JR JR was formed in late 2009 by members Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott. The band also includes drummer Mike Higgins and the group’s newest addition, keyboardist Jon Visger. The band initially began as a basement recording project with few intentions of reaching the public.
In July 2010, the band released Horsepower EP via Quite Scientific Records. The Horsepower EP consisted of songs “Nothing But Our Love,” “Vocal Chords,” “Simple Girl,” and a cover of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.” Months after their EP was released the band’s genre was described as ‘psych-retro pop,’ ‘an inspired mix of hip-hop and folk,’ ‘minimalist altera-pop,’ and ‘beach wave.’ The band came out with a second EP titled My Love Is Easy: Remixes Pt.1 via Quite Scientific Records on November 2, 2010. They were noted as ‘one of the best new bands’ of 2010 and became very well-liked from various sources such as Stereogum, SPIN, Under the Radar, Real Detroit, and The Metro Times. The band later came out with We Almost Lost Detroit EP via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records on April 21, 2011. The duo released two singles, “Morning Thought” and “Simple Girl” on April 8, 2011 and September 9, 2011; respectively.
Then-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. released their first full-length album, It’s A Corporate World on June 7, 2011 via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records.
The band came out with their new single, “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor)” on April 2, 2013. This single was released right before they came out with their new EP, Patterns. The band performed live on May 16, 2013 on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic to premier a few songs on their upcoming album. The featured songs included: “Hiding,” “Run,” “Mesopotamia,” “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor),” “Dark Water,” “Knock Louder,” “War Zone,” “Don’t Tell Me,” and “I Think Of You.” They also performed on the TV series Conan, June 11, 2013, featuring the song “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor).”
Patterns (EP) was released on April 16, 2013, consisting of four songs: “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor),” “Dark Water,” “Hiding,” and “Habits.” Their 13-track sophomore LP, The Speed of Things, was released on October 8, 2013.
JR JR's first release under their new, shorter moniker on July 16, 2015 was the single "Gone," to be featured on their upcoming LP "Jr Jr," slated for a September 25, 2015 release.
More information can be found at the band's web site, jrjrmusic.com.
Caroline
Jr Jr Lyrics
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All of the guys on my floor think we're boys now
They don't catch me counting like this
How can I tell if it's drugs or my feelings now
What if I don't see the point
In everybody wasting so much time
And energy worrying about my thing
Oh now Caroline
No ones gonna live my life for meHold on, hold on.
No ones gonna live my life for me
Oh now, Caroline
I don't wanna be you.It's in our nature to engage
With the voice from within pushing us into action
But I can't tell if your voice trapped inside me
So let me make sure I'm making my own mind up
What if I don't see the point
In everybody wasting so much time
And energy worrying about my thing
It's my thing
Oh now Caroline
No ones gonna live my life for meHold on, hold on.
No ones gonna live my life for me
Oh now, Caroline
I don't wanna be you.And in the girl's wing
They care for you
So maybe I'm a little feminine nowWhat if I don't see the point
In everybody wasting so much time
And energy worrying about my thing
It's my thing
Oh now Caroline
No ones gonna live my life for meHold on, hold on.
No ones gonna live my life for me
Oh now, Caroline
I don't wanna be youNo ones gonna live my life for meOh now caroline
I don't wanna be you
The lyrics of Jr Jr's song Caroline convey a sense of self-reflection and a desire for independence and individuality. The first verse mentions the singer being in the hospital and counting something, possibly medication, while the people around him begin to see him as one of their own. He questions whether his feelings are caused by drugs or by his own emotions, implying a sense of confusion and disorientation. The chorus then emphasizes the theme of living one's own life, with Caroline being a representation of someone who the singer doesn't want to become. The second verse takes a more introspective turn, pondering the nature of the self and how it can be influenced by the voices within and around. The mention of femininity in the last verse hints at gender identity and social expectations, adding another layer to the message of self-discovery and self-determination.
Overall, the lyrics of Caroline encourage listeners to prioritize their own desires and find their own paths in life, even if it means going against societal norms and expectations. The use of the name Caroline as a symbol of conformity and the repeated refrain of "No one's gonna live my life for me" make the message clear and memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
Been in the hospital for days
I have been hospitalized for several days
All of the guys on my floor think we're boys now
My male friends on the same floor have become closer to me during my stay at the hospital
They don't catch me counting like this
They do not notice me counting my moments and introspecting
How can I tell if it's drugs or my feelings now
I am unable to distinguish whether my current state of mind is due to medication or my real feelings
What if I don't see the point
I am questioning the purpose of everyone being overly concerned about my well-being
In everybody wasting so much time
I perceive people investing too much time and energy that could be used elsewhere
And energy worrying about my thing
People seem to be concerned about something that pertains mainly to me
It's my thing
I regard the issue as something personal and individual
Oh now Caroline
Oh, Caroline, listen to me (or addressing someone called Caroline)
No ones gonna live my life for me
I am responsible for my own life and decisions
Hold on, hold on.
Wait, let me explain further
I don't wanna be you.
I do not want to be someone else or live as someone else
It's in our nature to engage
Humans are naturally inclined to get involved in things
With the voice from within pushing us into action
Our inner voices are driving forces behind our actions
But I can't tell if your voice trapped inside me
I cannot differentiate between my thoughts and someone else's influence
So let me make sure I'm making my own mind up
I want to ensure that my decisions are entirely my own
And in the girl's wing
In the female ward
They care for you
Women show more compassion and empathy here
So maybe I'm a little feminine now
Perhaps I am acting more feminine due to my surroundings and the people around me
No ones gonna live my life for me
I reiterate that I am responsible for my life and choices
Oh now caroline
Oh, Caroline, you understand what I mean (or addressing someone called Caroline)
I don't wanna be you
I do not want to change who I am or emulate someone else
Contributed by Emily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.