From "Sister Jack", the lyrics "I was in this drop-D metal band we called Requiem" refers to Joshua Zarbo's first band, Requiem. Zarbo was the bassist for Spoon up until Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga.
Sister Jack
Spoon Lyrics
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I was in this drop D metal band we called Requiem
And they'd say relax
But I can't be a man this far down the map
I was sold for suspect drawings
Underneath a makeshift awning
Now I'm yours
Read it all front and back
But I can't relax
With my knees on the ground and a stick in my back
Sister Jack
I was on the outside
I was lookin' in
I was in a drop D metal band we called Requiem
And I can't relax
With my knees on the ground and a stick in my back
Sister Jack
No I can't just relax
Knowing that you're coming back
Sister Jack
The lyrics to Spoon's song Sister Jack tell a story of a person who has always been on the outside looking in, but they were in a band called Requiem. The band's genre was drop D metal, which indicates a heavy and dark theme. The singer of the lyrics was always told to relax, but couldn't do it and couldn't be a man this far down the map. This could be interpreted as feeling trapped or stuck in their situation and unable to be themselves. There is a feeling of being sold out for suspect drawings, which may indicate being compromised or losing oneself for something that may not be worth it. The singer feels like they belong to someone but also wants to be seen and acknowledged.
In the chorus, the singer repeats that they were always on the outside looking in, in their music career and possibly in life in general. They can't relax with their knees on the ground and a stick in their back, which could be interpreted as feeling powerless or oppressed. The repeated line of "sister jack" seems to be a reference to someone who is either a friend or an enemy, but it's not clear who that person is exactly. The song ends with the singer expressing that they can't just relax knowing that Sister Jack is coming back.
Line by Line Meaning
Always on the outside always looking in
I have always felt excluded from society and that I don't quite fit in
I was in this drop D metal band we called Requiem
I used to be in a heavy metal band that played in a specific tuning called Dropped D, which involved tuning the guitar's lowest string down to D
And they'd say relax
People would tell me to calm down and not worry so much
But I can't be a man this far down the map
I feel like I'm lost and directionless, to the point where I can't even fully embrace my own masculinity
I was sold for suspect drawings
I was judged and dismissed based on my creative work, which was not well-received
Underneath a makeshift awning
I was in a vulnerable, makeshift position, exposed to the elements
Now I'm yours
I belong to someone, or I am now under someone's control
Know I'm here
I want you to acknowledge my presence and existence
Read it all front and back
I want you to thoroughly examine and understand everything about me
But I can't relax
I find it difficult to calm down or feel comfortable and at ease
With my knees on the ground and a stick in my back
I feel like I'm being pushed around and mistreated, to the point where I'm almost crawling on the ground
Sister Jack
These previous lines are meant to explain why I am unable to relax and how I feel at the mercy of my surroundings
No I can't just relax
I still am unable to calm down despite efforts to do so
Knowing that you're coming back
The anticipation of your return brings anxiety and discomfort
Sister Jack
This repetition of the final line reinforces my continued inability to relax and my sense of vulnerability
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BRITT DANIEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ross Neuman
This is the best Spoon song, you can't change my mind.
KushClarkKent
Agreed. Instant nostalgia
erik dee Numba ONE!!!
The only Spoon song I can stand is I Turn My Camera On. I don't know why.
MadOcelotGod 81
Spoon is the best band ever
KushClarkKent
One of the most consistent for sure. They have no bad albums.
Jeff Scott
They write such terrific songs!
Jonah Arbet
This is such a great song
Mark Anthony Smith
Always thought this was a great catchy tune by Spoon.
Review Stalker
Great song. Love the mariachis in it.
Wilo Polis
Spoon (consistently great) + garage rock revival (always banger)