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
Gladiator
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She slips her nit-picking in in any way for everyone
More than an occasional hazard
You run the risk of conceiving a bastard
You should see her use a gun
She slips her nit-picking in in any way for everyone
More than an occasional hazard
You run the risk of conceiving a bastard
In remembrance of the truth
In remembrance of Aunt Ruth
In memory of the gun
In memory of everyone
And of the warm sun
And the pain in my side
But if you ask her where she's gone
She'll spout a banter on and on
About a germ free place
About a germ free place in anywhere
Her sexual comedy from now until eternity
There is no joking, Moe, who knows what's going on
A droll spoof of a tragedy of awkward mediocrity
Performed on the plains of Serengeti
The Jesus Lizard's song Gladiator seems to be an observation on the dangerous nature of someone, possibly a woman, who is skilled at using a gun. The opening line "You should see her use a gun" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics suggest that this person may be manipulative, "She slips her nit-picking in in any way for everyone," and that they may also be a sexual hazard, "More than an occasional hazard, you run the risk of conceiving a bastard." It is unclear who this person is or what their motives are, but the danger they pose is unmistakable.
The lyrics take a turn in the second verse, with the lines "In remembrance of the truth, In remembrance of Aunt Ruth, In memory of the gun, In memory of everyone." These lines seem to be a way of remembering those who have been affected by this dangerous individual or perhaps those who have been victims of gun violence in general. The lyrics then shift again to a more sarcastic tone, with the lines "Her sexual comedy from now until eternity, There is no joking, Moe, who knows what's going on, A droll spoof of a tragedy of awkward mediocrity, Performed on the plains of Serengeti." These lines seem to suggest that the dangerous person is actually a source of amusement for others, but that the reality of the situation is far more serious.
Overall, Gladiator is a complex song that doesn't offer any easy answers. It seems to be a commentary on the dangers of allowing guns in the hands of those who are unstable, as well as a commentary on the way we often make light of serious situations.
Line by Line Meaning
You should see her use a gun
She is dangerous and cunning, proficient in using weapons.
She slips her nit-picking in in any way for everyone
She is passive-aggressive and critical, and will find fault with anyone and anything.
More than an occasional hazard
She is not just a minor risk, but a significant threat to those around her.
You run the risk of conceiving a bastard
Her promiscuity and disregard for social norms may lead to unwanted children.
In remembrance of the truth
This song is a reminder of harsh realities and unpleasant truths.
In remembrance of Aunt Ruth
Aunt Ruth may represent a figure from the past who faced similar challenges and dangers.
In memory of the gun
Dangerous weapons, like the gun, may have played a significant role in her life.
In memory of everyone
This song could be a warning to anyone who underestimates the danger of the woman in question.
And of the warm sun
The warm sun may represent something desirable or pleasant.
And the pain in my side
The pain could represent the physical or emotional toll of dealing with dangerous people.
But if you ask her where she's gone
She is evasive and hard to pin down.
She'll spout a banter on and on
She will use words to avoid answering the question and distract from the truth.
About a germ free place
Her description of where she is going may represent an impossible, idealized version of reality.
About a germ free place in anywhere
She has an unrealistic and detached view of the world that is dangerous.
Her sexual comedy from now until eternity
She uses humor, particularly sexual humor, as a tool of manipulation and control.
There is no joking, Moe, who knows what's going on
The humor is a facade and serves as a distraction from the true intentions and motives that are unclear.
A droll spoof of a tragedy of awkward mediocrity
Her actions may represent a performative, ironic take on life's hardships and the mundanity of existence.
Performed on the plains of Serengeti
This may represent the grand, epic scale of the drama this woman creates and the danger that goes with it.
Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.