I Can Learn
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics


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I'd send you a rain god of painted balsa wood.
It's only regular, it won't matter none.
I'd rather a real god, who pushes buttons well.
I'd rather run it like a Corleone.
I'd run it well.
When in hell, when in hell do as the hellions do.
I think that I can learn I wouldn't bet my life.
I think that I can learn but don't hold your breath.
I think that I can learn if I try real hard.
I think that I can learn, what a weird idea.
Always in trouble for taking hand-outs and patting Jesus on his jelly roll.
Now the "L" train keeps track of turmoil.
I'll put a pistol where the whore had a hold.
I'd run it well. I'd run it well. When in hell, when in hell do as the hellions do.
I think that I can learn I have never tried.
I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?




I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Jesus Lizard's song "I Can Learn" are known for their cryptic language that leaves much to interpretation. However, it appears that the singer is contemplating his place in society and his own personal beliefs while grappling with the image of Jesus as a leader or role model. The first few lines, "I'd send you a rain god of painted balsa wood. It's only regular, it won't matter none. I'd rather a real god, who pushes buttons well," suggest a desire for a powerful, competent leader who can make a real difference. This idea is reinforced in the line "I'd rather run it like a Corleone," referencing the powerful mafia family from the film The Godfather.


The singer seems to struggle with his own beliefs and identity, wondering if he can learn to be a better, more productive member of society. The lines "I think that I can learn I wouldn't bet my life. I think that I can learn but don't hold your breath. I think that I can learn if I try real hard. I think that I can learn, what a weird idea," show a doubt in his own abilities and a wary optimism. He also seems to question his own actions, mentioning taking handouts and patting Jesus on his jelly roll (possibly referencing the spiritual leader's belly). The religious symbolism continues in the later repeat of "what would Jesus say?" indicating a deep contemplation on the singer's part.


Some potential interpretations of this song include a commentary on the idea of leadership and power dynamics in society, a questioning of one's own beliefs and actions, and a struggle to reconcile a desire to be a better person with doubts in his own abilities. The Jesus Lizard often used abstract and cryptic lyrics in their music, leaving much up to interpretation and creating a sense of mystery in their songs.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd send you a rain god of painted balsa wood.
I would give you a fake deity made of light-weight wood.


It's only regular, it won't matter none.
It is nothing special, it does not make a difference.


I'd rather a real god, who pushes buttons well.
I prefer a powerful god who knows how to get things done.


I'd rather run it like a Corleone.
I want to lead in a ruthless and powerful mafia-like manner.


I'd run it well.
I would be an effective and successful leader.


When in hell, when in hell do as the hellions do.
When in a bad situation, it is appropriate to act like those around you.


I think that I can learn I wouldn't bet my life.
I believe I can learn, but I am not confident enough to risk my life on it.


I think that I can learn but don't hold your breath.
I believe I can learn, but do not expect it to happen quickly or easily.


I think that I can learn if I try real hard.
I believe I can learn, but only through significant effort.


I think that I can learn, what a weird idea.
The notion of me learning is strange and unexpected.


Always in trouble for taking hand-outs and patting Jesus on his jelly roll.
I am constantly in trouble for accepting charity and being irreverent towards religion.


Now the "L" train keeps track of turmoil.
There is constant chaos and unrest that is monitored by the train system.


I'll put a pistol where the whore had a hold.
I will use violence to take control from someone who is perceived as immoral.


I think that I can learn I have never tried.
I believe I can learn, but I have never made a true effort to do so.


I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I believe I can learn, but I am wondering what Jesus would think about it.


I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I believe I can learn, but I am wondering what Jesus would say about my actions.


I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I believe I can learn, but I am wondering what advice Jesus would give me.


I think that I can learn, what would Jesus say?
I believe I can learn, but I am contemplating the impact my actions would have on my faith.




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

ifutureman

This one has always been a huge favorite of mine. Duane Dennison's crazy guitar treatments really give it a unique sound. Alas, they never could pull off the verse section live, because it sounded too thin without the extra guitars...

Andrew Barrett

the e.p. is really good

richard dietl

I WILL learn.

たちひろし

最高だ

Tricklarock

I have to admit, I haven't listened to an album past Lash, maybe I should??? I was so sucked up in that fuck corporate rock shit back then.

Noise Pollution

If you can think for yourself you might enjoy my playlists

Jacob Easton

What else is there to say? Many belong. So I'm good. I mean bad as can be I'm so bad for it yeah such a bastard send me to nowhere I already can ask you all what do you have for sale I can tell David I see you know what. High as can be. I stand with you pal buddy man. Bottles will be broken once again and the show will go on.

thebrokenclaim

metronomo.

C4V1AR

What a weird idea! 😃

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