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
Now Then
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now then
Really glad to be a career inmate in this jail
You weigh that much
They hang your ass
Your head pops off
You big fat lump
Without a bean
Now then
Now then
Whose child is that you carry inside your womb?
The dad is gone
The baby's fucked
Before it's born
A bastard kid
What will you do?
Now then
Now then
Now then
If you're displeased with yout insane sex drive
There are better ways
Of curing it
Than slicing off
Both your balls
With some old knife
Now then
Now then
Now then
The Jesus Lizard's "Now Then" is a song that consists of a series of dark and twisted verses that highlight the bleakness and pointlessness of many aspects of life. The repetition of "Now then" at the start of each verse gives the impression that the singer is addressing their listener at different moments throughout their life - as if the singer is looking back on the listener's past, present, and future.
The first verse seems to speak to the idea of being a prisoner in one's own life, feeling trapped in a certain lifestyle or pattern of behavior. The reference to being a "career inmate" suggests that the person has become accustomed to their confinement and is no longer able to see a way out. The second verse is even more bleak, addressing the struggles of a woman who is carrying an unwanted child - abandoned by the father and facing an impossible decision. The final verse speaks to the desperate measures that people might take to try and overcome their own urges or compulsions, even if that means causing themselves significant harm or pain.
Overall, the song seems to be making a statement about the darker aspects of human experience - showing the listener various ways in which life can be cruel, pointless, or simply unbearable.
Line by Line Meaning
Now then
A call to pay attention to the following message
Now then
Reiteration of the call to pay attention
Really glad to be a career inmate in this jail
Being trapped in a cyclical pattern of destructive behavior can be comforting
You weigh that much
Your actions carry a heavy weight and consequence
They hang your ass
Your actions have severe consequences and can lead to physical harm
Your head pops off
Your actions can have irreversible, deadly consequences
You big fat lump
A derogatory term used to belittle and shame
Without a bean
Having nothing or being worthless
Whose child is that you carry inside your womb?
Questioning the responsibility and accountability of becoming a parent
The dad is gone
The father of the child is absent
The baby's fucked
Imparting a bleak outlook on the future of the unborn child
Before it's born
Highlighting the early stages of life and the importance of parental choices
A bastard kid
A derogatory term to describe a child born out of wedlock
What will you do?
Encouraging thoughtful decision-making and actions for the betterment of the child's life
If you're displeased with yout insane sex drive
Acknowledging the negative impact of a hyperactive sex drive on one's life
There are better ways
Offering alternative solutions to the issue at hand
Of curing it
Implies that the issue should be treated as a problem that needs solving
Than slicing off
Suggesting a drastic and unnecessary solution
Both your balls
A crude reference to male genitalia used to accentuate the absurdity of the proposed solution
With some old knife
Further emphasizing the ridiculousness of the suggested solution
Now then
Reiteration of the call to pay attention to the following message
Now then
Final reiteration of the call to attention
Contributed by Alaina A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.