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.
Drinking In the AM
Mr. Cat & The Jackal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can have so many things but you can never have enough
When the pressure pushes down and you have to be your best
There's always one thing that helps to put your mind to rest
But there's one little problem, one little thing you can't see through
When you've had a couple to many everyday things get hard to do
So there's one thing you must remember, one golden rule that does applyAnd f you just stick to it, well, you're likely to get by
Don't start drinking in the A.M
Then you should be fine
Don't start drinking in the A.M
And you should keep your mind
Life can be hard, I know it can be hard to get by
But just don't start drinking in the A.M
Then you should be fine, put it back now
Work and life, work and life, work and life, hey
It can make you proud
Work and life, work and life, work and life, No
Don't let it get you down
When it all gets to much and you wonder if you would survive
Well no
You wont
None of us
Are getting out alive
But don't start drinking in the A.M
Then you should be fine
Don't start drinking in the A.M
And you should keep your mind
Life can be hard, I know it can be hard to get by
But just don't start drinking in the A.M
Don't start drinking in the A.M
Then you should be fine
Don't start drinking in the A.M
And you should keep your mind
Life can be hard, I know it, it can be hard just to get by
But just don't start drinking in the A.M
Then you should be fine
In "Drinking In the AM" by Mr. Cat & The Jackal, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles of daily life and the pressures that come with it. The opening lines establish a universal truth: life can be daunting and full of challenges, where material possessions often fail to bring true contentment. This sense of existential struggle is relatable; many people find themselves caught in the pursuit of more, yet they still feel a profound sense of lacking. The song acknowledges the overwhelming weight of societal expectations and personal aspirations that can bear down on individuals, suggesting that amid these struggles, there exists a common antidote—alcohol, specifically drinking in the morning. This introduces a central theme where indulgence is seen as a temporary escape from reality.
However, the song also brings to light a critical consequence of this escapism. The phrase "there's one little problem, one little thing you can't see through" serves as a cautionary reminder that while alcohol may provide a moment of relief, it can cloud judgment and complicate life further. The lyrics imply that daily tasks and responsibilities become increasingly difficult when one starts their day with a drink. The notion of a "golden rule" implies that moderation and self-awareness are key to navigating life’s hardships. This rule becomes the backbone of the song's advice: to avoid drinking in the morning to maintain clarity and cope effectively with the challenges life throws at us.
As the song continues, it moves into a more reflective tone, expressing the relentlessness of work and life. The repetition of "work and life" emphasizes the cyclical and sometimes monotonous nature of adulthood, which can lead to feelings of burnout and despair. The acknowledgement that "none of us are getting out alive" introduces a darker existential reality—that life is finite and can be quite harsh. This blunt truth evokes a sense of camaraderie among listeners. Everyone grapples with mortality and the futility of trying too hard to escape life’s burdens, yet the lyrics suggest that facing these challenges head-on, without the fog of early drinking, might be a healthier approach.
Ultimately, "Drinking In the AM" serves as both a warning and an anthem of survival. The repetitive chorus reinforces the song’s main advice: to avoid drinking in the mornings in order to maintain mental clarity and navigate life’s difficulties successfully. The urgency in the repetition highlights the importance of this message, while the underlying acknowledgment of life’s struggles resonates deeply. It’s a hymn to resilience, suggesting that despite the inevitability of hardship, taking care of oneself and adhering to basic principles can lead to a more manageable life. Thus, the song crafts a narrative about finding balance, trying to live in a way that honors one's responsibilities while still seeking the occasional escape—all without losing sight of what is truly important.
Line by Line Meaning
Life can be hard, life can be tough
Existence often presents significant challenges and demands resilience.
You can have so many things but you can never have enough
Material possessions and achievements may seem plentiful yet can leave a lingering sense of dissatisfaction.
When the pressure pushes down and you have to be your best
In times of stress and high expectations, one is compelled to perform at their peak.
There's always one thing that helps to put your mind to rest
There exists a singular remedy that can ease the mind and provide solace amid chaos.
But there's one little problem, one little thing you can't see through
A subtle yet significant issue arises, often obscured from immediate clarity.
When you've had a couple too many everyday things get hard to do
Excessive drinking can complicate daily tasks and impair functioning.
So there's one thing you must remember, one golden rule that does apply
It's crucial to adhere to a fundamental guideline for maintaining well-being.
And if you just stick to it, well, you're likely to get by
By following this rule, you increase your chances of navigating life's challenges successfully.
Don't start drinking in the A.M
Avoid beginning your day with alcohol consumption.
Then you should be fine
If you refrain from morning drinking, you can maintain stability.
Don't start drinking in the A.M
Reiterate the importance of not indulging in alcohol early in the day.
And you should keep your mind
This choice will help preserve clarity and mental acuity.
Life can be hard, I know it can be hard to get by
Acknowledgment of life's difficulties, recognizing the struggle to manage.
But just don't start drinking in the A.M
Reinforce the message of avoiding morning drinking as a means of coping.
Then you should be fine, put it back now
If you follow this advice and refrain, you can restore balance.
Work and life, work and life, work and life, hey
The repetitive cycle of work and personal life is highlighted.
It can make you proud
This balancing act can bring a sense of achievement.
Work and life, work and life, work and life, No
Repetition emphasizes the struggle, hinting at potential monotony or disillusionment.
Don't let it get you down
Avoid being overwhelmed or discouraged by the challenges of daily life.
When it all gets to much and you wonder if you would survive
In moments of overwhelming pressure, doubt about one's endurance may arise.
Well no
A blunt acknowledgment of the bleak reality.
You wont
A stark reminder of the inevitable struggles faced.
None of us
Collective acknowledgment of shared human vulnerability.
Are getting out alive
Ultimately, life leads to mortality, highlighting the transient nature of existence.
But don't start drinking in the A.M
Despite life's hardships, maintain focus by avoiding morning drinking.
Then you should be fine
Emphasizing the improved likelihood of navigating challenges if one adheres to this advice.
Don't start drinking in the A.M
A repeated plea to refrain from drinking early as a preventive measure.
And you should keep your mind
This choice preserves cognitive function and decision-making ability.
Life can be hard, I know it can be hard just to get by
Recognition of the ongoing difficulties inherent in survival.
But just don't start drinking in the A.M
Again, it stresses the importance of this guideline in managing life's burdens.
Then you should be fine
Restating that following this principle will lead to greater stability.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind