The inspiration for this project came naturally while Gertjie Besselsen and Jacques du Plessis were working on the Theatrical Music Score for the Award winning, Marthinus Basson, theater production, ‘Die Storm’, for which they received a KANNA nomination. While working on this project they experimented with instruments like Xylophones, glockenspiels etc. and consequently found tremendous inspiration for their own project.
With a perfect combination of the understanding of, and the passion for, interesting instruments…and exceptional musical genius, they incorporated these instruments in songs already written by them and voila! Mr. Cat and The Jackal were born! They thought, what the hell and went ballistic on instruments like the Accordion, Lap-slide, Bouzouki, Melodica, Kalimba and a shit-load of percussion instruments, to only name a few! Soon afterwards the name ‘Mr. Cat & The Jackal’ emerged out of thin air and a five piece band was formed.
Gertjie and Jacques started performing with muso’s who came and went and was finally joined permanently by the talented and groovy, JC Visser on bass, Bernard Willemse on light percussion and Pierre Theron on low percussion.
Since then they have been recording an album at their own studio, making some of their own instruments, creating and writing songs, Performing live, in and all around Cape Town, Creating a whole repertoire of theatre soundtracks (from Peter Pan to more serious stuff), and made a music video.
There sound can best be described as experimental acoustic folk, with a dash of blues. With a circus of sounds created by foreign and handmade instruments their live performances is a complete musical experience.
Their debut album “Themes and Variations” was released 28 Nov 2009. The music video “Fresh Meat” is available at Youtube.
Down Below
Mr. Cat & The Jackal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One day my veins will collapse
Landscapes will burn and we shall return
Back to the desert down below
Down and down we'll go
Nothing will grow
Then we will knowWe reap what we sew
One day I'll wither and the children will cry
Cry for our babies to die
Fear in the air, it's just round the bend
I think it's our time to descend
To the depths down below
Where nothing will grow
Then we will know
We reap what we sew
Landscapes will burn
We shall return
Back to the depths down below
Landscapes will burn
We shall return
Back to the depths below
One day the oceans, rivers will dry
One day my veins will collapse
Fear in the air, it's just round the bend
I think it's our time to descend
To the depths down below
Where nothing will grow
Then we will know
We reap what we sew
The lyrics of "Down Below" by Mr. Cat & The Jackal weave a haunting narrative that explores themes of environmental degradation and the inevitable consequences of human actions. The opening lines suggest a stark, apocalyptic vision where natural resources, specifically oceans and rivers, are no longer abundant. This imagery of drying water bodies serves as a metaphor for the depletion of life and vitality, not just in nature, but also within the human experience. The mention of "my veins will collapse" evokes a sense of personal decline that mirrors the larger ecological crisis, emphasizing a deep connection between the individual's fate and the health of the planet.
The refrain of "Down and down we'll go / Nothing will grow" encapsulates a pervasive sense of despair that permeates the song. The repetition of falling suggests a downward spiral into a state of turmoil, where hope is extinguished and regeneration becomes impossible—hence, the reference to nothing growing. This imagery also resonates with the idea of consequences; as we sow seeds of destruction through neglect and exploitation, so too shall we reap the fruits of our labor: desolation and loss. The stark reality of what humanity faces looms large, highlighting how our actions today are inextricably linked to the suffering of future generations.
The emotional weight of the lyrics is further underscored by the imagery of children crying for lost futures and the notion that fear is imminent, "just round the bend." This line powerfully resonates with parental instincts and the desire to protect future generations from inevitable suffering. The lyricist appears to lament a reality in which, rather than perfecting a better world for the coming generations, we are instead faced with a legacy of degradation and despair. The expression of fear suggests a collective, even existential anxiety about where humanity is headed, and the despair that arises from the realization that we may not be able to reverse this path.
Finally, the recurring theme of descent into the "depths down below" underscores a cycle of decline that is deeply unsettling. Here, "depths" may symbolize more than just physical deterioration; they can also reflect a moral and spiritual descent that accompanies ecological collapse. The repeated call to recognize that "we reap what we sew" serves as both a warning and a wake-up call, demanding accountability for our actions. It emphasizes that the return to the "desert" is not just a physical return but also an emotional and existential one, where the consequences of our negligence become a harsh reality. Through this evocative imagery and poignant lyrical exploration, "Down Below" invites listeners to reflect profoundly on their relationship with nature, the environment, and the future we are collectively shaping.
Line by Line Meaning
One day the oceans and rivers will dry
Eventually, the vital bodies of water that sustain life will evaporate completely, leading to a barren existence.
One day my veins will collapse
There will come a time when my own life force will diminish, symbolizing a personal or existential decline.
Landscapes will burn and we shall return
Devastation of the environment will turn fertile areas into scorched earth, prompting a regression to a more primal state.
Back to the desert down below
We will revert to a desolate and inhospitable condition, reminiscent of a barren desert landscape.
Down and down we'll go
We are destined to fall further into despair and decay.
Nothing will grow
In this degraded state, there will be no hope for regeneration or renewal of life.
Then we will know
In our downfall, we will come to a painful realization about the consequences of our actions.
We reap what we sew
The outcomes we face are directly linked to the choices we have made, reflecting the universal law of karma.
One day I'll wither and the children will cry
I too will face decay, and the next generation will mourn the loss of innocence and hope.
Cry for our babies to die
The grief will be profound, lamenting the fate of the young in a world ravaged by neglect.
Fear in the air, it's just round the bend
An atmosphere of anxiety is palpable, suggesting that impending doom is nearing.
I think it's our time to descend
I believe we are at the brink of a significant downturn, perhaps a catastrophic failure.
To the depths down below
We will plunge into the lowest points of existence, facing our worst fears.
Where nothing will grow
We will exist in a void devoid of life, incapable of nurturing hope or renewal.
Then we will know
It is only through this descent that our understanding of reality will deepen.
We reap what we sew
Our present circumstances are a direct result of our past decisions, emphasizing accountability.
Landscapes will burn
The destruction of our surroundings will be inevitable, erasing the beauty of nature.
We shall return
As a consequence of these actions, we will revert back to a state of primitive existence.
Back to the depths down below
We will ultimately retreat to dark and unwelcoming realms, facing the consequences of our choices.
Landscapes will burn
The fierce destruction of our environment will become apparent as everything we hold dear is consumed by fire.
We shall return
There will be a cyclical return to a desolate state, reflecting the inevitable repercussions of neglect.
Back to the depths below
Our journey ends in the shadows of despair, a reminder of where we started and failed to learn.
One day the oceans, rivers will dry
The prophecy of depletion signals a future devoid of water, the essence of life.
One day my veins will collapse
Individually, I will face deterioration, echoing the broader collapse around me.
Fear in the air, it's just round the bend
A sense of foreboding fills the atmosphere, indicating that calamity is imminent.
I think it's our time to descend
We stand on the precipice of decline, confronting the reality of our decisions.
To the depths down below
A descent into darkness awaits, filled with uncertainty and despair.
Where nothing will grow
This new reality will be barren and sterile, offering no hope for revival.
Then we will know
Only through this experience will we gain insight into our failures.
We reap what we sew
Ultimately, our actions will return to us, and we will see the fruits of our labor — whether good or bad.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wonania
Love it ...
@bartlarter9061
RAD!!!!