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.
The Journey Pt. One
Mr. Cat & The Jackal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That climbed Mount Everest
And at the summit of it, well, felt very disappointed
So he cursed up to the heavens and he cursed the Earth
Is that the best you've got?
Then out of nowhere appeared a man, lets just say more handsome than not
He said, I know the way through the gates through which no mere mortal man have travelled
But the agreement is simple so if you just sign then I will assist and you will be the first
Take me down, take me down, down that road, however far we must travel
I'm right behind you, let's not lose pace, you know I'm more than keen and able
In the contract he read things about loved one souls and all his earthly possessions
But that aside the journey to paradise had the answer to all of life's questions
So he knew he was throwing himself into the deep, he just didn't seem to care
He knew there was something more to this place and no one else could show him where
So down the mountain, through the valleys and to the cracks of the Earth he was led
When they came to the entrance of the Underworld he said the last words he ever said
Let's go on, let's go on down that road we don't want to get stuck here
The journey's been long but my legs are strong I'm sure the end is far from near, I'm sure the end is far from here
If you think you know where you're going and you've got your route figured out
Of one thing you can be certain, of one thing you can be sure about
And if you were me, lived on the same planet, you might agree that it is heaven sent
But your path is the same as everyone and it's not near
So let's go on, let's go on down that road however far it might still be
Enjoy the scenery in an Emperor lot, you know what you get is all you've got
Oh, let's go on, let's go on down that road however far it might still be
And you can tell me as much as you like, I'd be fine, I know your guess is as good as mine
You can tell me as much as you like, I'd be fine, I know your guess is as good as mine
As mine
As mine
The lyrics of The Journey Pt. One by Mr. Cat & The Jackal paint a vivid picture of a daring adventurer who embarks on a mystical journey guided by a mysterious and alluring figure. The adventurer, initially disillusioned by a lackluster experience atop Mount Everest, is approached by a captivating man who claims to know the way to a realm beyond mortal comprehension. The adventurer's skepticism gives way to curiosity as he agrees to sign a contract that seemingly involves sacrifice for the promise of uncovering the answers to life's greatest mysteries.
As the adventurer and the enigmatic guide descend into the depths of the Earth, the narrative takes on a foreboding tone, hinting at a descent into the Underworld and the inevitability of facing the unknown. Despite the ominous journey ahead, the adventurer displays a sense of determination and unwavering resolve, fueled by a yearning for enlightenment and discovery. The lyrics suggest a willingness to confront the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead, driven by a deep-seated desire to transcend ordinary existence and uncover hidden truths.
The imagery of traversing through rugged terrains and confronting the boundaries between the earthly and the divine underscores the thematic exploration of existential questions and the search for meaning in a world shrouded in mystery. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and anticipation as the singer embraces the enigmatic path laid before him, propelled by a fervent belief that there is more to life than meets the eye. The symbolic journey serves as a metaphor for the human condition, where the pursuit of knowledge and self-discovery often requires venturing into the unknown depths of the soul.
In its contemplative and enigmatic conclusion, the song suggests a sense of acceptance and humility in the face of life's enigmas and uncertainties. The repetition of the refrain "Let's go on down that road" evokes a sense of inevitability and resilience in the face of the complexities and ambiguities of existence. The lyrics invite listeners to embrace the journey of self-discovery, acknowledging that the answer to life's mysteries may remain elusive, yet the pursuit itself holds value and meaning. Ultimately, The Journey Pt. One invites reflection on the human experience and the transformative power of embracing the unknown with courage and curiosity.
Line by Line Meaning
There once lived a keen adventurer
In a bygone era, there existed an enthusiastic and daring explorer.
That climbed Mount Everest
Who undertook the monumental challenge of ascending the highest peak on Earth.
And at the summit of it, well, felt very disappointed
Upon reaching the top, he was met with a sense of letdown and unfulfillment.
So he cursed up to the heavens and he cursed the Earth
In frustration, he directed his anguish skyward and lamented his circumstances on the ground.
Is that the best you've got?
He questioned the universe, expressing his discontent with the experience.
Then out of nowhere appeared a man, lets just say more handsome than not
Suddenly, an appealing figure emerged unexpectedly, appearing charming and striking.
He said, I know the way through the gates through which no mere mortal man have travelled
The man claimed expertise in navigating a mystical path known only to the extraordinary.
But the agreement is simple so if you just sign then I will assist and you will be the first
He proposed a straightforward pact where a signature would grant guidance, allowing the adventurer to embark on this unique journey.
Take me down, take me down, down that road, however far we must travel
The adventurer eagerly requested to head down the unfamiliar path, regardless of its length.
I'm right behind you, let's not lose pace, you know I'm more than keen and able
The guide assured his readiness to accompany the adventurer briskly, expressing confidence in their joint venture.
In the contract he read things about loved one souls and all his earthly possessions
Upon reviewing the terms, he discovered clauses pertaining to sacrificing cherished connections and material belongings.
But that aside the journey to paradise had the answer to all of life's questions
Nevertheless, he believed the voyage towards bliss held the key to resolving every existential query.
So he knew he was throwing himself into the deep, he just didn't seem to care
Recognizing the risks of this plunge into uncertainty, he remained indifferent to the consequences.
He knew there was something more to this place and no one else could show him where
He sensed an enigmatic potential within this new realm that others were unable to reveal.
So down the mountain, through the valleys and to the cracks of the Earth he was led
He was escorted away from the peak, traversing the terrain downwards, exploring the Earth's depths.
When they came to the entrance of the Underworld he said the last words he ever said
Upon arriving at the gate to the underworld, he uttered his final expression before transcending.
Let's go on, let's go on down that road we don't want to get stuck here
He urged for continued progress, fearing stagnation in a realm of darkness.
The journey's been long but my legs are strong I'm sure the end is far from near, I'm sure the end is far from here
Despite the exhaustive trek thus far, he maintained confidence in his endurance, believing the conclusion was not imminent.
If you think you know where you're going and you've got your route figured out
Contemplating that if you are certain of your destination and path.
Of one thing you can be certain, of one thing you can be sure about
There is one undeniable truth that holds weight.
And if you were me, lived on the same planet, you might agree that it is heaven sent
If you shared my experiences on this Earth, you may concur it feels destined or divinely inspired.
But your path is the same as everyone and it's not near
Yet, the journey you undertake is no different from others, and it remains distant.
So let's go on, let's go on down that road however far it might still be
Thus, let us proceed further along this path, regardless of how far the journey extends.
Enjoy the scenery in an Emperor lot, you know what you get is all you've got
Appreciate the surroundings in the grand scheme of life, acknowledging that what you possess is all that exists.
Oh, let's go on, let's go on down that road however far it might still be
Once again, let’s continue forward, irrespective of the unknown distance ahead.
And you can tell me as much as you like, I'd be fine, I know your guess is as good as mine
Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions, but I acknowledge that we are equally unsure.
You can tell me as much as you like, I'd be fine, I know your guess is as good as mine
Reiterating that your insights, while welcome, hold no greater certainty than my own.
But I know your guess is as good as mine
Ultimately, I recognize that neither of us has definitive answers.
As mine
In repetition, emphasizing the shared uncertainty of understanding.
As mine
Reiterating the sentiment of equal lack of certainty.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind