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
Monkey Trick
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Only a little is used to come to a close, only a little is used to come to a close
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
(Then I saw them), then I saw them, (then I saw them), then I saw them
What are they doing outside, what are they doing
What the hell are they doing outside, what are they doing
In so much brown and crap it's set in an odd light
In so much as they don't know what's right
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble that you invite
An absurd gag, a monkey trick, an Irish Bull, a childish joke
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
Then I saw the, then I saw them, then I saw them, then I saw them
I know they have them down there, I've seen them down there
Body parts all over thistown, what are they doing
The lyrics to The Jesus Lizard's song Monkey Trick are cryptic and open to interpretation. At first glance, they seem to be a stream of consciousness rambling. The singer seems to be experiencing hallucinatory visions induced by drugs or alcohol. The lines "He's gone in her lips, a glow from her lip ignites the shapes she sees" suggest that the singer is under the influence of some sort of substance. The reference to "her lips" could imply drug use or a sexual encounter. The use of "glow" and "shapes" suggests a distortion of reality. The singer's senses are altered, leading to confusion and disorientation.
The lines "In so much brown and crap it's set in an odd light/This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble that you invite" suggest that the singer is observing something that seems odd or dangerous. The "brown and crap" could be a reference to the murky atmosphere of the environment the singer is in. The phrase "it stops right here now" could indicate that the singer is about to come to his senses and realize the gravity of the situation.
The refrain "Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line" could imply that the singer is in a dangerous situation, possibly at the mercy of criminals. The line "body parts all over this town, what are they doing?" suggests that the singer has stumbled upon something sinister or violent.
Overall, the lyrics to "Monkey Trick" are open to interpretation, but they seem to suggest a journey through the mind of a protagonist who is experiencing altered perceptions and possibly observing dangerous or violent situations.
Line by Line Meaning
He's gone in her lips, a glow from her lip ignites the shapes she sees, in the shade
The singer is describing a sexual encounter where he has gone down on a woman and the glow from her genitalia is creating shadowy shapes in the room.
Only a little is used to come to a close, only a little is used to come to a close
The phrase 'only a little' is repeated twice to emphasize the idea of something small or insignificant bringing an end to a situation.
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
The singer is recalling a time when he was at a dangerous location and he nervously spoke like a child, stumbling over his words.
(Then I saw them), then I saw them, (then I saw them), then I saw them
This line is repeated four times to convey a sense of shock or surprise upon seeing something unexpected.
What are they doing outside, what are they doing
The singer is questioning the actions of unknown individuals, expressing confusion or suspicion about their behavior.
What the hell are they doing outside, what are they doing
This line is a more intense version of the previous line, emphasizing the singer's frustration or anger at not understanding the other people's actions.
In so much brown and crap it's set in an odd light
The singer is describing a scene or environment that is dirty, unappealing, or off-putting, using the word 'brown' to suggest filthiness.
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble you invite
The artist is warning someone that their current action or situation will only lead to more problems or danger, and that they should stop immediately.
In so much as they don't know what's right
The artist is suggesting that the people being referred to don't have good judgment or don't know the right thing to do.
An absurd gag, a monkey trick, an Irish Bull, a childish joke
These phrases are all references to different types of humor, but the artist is using them in a negative sense, suggesting that they are not funny or are in poor taste.
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow
This repeated phrase is likely a vocalization of pain or discomfort that adds intensity to the overall tone of the song.
I know they have them down there, I've seen them down there
The artist is referring to body parts and implying that they are being kept or used in a disturbing manner. The repetition of 'down there' adds an ominous tone to the statement.
Body parts all over this town, what are they doing
This is a continuation of the previous line, with the singer expressing their shock and disbelief at the idea of human body parts being scattered around their town.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matheus
He's gone in her lips, a glow from her lip ignites the shapes she sees, in the shade
Only a little is used to come to a close, only a little is used to come to a close
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
(Then I saw them), then I saw them, (then I saw them), then I saw them
What are they doing outside, what are they doing
What the hell are they doing outside, what are they doing
In so much brown and crap it's set in an odd light
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble you invite
In so much as they don't know what's right
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble that you invite
An absurd gag, a monkey trick, an Irish Bull, a childish joke
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
Then I saw the, then I saw them, then I saw them, then I saw them
I know they have them down there, I've seen them down there
Body parts all over thistown, what are they doing
J Dodson
This song has kept me going since high school and to this day the Big Scream still sends tingles down my spine like a lightning bolt shoved up my ass. Fuck, a perfectly composed song with so much fucking build up that keeps you on the edge of the seat. I just came everywhere.
ACDCrocks051
Sometimes I like to cover myself in Vaseline and crawl around on the floor and pretend I'm a slug
sarah shields
😂😂😂
Ash
Was about to say copied joke but saw the date and you might well be the first guy to make it 😂
Makoto S.
Something David Yow would totally do
Jayson Wilson
I just wanna be puuuuuure
Kassu H
a 10 year old referential joke has comedic value outside of its context on this current day? we truly live in decadence. let's dance
Matheus
He's gone in her lips, a glow from her lip ignites the shapes she sees, in the shade
Only a little is used to come to a close, only a little is used to come to a close
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
(Then I saw them), then I saw them, (then I saw them), then I saw them
What are they doing outside, what are they doing
What the hell are they doing outside, what are they doing
In so much brown and crap it's set in an odd light
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble you invite
In so much as they don't know what's right
This one it stops right here now, I think it's trouble that you invite
An absurd gag, a monkey trick, an Irish Bull, a childish joke
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow
Tonight at the knife stick up place, I spoke as a child and choked on that line
Then I saw the, then I saw them, then I saw them, then I saw them
I know they have them down there, I've seen them down there
Body parts all over thistown, what are they doing
dramanexus
Back in the 90's I asked Touch and Go records to send me the lyrics to this album and they did. Still didn't understand what this song was about. Still one of my favorites of theirs.
Dexinfl
Love bands like this who have such distinct basslines in their songs!