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).
Why Do I Lie?
Luscious Jackson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i would love to be free
i would love to be perfect
when you look at me
but instead i'm still crying
yes instead i'm still lying
sad to say i'm still trying
not to be me
that i turned into sickness
i still think i can slide
just fine on the ice
it's not easy to be honest
sometimes i'm just astonished
how hard it can be to be true
why do i lie?
is it just to get by
if i give up my lines
will i die?
if fortunes are favored
then i am in labor
and i'm trying so hard
to leave lying behind
i don't want to be hazy
i don't think that i'm crazy
but i've had some moments
where i am not sure
and if you can forgive me
for just being human
then i will try harder
to keep my words pure
i could be on the border
it could be a disorder
honestly i think
that i can come clean
and all of my stories might even be boring
if i can tell you
what they all mean
why do i lie?
is it just to get by
if i give up my lines
will i die?
if fortunes are favored
then i am in labor
and i'm trying so hard
to leave lying behind
The Luscious Jackson song "Why Do I Lie?" is a powerful and introspective piece that explores the nature of dishonesty and the desire to be better. The lyrics express a deep longing to be true to oneself and to others, even in the face of difficulty and weakness. The opening verse establishes this desire, with the singer expressing a wish to be "better," "free," and "perfect" in the eyes of others. She acknowledges that she has tried to hide behind lies and deceptions in order to achieve this, but ultimately recognizes the futility of this effort.
The chorus of the song asks the central question, "why do I lie?" The singer is reflective and self-aware, acknowledging that it may simply be a means of getting by, or a coping mechanism for the difficulties of life. However, she recognizes that this path is not sustainable, and that honesty is a necessary step towards growth and change. The second verse seeks forgiveness and understanding, acknowledging the challenges of being human and the fragility of the human experience. The bridge of the song expresses a hope that by facing one's own truth, life may become more meaningful and rich.
Overall, the song "Why Do I Lie?" is a thoughtful exploration of the nature of honesty, truth, and self-improvement. It speaks to the struggles that we all face in trying to live authentically and confront the challenges of life head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
i would love to be better
I have room to improve and would like to do so.
i would love to be free
I desire to be liberated from my flaws and insecurities.
i would love to be perfect when you look at me
I want to appear flawless in your eyes.
but instead i'm still crying
Unfortunately, I'm still depressed and emotional.
yes instead i'm still lying
Regrettably, I'm still being deceitful.
sad to say i'm still trying
It's unfortunate to admit, but I'm still attempting to be someone I'm not.
not to be me
I avoid expressing my true self because I'm afraid of rejection.
when i see all the weakness that i turned into sickness
I feel ill when I acknowledge my shortcomings.
i still think i can slide just fine on the ice
I still believe I can get away with being dishonest.
it's not easy to be honest
Being truthful is a challenge.
sometimes i'm just astonished how hard it can be to be true
Occasionally, I'm shocked by how difficult it is to be authentic.
why do i lie?
I question my motives for being dishonest.
is it just to get by
Do I only deceive to survive?
if i give up my lines will i die?
I'm afraid that relinquishing my deceit will result in negative consequences.
if fortunes are favored then i am in labor and i'm trying so hard to leave lying behind
If things go well, I'm working diligently to abandon my dishonesty.
i don't want to be hazy
Foggy thoughts and actions are not ideal for me.
i don't think that i'm crazy
Despite my struggles, I don't believe I'm insane.
but i've had some moments where i am not sure
However, I have experienced confusion at times.
and if you can forgive me for just being human
I'm hopeful that you can excuse my mistakes as a human being.
then i will try harder to keep my words pure
With your forgiveness, I will strive to be more truthful.
i could be on the border
I may be on the brink of revealing the truth.
it could be a disorder
Perhaps my inclination to deceive is a mental condition.
honestly i think that i can come clean
Honestly speaking, I believe I can confess my deceit.
and all of my stories might even be boring
Furthermore, my honesty may lack intrigue and excitement.
if i can tell you what they all mean
If I can reveal the truth to you, I will.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JILL CUNNIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@triciahamill8018
One of the most underrated bands ever!! I love Luscious Jackson and they should get it together again! Absolutely BRILLIANT! Addictive, catchy and timeless funk rock r&b soulful music! LOVE THEM LOVE THEM!
@JTBonner-he7mq
Them and DEee-Lite... They sitting on hip hip for real.. watch the next era
@vernonandrews6310
Tricia Hamill absolutely agree!
@joewansee8026
One of my favorite 90',s bands.
@williamandrews4251
Great song tells the truth and that in itself is pure.l had almost forgotten this band.l'm glad l remembered.
@Sweventions2
This song was in a skateboarding video back in the 90's. Good old days. Oh youth, come back.
@musicalmitch
Brilliant lyrics
@drfreebird777
I think good poetry dares ask questions outloud the rest of us would, but we're too afraid...and so when we find someone willing we connect with them--relieved someone dared.
@jarmsies
huh!
@philipmatricardi2155
high art has never been about popularity. these lyrics are poetry set to magic; the music connects with those of us who need to hear it. don't like luscious jackson? fine, go 'way and stay the fuck outta my way.