Diamorphine
The Jazz Butcher Conspiracy Lyrics
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But I don't want to hear that stuff like
"when you've got to go you've got to go"
No no, no.
It's really very easy, just a case of suck and blow.
But you're not here nor there, you're somewhere inbetween
And don't get me wrong, we're thankful for the diamorphene
But there's no hurry, you just take it nice and slow
You didn't want to drink - I did
But I said ' hard to swallow something quite as sour as this is
And you laughed, and you said to me:
"Don't go getting old,
'coz getting old is not for sissies."
And now I'm roundin' bout the garden you like best.
And I'm wonderin' if you're thinking
"Oh dear God, Give it a rest"
So I'll just sit and watch and wait until the heartbeat misses.
Wait until the heartbeat misses.
I never got to say what I thought of you.
You didn't want to hear it I just thought you kinda knew it wasn't fair
Cause you told me straight,
I might act like an ass, but you saw sunshine out of there
And now on this dark night I can't see right from wrong.
I wish at least that I could say what killed you made me strong.
but as your breath gets faint I'm thinkin'
"What's the point of sucking air"
Suck and blow.
What's the point of sucking air?
Suck and blow.
So my face stays dry,
And I will never say
Oh why, oh why, oh why
Do you think I'd care?
Do you think I care? (ad infinitum)
Half the chance and I'll be there.
What's the point of sucking air?
The Jazz Butcher Conspiracy's song Diamorphine is a lyrical masterpiece filled with emotions that vary from anger, sadness, to acceptance. It begins with the singer acknowledging that it's not the first time he's been in this position, but he doesn't want to hear any subtle reminders that it's time to let go. The singer is likely watching someone struggling to breathe, and he's not sure if they're alive or dead. The term "suck and blow" in the song suggests that the singer is watching the person gasping for breath, using oxygen machines that suck and blow air into their lungs, and he's hoping the person will take it easy and not hurry things up.
The chorus of the song reflects the singer's acknowledgement of the power of diamorphine, an opioid pain medication often used in palliative care to control severe pain. The line "But there's no hurry, you just take it nice and slow, suck and blow" is referring to the slow breathing and the controlled use of diamorphine. The tone used is not condescending or mocking, but rather empathetic, with the singer expressing his gratitude for diamorphine's ability to ease the pain.
As the song progresses, the singer has a flashback of a conversation he had with the person who is now struggling to breathe. He recalls how the person laughed when he didn't want to drink something sour and told him not to get old because "getting old is not for sissies." The irony is not lost on the singer as he realizes that the person is dying and he's left to wonder what to do. The third verse is the most emotional part of the song, with the singer lamenting that he never got to tell the person what he thought of them, and now it's too late.
Overall, Diamorphine is a song about the inevitability of death, and how people try to cope with it. The lyrics are poetic, and the melody is haunting, making it a perfect song for anyone who has lost someone they loved.
Line by Line Meaning
It happens every time, I know.
I am familiar with this situation.
But I don't want to hear that stuff like "when you've got to go you've got to go" No no, no.
I do not want to hear excuses for why we cannot continue.
It's really very easy, just a case of suck and blow.
This process is straightforward and simple.
But you're not here nor there, you're somewhere inbetween
Your mind is not fully present, you are lost in thought.
And don't get me wrong, we're thankful for the diamorphene
I appreciate the painkiller we have received.
But there's no hurry, you just take it nice and slow
Suck and blow.
There is no need to rush, take your time with the process.
You didn't want to drink - I did
But I said ' hard to swallow something quite as sour as this is
And you laughed, and you said to me:
"Don't go getting old,
'coz getting old is not for sissies."
You did not want to partake, but I insisted despite how unpleasant it was. You made a joke about aging and the challenges that come with it.
And now I'm roundin' bout the garden you like best.
And I'm wonderin' if you're thinking
"Oh dear God, Give it a rest"
So I'll just sit and watch and wait until the heartbeat misses.
Wait until the heartbeat misses.
I am walking around one of your favorite places, wondering if you are tired of my company. I will wait until the end of your life.
I never got to say what I thought of you.
You didn't want to hear it I just thought you kinda knew it wasn't fair
Cause you told me straight,
I might act like an ass, but you saw sunshine out of there
I never expressed my appreciation for you. I thought you already knew, but I understand that it was not fair of me to assume. You were honest about my behavior, but you always saw the good in me.
And now on this dark night I can't see right from wrong.
I wish at least that I could say what killed you made me strong.
I am struggling to understand what is right and wrong in this situation. I wish I could say that your passing has given me strength, but the truth is I am lost without you.
But as your breath gets faint I'm thinking
"What's the point of sucking air"
Suck and blow.
What's the point of sucking air?
Suck and blow.
As your condition worsens, I am questioning the purpose of continuing to breathe. The process of inhaling and exhaling seems pointless.
So my face stays dry,
And I will never say
Oh why, oh why, oh why
Do you think I'd care?
Do you think I care? (ad infinitum)
Half the chance and I'll be there.
I am trying to remain composed and not show my emotions. I will never ask why you think I care because I want you to know that I do. Given the opportunity, I will always be there for you.
What's the point of sucking air?
I am still questioning the purpose of breathing as your life slips away.
Contributed by Hailey P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Spence
my favorite from the show, and one of the best from the album. I loved it when Pat came in with the fast guitar at the end. Also, it doesn't glorify the drug. Thanks for posting. Always loved Max's songs, glad they reunited, though he was sick at the time.
John Spence
Thanks for posting. I left a long comment on the Jazz Butcher Angels video which tells my time hanging with the JBC. Please post tough priest & penguins if posible. I don't know how. I will send you a bootleg, soundboard live cd. No BS, check out the comment, I saw them, taped, wtc. with their approval. I even wrote a reveiw for their performance posted on their website complete with photos. But I promised to never sell the recordings, which I never will.
John Spence
LEAVE IT !!!!