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, âDie Stormâ, 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 instrumentsâŚand 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 âMr. Cat & The Jackalâ emerged out of thin air and a five piece band was formed.
Gertjie and Jacques started performing with musoâs 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 âThemes and Variationsâ was released 28 Nov 2009. The music video âFresh Meatâ is available at Youtube.
Judge Me Gently
Mr. Cat & The Jackal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not even a minute of your time
Oh, you just look right through me
And as your day go on by
I'm out here and I'm hungry
Oh, I need to forget
The fact that I never had any chancesI don't even have anything to regret
Judge me gently
All on our own, cold and weak
Judge me gently
It's more than just pity I seek
Yes, I'm dirty and filthy
What else do you expect?
It's not like I have any resources
Life like this has that effect
You know I don't beg your sympathy
I got my wine with your smiles
Yeah, it does 'kinda help when you know to speak
Restore something, some dignity for awhile
Judge me gently
For I'm alone, cold and weak
Judge me gently
It's more than just your pity I seek
And at the end of the day you know I'll go away as I breathe, my body no breath
And you can go 'bout your way without a reminder everyday of what it looks like when nothing is left
(Judge me gently) Your neighbour like yourself
(Judge me gently) As you swim in your wealth
(Judge me gently) Alone we are all weak
(Judge me gently) Your neighbour like yourself
(Judge me gently) As you swim in your wealth
(Judge me gently) How 'bout turning your cheek
(Judge me gently) Alone we are all weak
In the opening lines of "Judge Me Gently," the singer expresses a deep sense of desperation and vulnerability. They plead for just a moment of attention from someone who seems oblivious to their existence. The phrase "you just look right through me" conveys a feeling of being completely invisible, as though their struggles and cries for help go unnoticed. This yearning for acknowledgment hints at the loneliness and isolation that permeate the singer's life. As the day continues, it becomes evident that these feelings of neglect only deepen, as the person they address carries on with their life, oblivious to the turmoil happening just outside their periphery. The longing for connection is palpable, and the idea that even a brief moment of understanding could make a difference underscores the emotional weight of their plea.
The second verse delves into the singer's harsh reality of hunger and a desire to escape their unfortunate circumstances. They articulate a sense of powerlessness, noting that they've never had the opportunities to succeed, nor do they harbor regretsâperhaps because acknowledging them feels too painful or futile. This resignation reflects the impacts of their circumstances: living in a world where chances are scarce, and desperation becomes a constant companion. The plea to "judge me gently" introduces a complex layer of vulnerability; the singer is not simply asking for pity or sympathy, but for understanding and kindness in the face of their struggles. It highlights the duality of human experience, where one's poor situation doesn't diminish their inherent worth.
As the song progresses, the singer confronts their own harsh reality, acknowledging their dirty and filthy conditions as a product of their environment. They don't seek sympathy from the listener family or friends because they understand that circumstances have shaped their situation; instead, they're grappling with the impact of a life lived in poverty and neglect. The line about having "no resources" conveys a sense of loss not only in material terms but also in social and emotional support. The imagery evokes a gritty view of survival, suggesting that their social status has left them stripped of dignity and hope. The singerâs recognition of their condition leads to a poignant exploration of how society often overlooks the complexities of poverty, further alienating those who exist outside the norms of success.
The closing lines serve both as a powerful reminder of the human condition and a call for empathy. The repetition of "Judge me gently" underscores the desire for understanding rather than harsh scrutiny. The juxtaposition between wealth and isolation raises questions about societal responsibilityâif we are all fundamentally weak in different ways, how can we cultivate compassion for those in dire situations? The final lines convey an almost haunting realization that the singer may be forgotten at the end of the day, highlighting the transient nature of life and connections we forge. This confrontation of their mortality ties back to their earlier pleas for gentleness in judgment; itâs a reflection on how fleeting existence can be, and how everyone's struggles are deeply interconnected. In essence, the song embodies a powerful social commentary that challenges listeners to look beyond their own lives and recognize the shared humanity in experience and vulnerability.
Line by Line Meaning
I ask you please listen to me
I implore you to pay attention to my words and my situation.
Not even a minute of your time
Just a brief moment of consideration is all I ask from you.
Oh, you just look right through me
You seem to ignore me entirely, as if I am invisible.
And as your day goes on by
While you continue with your daily life without a care about my struggles.
I'm out here and I'm hungry
I find myself in a desperate state, both physically and emotionally deprived.
Oh, I need to forget
I long to escape the painful memories and realities of my life.
The fact that I never had any chances
I have come to terms with the notion that opportunities have always eluded me.
I don't even have anything to regret
I recognize that, given my circumstances, there's little to lament over.
Judge me gently
I plead for compassion in your assessment of my character and choices.
All on our own, cold and weak
Both of us are isolated and vulnerable in our struggle for connection.
Judge me gently
I request kindness in how you evaluate my worth and situation.
It's more than just pity I seek
I desire understanding and empathy, not merely superficial sympathy.
Yes, I'm dirty and filthy
I accept that my appearance and living conditions reflect my hardships.
What else do you expect?
Given my circumstances, it is natural for me to be in this state.
It's not like I have any resources
I lack the means or tools to improve my situation.
Life like this has that effect
Such a life inevitably leads to undesirable outcomes and conditions.
You know I don't beg your sympathy
I am not pleading for pity, although I do hope for comprehension.
I got my wine with your smiles
I find solace in small moments of joy, even if they're fleeting.
Yeah, it does 'kinda help when you know to speak
Conversing with others provides me a temporary reprieve from my suffering.
Restore something, some dignity for a while
These interactions bring back a semblance of self-worth and respect, albeit briefly.
Judge me gently
I ask for a compassionate evaluation of my reality.
For I'm alone, cold and weak
In my solitude, I am left vulnerable and powerless.
Judge me gently
I urge you to consider my circumstances with understanding.
It's more than just your pity I seek
I crave deeper empathy rather than mere sympathy.
And at the end of the day you know I'll go away as I breathe, my body no breath
Ultimately, I will eventually fade away, leaving behind only a memory.
And you can go 'bout your way without a reminder everyday of what it looks like when nothing is left
You will return to your life, free from the burden of witnessing my desolation daily.
(Judge me gently) Your neighbour like yourself
Extend compassion to others, recognizing our shared humanity.
(Judge me gently) As you swim in your wealth
In your fortune, remember those who are less fortunate.
(Judge me gently) How 'bout turning your cheek?
Consider showing kindness instead of ignoring those in need.
(Judge me gently) Alone we are all weak
Recognize that everyone faces their own battles, and we are all vulnerable.
(Judge me gently) Your neighbour like yourself
See others as reflections of yourself, deserving of understanding.
(Judge me gently) As you swim in your wealth
Remain mindful of the disparities between your life and those less fortunate.
(Judge me gently) How 'bout turning your cheek
What if you chose to respond with kindness to those who suffer?
(Judge me gently) Alone we are all weak
In our individual struggles, we find that we are all human, and frail.
Lyrics Š O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Mare_Island
luckily my cat survived some how. He actually is doing pretty well considering how brutal the attack was. A lot of people wonder why my cat is not kept in the house? The simple answer is because he refused to be kept inside. He was a rescue who had tasted the freedom of the outdoors, and had no intention of giving that up. From the day I got him he would constantly try to escape..There was no keeping him as an indoor only cat.
For what it's worth, I do not hate pitbulls, but the breed is aggressive and unpredictable by nature. Poor training and bad owners do play a large role in attacks such as this. That being said, it is undeniable that the overwhelming majority of fatal dog attacks in the the U.S. are committed by Pitbulls and Rotweillers. Often these attacks are by the family dog and against family members. Below are some facts regarding fatal dog attacks in the U.S.
Pitbulls and Rottweilers make up 77% of all fatal dog bites, despite making up only 6% of the U.S. dog population
Pitbulls are 2.5x more likely to bite in multiple anatomical locations than other breeds.
Pitbulls are responsible for 60% of all injuries and 63% of ocular injuries.
Pitbull terriers are 31% more likely to attack an unknown individual than other breeds
Pitbull terriers are 48% more likely to attack without provocation than other breeds
Pitbull attacks have higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than attacks by other breeds.
During 2005-2017, pit bulls killed one citizen every 16.7 days, totaling up to 284 Americans. Rottweilers killed over 105 people during that time period.
From 2005 to 2017, Rottweiler and Pitbull attacks contributed to 76% of dog bite deaths.
