The original band consisted of Jill Cunniff (vocals, bass), Gabby Glaser (vocals, guitar), Kate Schellenbach (drums) and Vivian Trimble (keyboards, vocals). Schellenbach was a founding member of the Beastie Boys and left shortly after the Beasties switched from being a hardcore punk band into being a hip-hop group
Between 1993 and 2000 they released one EP, three full length LPs and ten singles on the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label. Their biggest hit —and only Billboard Top 40 entry— is "Naked Eye" (#36, March 22, 1997). Other notable singles include "Here", "CitySong (NY State Of The World)", "Under Your Skin" and "Ladyfingers".
Vivian Trimble left the group in 1998, and in 2000 (after releasing one album as a trio) the group officially announced the break up of Luscious Jackson.
February 2007 saw the release of Luscious Jackson's "greatest hits" compilation, and in the fall of 2006 the band announced that they had reunited and were to release a new children's album, a plan which never came to fruition and the band ceased activity in 2007.
In the January 2012 issue of "Rolling Stone" magazine, the band announced that they had reunited in late 2011. Subsequently, the band has released Magic Hour (2013) and Baby DJ (2013).
Surprise
Luscious Jackson Lyrics
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look into your mother's eyes
i go where no man goes
one particular roll in the hay
it only takes one
to get it done
surprise!
afraid of the sheer volume
i'm concentrated all
you can swallow me
or shoot me on the wall
afraid of failure
i come as i please
one drop is the name
of my disease
surprise!
i might be criminal minded
but i don't wear no colors
i got my time behind me
i need a place to
rest my eyes
surprise!
wunderkind of mine
tiny piece of a line
we come together
like roses on a vine
beat a few friends
or get beaten
aint no harmony
in the seed of men
surprise!
The song "Surprise" by Luscious Jackson is a reflection on the surprises that can occur in life. The lyrics suggest that life is unpredictable, and no one can truly anticipate what will happen. The first verse describes the singer's willingness to go where "no man goes" and the importance of taking risks to achieve something meaningful. The chorus emphasizes the unpredictability of life with the repeated phrase "surprise!" The second verse discusses fear of failure and the singer's mindset of doing what they please regardless of how others perceive their actions. The final verse touches on themes of friendship and the importance of finding a place of rest and belonging.
One way to interpret these lyrics is that they reflect on the importance of embracing unpredictability in life. The singer suggests that taking risks and doing what makes us happy is the key to living a fulfilled life. The repeated use of the phrase "surprise!" also indicates that the singer believes that life is full of surprises, and that these surprises can often be positive.
Line by Line Meaning
big surprise, surprise
An unexpected turn of events has occurred.
look into your mother's eyes
Reflect on the love and care that has been given to you.
i go where no man goes
I explore uncharted territories and push boundaries.
one particular roll in the hay
A specific intimate encounter stands out.
it only takes one
One person or action is all that is needed to make a change.
surprise!
The unexpected is happening again.
afraid of the sheer volume
Fearful of the overwhelming magnitude of something.
i'm concentrated all
I am fully focused on something.
you can swallow me
I am vulnerable and can be overtaken.
or shoot me on the wall
I can also be defeated.
afraid of failure
Fearful of not succeeding or falling short of expectations.
i come as i please
I act on my own accord and follow my own desires.
one drop is the name
The smallest amount can have a significant impact.
of my disease
Referring to an addiction or unwanted habit that has taken over.
i might be criminal minded
I may have a tendency toward criminal behavior.
but i don't wear no colors
I am not affiliated with any particular gang or group.
i got my time behind me
I have served my time or learned from past mistakes.
i need a place to rest my eyes
I am seeking a peaceful and comfortable environment.
wunderkind of mine
Referring to a genius or prodigy that they have an affinity for.
tiny piece of a line
A small part of something larger that has great potential or value.
we come together
We work as a team or support each other.
like roses on a vine
We complement each other and grow together.
beat a few friends
Overcome or surpass a few acquaintances.
or get beaten
Or face defeat.
aint no harmony
There is discord or strife.
in the seed of men
Referring to the inherent flaws or shortcomings of humanity.
surprise!
The unexpected continues to happen.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: JILL CUNNIFF, KATHERINE A SCHELLENBACH, VIVIAN E TRIMBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind