The three original members first played together in 1989, but didn't come together as an established act until 2000. Perhaps to make up for lost time, they proceeded to record their first album, a self-titled effort released on Fresh Sound, after playing only three gigs together. In 2002, after playing a show at the Village Vanguard which was heard by Columbia Records representative Yves Beauvais, the band was signed to Columbia. They released their major label debut, These Are the Vistas, in 2003, and followed it up with Give in 2004 and Suspicious Activity? in 2005. Also in 2005, a live disc - Blunt Object: Live in Tokyo - was released. The band went into the studio again in September 2006 to record Prog, released in May 2007.
The trio's music combines elements of traditional and free jazz with rock and pop influences; These Are the Vistas included a version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit", Blondie's "Heart of Glass" and "Flim" by Aphex Twin. Give contains covers of tunes by the Pixies and Black Sabbath, while Suspicious Activity contains a cover of the theme from Chariots of Fire. Prog contains a cover of Rush's "Tom Sawyer".
Lithium
The Bad Plus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I found my friends, they're in my head
I'm so ugly but that's okay 'cause so are you
They broke our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday
For all I care, I'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze
I'm so lonely, that's okay
I shaved my head and I'm not sad
And just maybe I'm to blame for all I've heard
But I'm not sure
I'm so excited, I can't wait
To meet you there, I don't care
I'm so horny but that's okay
My will is good
I like it, I'm not gonna
I miss you, I'm not gonna
I love you, I'm not gonna
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
I'm so happy 'cause today
I found my friends, they're in my head
I'm so ugly but that's okay 'cause so are you
They broke our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday
For all I care, I'm not scared
Light my candles in a daze
'Cause I've found God
I like it, I'm not gonna
I miss you, I'm not gonna
I love you, I'm not gonna
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
I like it, I'm not gonna
I miss you, I'm not gonna
I love you, I'm not gonna
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
The song Lithium by The Bad Plus is a cover of the Nirvana song of the same name. The song talks about being happy because the lead singer has found his friends in his head, indicating that he is perhaps a little bit unstable. He talks about being okay with being ugly because his friends are too, indicating a sense of belonging and perhaps a desire to fit in. The line "they broke our mirrors" could be interpreted as a metaphor for something that has shattered their sense of self, and they no longer have a clear reflection of who they are.
The lyrics then mention that Sunday morning is the same as every day and that the singer is not scared. Perhaps this line is a reference to self-destructive behavior, where every day is the same as the last and there is a lack of purpose and direction. The phrase "lighting candles in a daze" could suggest a nod to religious transcendence, with the singer finding God, although it is unclear if this is a genuine or ironic statement.
The final section of the song repeats earlier lines and ends on the phrase "I'm not gonna crack", which could mean that the singer is determined not to break down or lose control. The song as a whole presents a complex and cryptic perspective on identity, belonging, and mental health.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so happy 'cause today
I feel contented today
I found my friends, they're in my head
I found companionship in my thoughts
I'm so ugly but that's okay 'cause so are you
My appearance doesn't matter, as neither does yours
They broke our mirrors
Our reflections cannot be seen as they have shattered our mirrors
Sunday morning is everyday
Every day feels peaceful and calm
For all I care, I'm not scared
I am unafraid and indifferent
Light my candles in a daze
I light candles while in a trance-like state
'Cause I've found God
I have discovered spirituality
I'm so lonely, that's okay
Feeling lonely is acceptable
I shaved my head and I'm not sad
I have cut off my hair but am not upset
And just maybe I'm to blame for all I've heard
Perhaps I am responsible for everything I've heard
But I'm not sure
I am uncertain about my culpability
I'm so excited, I can't wait
I am thrilled and eager
To meet you there, I don't care
I am excited to meet you and am indifferent to the location
I'm so horny but that's okay
Feeling sexual desire is acceptable
My will is good
I am determined and strong-willed
I like it, I'm not gonna
I enjoy it, but will not follow through
I miss you, I'm not gonna
I long for you, but will not act on it
I love you, I'm not gonna
I hold affection for you, but will not show it
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
I have murdered you, but will not confess
I like it, I'm not gonna
I enjoy it, but will not follow through
I miss you, I'm not gonna
I long for you, but will not act on it
I love you, I'm not gonna
I hold affection for you, but will not show it
I killed you, I'm not gonna crack
I have murdered you, but will not confess
Contributed by Reagan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MilectricWizard
This made my head explode. Thank you for making this glorious cover for us severe music jazz geeks
Jay Deal
I love how Wendy Lewis plays around with the vocals more here than on the album. That was the one thing I thought the album needed. Here voice to join the instruments.
Vladimir Chupakhin
amazing cover, catching the essence of the song precisely.
Danilo Nogueira
Simplesmente fantástico!
Dwight Ashley
this is a real gem... perfect!
Alessandro Martins
Versão irada de Lithium!
D
This is just unbelieveable!!
CKyBpUk
Рваный ритм, обалденный кавер
Fellipe Pires
YOU. GUYS. ARE. SCARING. ME.
SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agustín González
no pude dejar de hacer palmas!!! jajajajaja