After a brief run as a recording-only project based in Austin, founding vocalist David Yow, bassist David Wm. Sims and guitarist Duane Denison relocated to Chicago, Illinois in 1989, finding kindred spirits in recording engineer Steve Albini and the Touch and Go Records imprint. With the addition of drummer Mac McNeilly, they began operating as a live band, expanding their following beyond Chicago's alternative scene into an international audience. Drummer Jim Kimball replaced McNeilly late in 1996, and was himself replaced by Brendan Murphy two years later.
Despite releasing a split single with leading alt-rockers Nirvana and signing to Capitol Records, the band failed to find commercial success amid the alternative rock explosion of the 1990s, and disbanded in 1999. Their reunion from 2008 to 2010 and following tour enjoyed positive responses from audiences and critics.
In October 2013, The Jesus Lizard were set to play at the All Tomorrow's Parties event Release the Bats in Melbourne, Australia. They cancelled this show due to "unforeseen circumstances."
Members:
David Yow - vocals;
Duane Denison - guitars;
David Wm. Sims - bass;
Mac McNeilly - drums.
Former members:
Jim Kimball - drums;
Brendan Murphy - drums.
http://www.thejesuslizard.net
7 vs. 8
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your presence is so very appreciated
Let us now drop to our knees in praise
And lick from between the toes of your feet
May we rest
With the weight of your fresh steamin' shit
On our backs
On our backs
Asking forgiveness
For things we do naturally
Lead us to the river
And pollute us
Bleed us and dilute us
Until we are clean and dry
(How can your love be repaid?)
Lick etc.
The song "7 vs. 8" by The Jesus Lizard is a scathing critique of the cult of personality and hero worship. In the first two lines, the band sarcastically praises the object of admiration, but the following lines take a grotesque turn, as they describe the supplicants literally worshiping at the feet of their idol, asking for forgiveness and willing to carry the weight of their excrement on their backs. The lyrics suggest that blind devotion to a charismatic leader can lead to dehumanization and degradation, as people are willing to abase themselves in order to please their idol.
The chorus of the song takes a more desperate turn, with the supplicants begging to be cleansed of their impurities and sins. The lines "lead us to the river and pollute us, bleed us and dilute us until we are clean and dry" suggest a willingness to undergo any kind of hardship or punishment in order to redeem themselves in the eyes of their chosen one. The final line, "how can your love be repaid?" is both ironic and poignant, as it underscores the unattainable nature of the idol's affection and the futility of striving to please them.
Line by Line Meaning
What do we owe this extreme pleasure to?
We are grateful for your presence, what can we do in return?
Your presence is so very appreciated
We highly value your presence here
Let us now drop to our knees in praise
We will show our admiration and respect by kneeling in front of you
and lick from between the toes of your feet
We will humble ourselves and show complete submission
may we rest
Grant us peace and tranquillity
with the weight of your fresh steamin' shit
We are willing to endure any hardships to show our devotion
on our backs
We will be a willing servant, willing to bear any burden
on our backs
We will be a willing servant, willing to bear any burden
and lick from between the toes of your feet
We will continue to show our subservience
asking forgiveness
We are aware of our imperfections and ask for your pardon
for things we do naturally
Forgive us for our inherent human nature
lead us to the river
Guide us towards spiritual enlightenment
and pollute us
We are willing to be corrupted in order to reach transcendence
bleed us and dilute us
Strip us of our ego and worldly desires
until we are clean and dry
Only in losing ourselves can we truly become pure
(How can your love be repaid?)
We are aware that your love is unconditional, and therefore cannot be paid back
lick etc.
We will continue to serve and submit ourselves to you
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ThinkerOnTheBus
May we rest...
John Stallings
My tires volunteer to find nails and hair and many more days of work voluntarily
Mister E
how can your love be repaid?
sanford grimmos
lick between the toes of your feet