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
My Own Urine
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For those who are unfamiliar
For those who are unfamiliar
With any other way of living
And I can see by their eyes
I can see by your eyes
I can see by your eyes
And I remember the morning I awoke
I remember, but not very well
Marinating in a pool, a puddle of blood and urine
My own urine and someone else's blood
My own urine, someone else's blood
I can see by their eyes
I can see by your eyes
I can see by your eyes
I can't see, I can't see by my eyes
That lady so ugly
She looks like Dracula
I can see by their eyes
I can see by your eyes
I can see by your eyes
I can't see, I can't see by my eyes
The Jesus Lizard's song My Own Urine is a reflection on alienation and addiction. The opening stanza about dry air and fascination is suggestive of the isolation and loneliness that the singer feels. The refrain "I can see by your eyes/I can't see, I can't see by my eyes" speaks to the experience of being disconnected from the world around them, as if they are witnessing other people's lives from a distance. The repetition of the statement reflects a sense of desperation, as if the singer is trying to make sense of the world around them, but their inability to see properly separates them from humanity.
The second stanza speaks directly to addiction; the memories of waking up in a pool of urine and blood are harrowing and powerful. The use of "marinating" suggests a sense of being consumed by addiction, and the combination of the fluids implies a sense of desperation and despair. The repetition of "My own urine, someone else's blood" emphasizes the sense of detachment from their own body and the damage that addiction can cause.
The final stanza, about the "lady so ugly/she looks like Dracula," is a jarring moment that disrupts the narrative flow of the song. The use of the word "lady" implies that the singer is viewing this person from a detached perspective, further emphasizing their disconnection from the world around them. The use of the word "ugly" and the comparison to Dracula suggest a sense of distrust for other people and a fear of their own mortality.
Overall, My Own Urine is a challenging and introspective song that speaks to the struggles of addiction and isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
The dry air holds a distinct fascination
There is something alluring about the dry air.
For those who are unfamiliar
People who haven't experienced it before find it intriguing.
With any other way of living
They don't know any other way of life.
And I can see by their eyes
I can tell by looking at them.
I can see by your eyes
I can tell from your expression.
I can't see, I can't see by my eyes
I can't discern things based on what I am seeing.
And I remember the morning I awoke
I have vivid memories of waking up one morning.
I remember, but not very well
My recollection of the event is hazy.
Marinating in a pool, a puddle of blood and urine
I was lying in a mixture of blood and urine.
My own urine and someone else's blood
The fluids I was immersed in were my own urine and another person's blood.
That lady so ugly
Referring to a repulsive woman.
She looks like Dracula
She possesses features reminiscent of the famous vampire Dracula.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind