The band's moniker comes from a discarded coat James saw while walking through the remains of his favorite bar the morning after it burned down. The coat had the letters "MMJ" embroided on it. The band has released seven albums so far: "The Tennessee Fire" (1999), "At Dawn" (2001), "It Still Moves" (2003), "Z" (2005), "Evil Urges" (2008), "Circuital" (2011) & "The Waterfall" (2015). The band's breakthrough came when their 2003 single "One Big Holiday" became one of the most played songs on college radio that year. 2008's "I'm Amazed" was also a sizable hit, peaking at #6 on Billboard's Triple A (adult album alternative) Singles chart.
The Circuital songfacts reports that "Circuital" was recorded inside a church’s converted gymnasium in the band's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Said frontman Jim James: “I hate the phrase ‘going back to our roots’, but for this record we came home and made it in Kentucky. And it just felt a lot like it did when we were first starting out.”
James co-produced the record with Tucker Martine. The pair first worked together when James appeared on Laura Veirs ' album "July Flame" in 2010, which Martine, Veirs’ husband, also produced.
My Morning Jacket guest stared in the American Dad Episode "My Morning Straitjacket" where Stan Smith becomes obsessed with them and decides to become a groupie. The edisode was first aired November 22 2009.
Dark
My Morning Jacket Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A lizard on a string
No one ever screams any more
It's called the dark
It's not a sunny day for the dark
Let in the dark
Then you you can sleep
Let in the dark
It's not another day for the dark
Let in the dark
Then you can be bereaved
And pardoned
So tight, I can't breathe
God's fingers chokin' me
Like a prisoner on his knees
Beggin' won't do a thing for me
So c'mon (you can't fight it)
People, oh they're my thing these days
They like to swim, and catch them rays
Money, don't do a thing for me
I'm happy now, that's how I be
It's called the dark
The lyrics to My Morning Jacket's song "Dark" are open to interpretation as there are various ways to understand the meaning of the song. A possible interpretation of the verses could be that the song talks about being trapped in a negative or dark mindset. The line "Trapped in gasoline, a lizard on a string" could symbolize feeling helpless and stuck, like a lizard being controlled by its captor. The line "No one ever screams anymore" could be seen as a commentary on how society has become desensitized to violence and pain or how people have stopped expressing their emotions, causing a sense of isolation and loneliness.
However, the chorus brings a sense of freedom and relief, suggesting that one can find solace in the darkness. It might not be a sunny day, but it is a different kind of day, "It's not another day for the dark." The singer invites the darkness to come in to offer a moment of respite from the struggles of life. The phrase "Then you can sleep and move and park" could be interpreted as a euphemism for taking a break from reality, letting go of one's worries, and indulging in a release that can help one feel more alive.
The second verse continues with the theme of feeling trapped and suffocated by societal expectations or a higher power. The line "So tight, I can't breathe, God's fingers chokin' me" could be analyzing the feeling of being at the mercy of a higher power or being choked by the ideals and expectations placed upon oneself. However, the singer accepts his circumstances, acknowledging that begging won't change anything.
Overall, "Dark" offers a complex contemplation of finding peace in the midst of turmoil, and how it might not be an immediate solution, but taking time for oneself can provide enough relief to keep going.
Line by Line Meaning
Trapped in gasoline,
Feeling stuck and unable to move forward, as if surrounded by a volatile substance that could ignite at any moment.
A lizard on a string,
Feeling controlled and manipulated, like a powerless creature being led by something else.
No one ever screams any more
Society has become numb and complacent, no longer expressing intense emotions or reactions.
It's called the dark
Referring to a state of being, possibly depression or anxiety, that is consuming and difficult to escape.
It's not a sunny day for the dark
Metaphorically suggesting that the darkness cannot simply be dispelled by positivity or good times.
Let in the dark,
Embracing and accepting the darkness as a part of oneself, rather than ignoring or denying its existence.
Then you you can sleep
Allowing oneself to rest and rejuvenate without constant anxiety or stress from the darkness.
And fuck and park
Indulging in physical sensations and pleasures, as a means of escapism from the darkness or as part of an acceptance of one's own humanity.
It's not another day for the dark
Suggesting that the darkness is not something that can be simply brushed off or overcome on a daily basis.
Then you can sleep
Reiterating the idea that rest and relaxation are important for dealing with the darkness.
And move and park
Reemphasizing the idea of indulging in physical movement and sensation in order to escape or accept the darkness.
So tight, I can't breathe,
Feeling suffocated and restricted, as if one's ability to live or function is being hindered or threatened.
God's fingers chokin' me,
Describing the feeling of being under immense pressure or experiencing suffering or pain, with a metaphorical reference to a higher power or destiny.
Like a prisoner on his knees,
Suggesting a lack of agency or control over one's own life, and a feeling of powerlessness or submission.
Beggin' won't do a thing for me
Acknowledging that simply asking for help or mercy will not be enough to alleviate the suffering or darkness.
So c'mon (you can't fight it)
Concluding that attempting to resist or deny the darkness is futile, and that acceptance or confrontation is necessary instead.
People, oh they're my thing these days,
Finding joy and value in human connections and relationships, as a contrast to the negative emotions associated with the darkness.
They like to swim, and catch them rays
Referencing the simple pleasures and experiences of enjoyment that can balance out the darkness.
Money, don't do a thing for me,
Rejecting the idea that material possessions or wealth will bring happiness or solve the problems associated with the darkness.
I'm happy now, that's how I be
Expressing contentment and acceptance of one's life as it is, even with the presence of the darkness.
It's called the dark.
Reiterating the central theme of the song and concluding that the darkness is an ever-present part of life that must be reckoned with.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Olliges Jr
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
D Ringo
on Librarian
Fantastic song...simple song with a huge message