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
Mailman
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Also wants to know if he can hop around my hole
Wants to see my skirt rise abuxt my hairless thigh
He wants to run up close and score the winning goal
He can't see me
He cannot hear me
He can't smell or touch me
Read his writing sloppy scripping scratched out on some rags
The words he uses the thought he thinks is getting under my skin
I send his letters return
He can't see me
He cannot hear me
He can't smell or touch me
He sure as hell can't touch me
He wants to know if he can run his fingers through my hair
Also wants to know if he can hop around my hole
Wants to see my skirt rise abuxt my hairless thigh
He wants to run up close and score the winning goal
The Jesus Lizard's song "Mailman" is a concise commentary on the inherent power dynamics at play between a mailman and the recipient of his unwanted advances. The titular mailman initiates contact with the singer of the song with a simple request: to run his fingers through her hair. However, the aggressive and creepy nature of his subsequent inquiries ("hop around my hole," "see my skirt rise," and "score the winning goal") make it clear that he is not simply innocently flirting. The singer's rejection of his advances is further evidenced by her refusal to even read his letters, let alone respond or reciprocate his interest.
The repetition of the lines "he can't see me, he cannot hear me, he can't smell or touch me, he sure as hell can't touch me" reinforces the singer's power in this situation. Despite the mailman's repeated attempts to connect with her, she has the ultimate control by simply not engaging with him. The last stanza of the song repeats the same strange and off-putting requests from the mailman, implying that this cycle will continue on indefinitely.
Overall, "Mailman" is a slightly unsettling yet astute examination of the ways that power operates in everyday interactions, especially those in which one person holds a position of authority over the other.
Line by Line Meaning
He wants to know if he can run his fingers through my hair
He is asking for permission to touch my hair.
Also wants to know if he can hop around my hole
He is asking for permission to engage in sexual activity with me.
Wants to see my skirt rise abuxt my hairless thigh
He wants to see me expose myself.
He wants to run up close and score the winning goal
He wants to have sex with me.
He can't see me
He is not physically present with me.
He cannot hear me
He is not listening to me or respecting my boundaries.
He can't smell or touch me
He is not close enough to me to use his senses of smell or touch.
He sure as hell can't touch me
He is not allowed to touch me without my consent.
Read his writing sloppy scripping scratched out on some rags
I received his letters, which were poorly written and seemed like a cry for attention.
The words he uses the thought he thinks is getting under my skin
The content of his letters is bothering me and making me uncomfortable.
I send his letters return
I am rejecting his advances and returning his letters.
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.