Janitor
The Arcs & Dr. John Lyrics


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I told you
I'm a Janitor... a Janitor
At the movie house
Big premiere
Japanese pic
Didn't get out till...5
Which makes it Sunday morning
Took my usual shortcut home through the park
I told you...

So what you want me to say?
I told you all that I know
I told you all that I seen
I only told you the truth

The park...
The scarf...
The body...
The BLOOD...

I didn't see any knife
His knife, probably
His-- I mean, whoever did it...
With the knife you keep talking about...
Which I didn't see...





I only told you the truth!

Overall Meaning

The song "Janitor of Lunacy" by The Arcs & Dr. John is a dark and mysterious track that deals with themes of power, control, and the search for meaning in one's life. The lyrics describe the titular janitor, who has the ability to paralyze and petrify, but also brings hope to those around him. He is portrayed as a figure of both tyranny and testing, able to mortify memory and deceive the devil's deed. The singer begs him to tolerate his jealousy and recognize his desperate need, perhaps seeking salvation or validation from this powerful figure.


Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing for the janitor to identify the singer's destiny and revive a living dream while forgiving their begging scream. The final line of the song "seal the giving of their seed, disease the breathing grief" adds an ominous note to the lyrics, suggesting some kind of finality or sacrifice that must be made. Overall, the song is a haunting and evocative exploration of the human psyche and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.


Line by Line Meaning

Janitor of lunacy
Addressing the supernatural force that deals with mental illness and insanity


Paralyze my infancy
Asking the janitor to stop any negative impact that childhood experiences may have had on the singer


Petrify the empty cradle
Requesting the janitor to put an end to the singer's feelings of emptiness or lack of fulfillment


Bring hope to them and me
Asking for assurance that everyone, including the artist, has a brighter future


Janitor of tyranny
Referring to the janitor as a mystical entity that has the ability to deal with oppressive forces


Testify my vanity
Asking the janitor to help the singer deal with feelings of self-importance and egotism


Mortalize my memory
Asking for assistance in building a legacy or being remembered after death


Deceive the devil's deed
Asking the janitor to counter any negative forces that may be the result of evil deeds, including temptation from Satan


Tolerate my jealousy
Asking for the janitor's understanding in dealing with feelings of envy and resentment


Recognize the desperate need
Asking for help in a time of great need


Janitor of lunacy
Repeating the refrain or calling on the janitor again


Identify my destiny
Asking for guidance in life or help in understanding the purpose of one's existence


Revive the living dream
Asking the janitor to help the singer achieve a cherished goal or aspiration


Forgive their begging scream
Asking for pardon or mercy for past mistakes or shortcomings


Seal the giving of their seed
Asking the janitor to prevent the further spread of negativity or corruption


Disease the breathing grief
Asking the janitor to eliminate or cure feelings of sorrow and despair




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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