The group has released five albums since their formation: "Kind of Light" (2003), "Over and Over" (2005), "Not Only...But Also" (2008), "This Must Be Love" (2009) and "The 88" (2010). Additionally, the group provided the soundtrack to the 2012 film "The Lorax". The group's song "At Least It Was Here" is the theme song from the American sitcom "Community".
Jesus Is Good
The 88 Lyrics
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Silly tunes break
Hoping to shake
Out of bounds up and down pick a cliche
Any thought is a lesson
Beating 'em through
Eating time too
Feet slide and heat slide and breeze before me
Making trouble out of junk
Feet slide and heat slide and singing sorry
Staying home just like a monk
But jesus is good
The angels all screamed he could
But I'm waiting here just to leave
All this life's just too much to believe
Making art like a beggar
Looking for crumbs
Asking for some
Easing out your teasing mouth you sit back and hum
Getting high off a record
Laying back too
Hoping to prove
On the phones easy moans all in the grooves
In the song "Jesus is Good" by The 88, the lyrics suggest a sense of confusion and chaos. The first few lines contain phrases such as "out of bounds" and "pick a cliche" which indicate a search for clarity and direction. The idea of "reading bones in a record" suggests that the singer is looking for answers in music, searching for a deeper meaning or message within the sounds they hear. The use of the phrase "smoking crack in the back waiting for you" is striking and unexpected, and adds to the overall sense of unease in the song.
As the song progresses, the lyrics continue to explore themes of searching and questioning. The idea of "making art like a beggar" suggests a sense of desperation, as if the singer is struggling to find meaning and purpose in their creative endeavors. The lines "getting high off a record" and "on the phones easy moans all in the grooves" suggest a preoccupation with music as a means of escape.
Despite the confusion and chaos depicted in the lyrics, the chorus maintains a sense of hope and faith in the power of Jesus. The repetition of the line "Jesus is good" suggests a belief in a higher power, and the idea that there is meaning and purpose in life even when it seems elusive.
Line by Line Meaning
Reading bones in a record
Analyzing details to understand the true meaning behind the music, like reading bones in a record.
Silly tunes break
Silly things can break you, even if they seem insignificant.
Hoping to shake
Trying to shake things up and find something new or different.
Out of bounds up and down pick a cliche
Going beyond what is typical and finding a unique way of doing things, with many phrases to choose from.
Any thought is a lesson
Every thought can be a learning experience or provide insight.
Beating 'em through
Working hard to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Eating time too
Time always passes, and it can feel like it is being consumed.
Smoking crack in the back waiting for you
Doing something harmful while waiting for someone else, emphasizing the negative consequences of waiting.
Feet slide and heat slide and breeze before me
Moving smoothly and easily, with an air of confidence and direction.
Making trouble out of junk
Creating problems and complications out of small things that aren't worth the trouble.
Feet slide and heat slide and singing sorry
Apologizing for actions that were meant to be confident and assertive.
Staying home just like a monk
Refusing to engage with the world and instead keeping to oneself.
But jesus is good
Despite all the problems and difficulties mentioned, faith in Jesus remains strong and good.
The angels all screamed he could
Angels proclaim the power and goodness of Jesus.
But I'm waiting here just to leave
Despite belief in Jesus, feeling stuck or unfulfilled in current circumstances and hopeful for something better.
All this life's just too much to believe
Life can be chaotic and overwhelming, sometimes difficult to comprehend and believe.
Making art like a beggar
Creating art without many resources, like a beggar makes the most of what they have.
Looking for crumbs
Searching for meaning or success in small, seemingly insignificant ways.
Asking for some
Requesting help or assistance in finding meaning or success.
Easing out your teasing mouth you sit back and hum
Relaxing and enjoying music, letting the words flow out smoothly and easily.
Getting high off a record
Finding happiness and contentment in music, like getting high on a substance.
Laying back too
Taking it easy and enjoying the moment.
Hoping to prove
Wishing to show one's worth or abilities to others.
On the phones easy moans all in the grooves
Finding pleasure and satisfaction in listening to music and feeling its emotional impact.
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.