being the missing link between Hip Hop and The Beatles pop music.
In addition to his prolific studio work, he also has held a long-term position as "the house band" Friday nights at the high-profile Hollywood nightclub Largo. At his live shows, the crowd can expect anything from guest appearances by Aimee Mann, Michael Stipe, Elvis Costello, T-Bone Burnett, or Grant Lee Phillips, and Brion is infamous for making up songs on the spot (often from titles shouted from the audience). He also is beloved for his quirky cover versions of songs by Cheap Trick, the Beatles, and Cole Porter, proudly likening his on-stage antics to "spraying musical Raid on the classics, until each dying song flips on its back and wiggles its little musical legs in surrender." Whatever music he was involved in, his eclectic touch undeniably shaped the sound of many progressive alternative musicians throughout the '90s.
Knock Yourself Out
Jon Brion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you can't live without
And now the unexplainable
Has you riddled with doubt
Things began, things decay
And you've gotta find a way to be okay
But if you wanna spend the day
Go and knock yourself out
Why we're put in this mess
Is anybody's guess
It might be a test
Or it might not be anything
To be too worried about
But if you're still in doubt
Go and knock yourself out
The lyrics to Jon Brion's song Knock Yourself Out suggest a sense of yearning or desire for something that seems unattainable yet unexplainable. The song seems to resonate with those who are grappling with doubts and uncertainties in their lives. Amidst the constant changes and challenges one faces, the song encourages the listener to find a way to be okay, even when the reason or purpose for the struggles remains unclear.
The lyrics delve into existential questions, pondering why we exist or the reasoning behind our existence. The song proposes that it may be a test, or perhaps just a part of life, but either way, if one is still in doubt, they are free to spend their day thinking about it. The phrase "knock yourself out" here seems to take on a sarcastic tone- suggesting that while it's okay to seek answers, it may not necessarily lead to a resolution.
Line by Line Meaning
It's something unattainable
There's something you desire, but it's not within reach.
That you can't live without
This thing is crucial to your existence.
And now the unexplainable
The thing you desire is impossible to justify or make sense of.
Has you riddled with doubt
Your desire has made you uncertain and anxious.
Things began, things decay
Everything has a beginning and an end.
And you've gotta find a way to be okay
You need to cope with the impermanence of things.
But if you wanna spend the day
If you choose to spend your time in a certain way.
Wondering what it's all about
Ruminating on the meaning of life.
Go and knock yourself out
Feel free to indulge in this, if that's your thing.
Why we're put in this mess
The reason for our existence is uncertain.
Is anybody's guess
No one really knows why we're here.
It might be a test
Our existence could be a challenge we need to overcome.
Or it might not be anything
Our existence could be meaningless.
To be too worried about
Either way, it's not worth worrying over.
But if you're still in doubt
If you're still uncertain about life's purpose.
Go and knock yourself out
Feel free to ponder on it, if that's your thing.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jon Brion
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@caseycurran9955
Nobody sits like this rock sits. You rock, rock. You show us how just sit there, and that's what we need.
@bzporto
Jon Brion knows things.
@ingridfong-daley5899
this song is in my soul, and it reminds me not to take sh*t too seriously after all my overthinking, hyper-analysing, idiosyncratic neurotic malarkey... and it's as whimsical as is necessary for that mood :) Brion had a massive impact in my musical development as a young female audiophile. i don't guess he ever reads these types of posts, but you, sir, are a master.
@jeremyclarksonfragrance
this is just 2 minutes and 10 seconds of pure music heaven. A masterpiece
@makaylahollywood3677
Reminds me of Beatles. Ringo
@holloify_tensa_zangetsu
yeah this song is amazing. I was a huge jason Schwartzman fan. I love I heart huckabees. I had to dark shit happen to in my younger age. this song at the time, was a nice song about being happy.
but I'm basically 30, and this year I came to grips with death. and basically kocked myself out. all of it was on my.mind for months. I listen to it now and I get it truly.
@TransferAir
This guy is a musical genius!
(Just my opinion) =)
@trevorphillips8895
This helps me
@elevatorproductionsbymaxpassa
Reminds me of the Everybody Loves Raymond Series Finale.
@user-xf1ms8pm8y
So pretty much the only solution to dealing with your existential problems is distracting yourself from them 😄