When comparing 2005-2010 to 2011-2017, Pitbull attack deaths have increased from 58% to 71%. Alternatively, Rottweiler deaths decreased from 14% to 7%.
According to a 13-year data set, pit bulls caused 72% of attacks that killed a person 10-years and older vs. all other dog breeds put together, 28%.</li
From 2005 to 2017, 54% of fatal attacks were inflicted by family dogs. Of that 54%, 64% were done by pit bulls. 52% involved killing a family or household member.
When examining a 13-year data set, 54 fatal attacks included a dog killing its primary owner. Pit bulls were the cause of 63% of these deaths, over 8x more than any other type of dog.
@Cowz19999
"She was always such a sweetheart. She didn't attack anyone before she mauled that kid to death."
Pitbulls are bred to fight and kill. They are NOT good family pets. Any responsible dog owner would tell you this.
If I want a dog that defends my property from any living being, I'll get a pit. If I want a dog that is a loving family pet that won't go violent, I won't get a pit. Simple.
Dogs are 70% genetics in terms of behaviour. You can train out about 30%. That still leaves 40% of genetics no master dog whisperer can ever train out. Pits are bred for fighting, they are genetically made for fighting. You want to bet you can train out the fight out of a pit?
You want to feel like "I got a soft pit" and then give your testimony in the news when your "harmless pit" killed your grandchild?
The overwhelming majority of pit owners don't even realise what kind of dog they are getting.
@Mare_Island
luckily my cat survived some how. He actually is doing pretty well considering how brutal the attack was. A lot of people wonder why my cat is not kept in the house? The simple answer is because he refused to be kept inside. He was a rescue who had tasted the freedom of the outdoors, and had no intention of giving that up. From the day I got him he would constantly try to escape..There was no keeping him as an indoor only cat.
For what it's worth, I do not hate pitbulls, but the breed is aggressive and unpredictable by nature. Poor training and bad owners do play a large role in attacks such as this. That being said, it is undeniable that the overwhelming majority of fatal dog attacks in the the U.S. are committed by Pitbulls and Rotweillers. Often these attacks are by the family dog and against family members. Below are some facts regarding fatal dog attacks in the U.S.
Pitbulls and Rottweilers make up 77% of all fatal dog bites, despite making up only 6% of the U.S. dog population
Pitbulls are 2.5x more likely to bite in multiple anatomical locations than other breeds.
Pitbulls are responsible for 60% of all injuries and 63% of ocular injuries.
Pitbull terriers are 31% more likely to attack an unknown individual than other breeds
Pitbull terriers are 48% more likely to attack without provocation than other breeds
Pitbull attacks have higher morbidity rates, higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than attacks by other breeds.
During 2005-2017, pit bulls killed one citizen every 16.7 days, totaling up to 284 Americans. Rottweilers killed over 105 people during that time period.
From 2005 to 2017, Rottweiler and Pitbull attacks contributed to 76% of dog bite deaths.
When comparing 2005-2010 to 2011-2017, Pitbull attack deaths have increased from 58% to 71%. Alternatively, Rottweiler deaths decreased from 14% to 7%.
According to a 13-year data set, pit bulls caused 72% of attacks that killed a person 10-years and older vs. all other dog breeds put together, 28%.</li
From 2005 to 2017, 54% of fatal attacks were inflicted by family dogs. Of that 54%, 64% were done by pit bulls. 52% involved killing a family or household member.
When examining a 13-year data set, 54 fatal attacks included a dog killing its primary owner. Pit bulls were the cause of 63% of these deaths, over 8x more than any other type of dog.
@dolanduck2290
Yeah, sue her ass and put those god damn beast down.
@gerardocaizaluisa510
You should go and kill that dogs !!! Poor kitty this is soo san :'(
@wolfgangeisenfaust678
You going to sue? I'd sue her for everything
@stavrogen
Did she even stick around to talk to you or did she walk off like nothing happened?
@christianrk304
Do not lie, that cat does not belong to you
@nannetteralphs9042
She has no control over those dogs, she shouldn't own them. Period.
@bbjx_clan1527
But how would she know what if this never happens to her
@stratz385
@@snoke29 it's not the dog, it's the owner. Do some research bud
@epictalgon
@Devon Wilcox Actually it's the dogs nature to act like this in the beggining, and I even had a dog that was from a baby and acted like this with people, it's not the fault of the person entirely đ