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
Dancing Naked Ladies
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you've been sweeping under rugs
You told me that you were dizzy
You told me that you were ill
You'd better sleep it off
It's because you're sick
And there are
No naked
No ladies
No
Lying soaking on sick sheets
Every hour up another degree
Misery lies there close to you
Misery fucks you in the ass over and over
You'd better sleep it off
It's because you're sick
To the undertaker
Meet your maker
Anyway, anyway, anyway
With that rash you're dotted and glossy
You'd better sleep it off
It's because you're sick
The Jesus Lizard's "Dancing Naked Ladies" is a haunting portrayal of a person on drugs. The lyrics describe someone who is struggling with their addiction, as they attempt to sweep their problems "under rugs." The singer listens as this person tells them that they feel dizzy and ill, and they encourage them to sleep it off. The song then shifts to a darker tone, describing the intense physical toll of drug addiction. The person is lying in their own sick, their temperature rising, as misery continues to ravage their body.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the person's addiction is spiraling out of control. They are no longer able to find solace in dancing naked ladies or any other pleasure, as their body is consumed by their addiction. The song ends with a grim warning, as the singer reminds the person that they will eventually have to meet their maker. The imagery of being "dotted and glossy" with a rash adds to the physical degradation that the person is experiencing.
Overall, the song functions as a warning about the dangers of addiction, as well as an empathetic portrayal of those who struggle with it.
Line by Line Meaning
You said you feel like you're on drugs
You expressed that you are experiencing an elevated state of mind like that of being on drugs.
That you've been sweeping under rugs
You have been hiding something unpleasant or uncomfortable to avoid dealing with it openly.
You told me that you were dizzy
You communicated that you were feeling lightheaded or unsteady on your feet.
You told me that you were ill
You shared that you were feeling physically or mentally unwell.
You'd better sleep it off
It is advisable that you rest in order to recover from your ailment.
It's because you're sick
The reason for your discomfort and symptoms is due to being ill.
And there are
However, there is something that is lacking.
No dancing
There is no joyful movement or celebration happening.
No naked
There are no exposed or vulnerable characteristics or actions.
No ladies
There are no women present.
No
In essence, there is nothing positive or exciting occurring.
Lying soaking on sick sheets
Reclining on bedding that has been made wet by bodily fluids due to sickness or disease.
Every hour up another degree
At regular intervals, your body temperature is increasing beyond the normal range due to illness.
Misery lies there close to you
A sense of great unhappiness and suffering is near to you and surrounds you.
Misery fucks you in the ass over and over
Your suffering and agony are being continuously inflicted on you, with no relief or respite.
To the undertaker
The person who prepares and handles deceased individuals for burial or cremation.
Meet your maker
You will be facing judgment after death and answering for your actions.
Anyway, anyway, anyway
Regardless of what happens or what you do, there are certain inevitable outcomes.
With that rash you're dotted and glossy
with an unsightly and uncomfortable skin condition marked by small bumps and a shiny appearance.
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.