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
Seasick
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim
Well here's a notion, a single idea
Swing by the ocean, because
I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim
I can't swim, I can swim, I can swim, I can swim
Hang by a maritime, marine at nighttime, waiting waterlogged down by the high sea
Oh he don't know that
I can swim, I can't swim, I can't swim, I can swim
If there was even one chance, that he would come along
If there was even one chance, that he would come alone
If there was even one chance, that he would come along
If there was even one chance, and take a drink by the drink
Fucked up in the flood, stoned
And get soused by the sea
And take a dip, in the briny deep
Hang by the maritime, marine at nighttime
Waiting waterlogged, down by the high sea
Wading waterlogged, for that guy to arrive
Well he don't know that
I can swim, I can't swim, I can't swim, I can swim
I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim
The Jesus Lizard's song Seasick seems to be about a person waiting by the ocean, hoping for someone to arrive. The repetition of the phrases "I can swim, I can't swim" may represent the uncertainty of the person's ability to face whatever is coming, whether that be the person they're waiting for or something else entirely. The image of waiting "waterlogged down by the high sea" also adds to this feeling of uncertainty and discomfort.
The lyrics also seem to suggest that the person is hoping for something to happen, even if it's just a chance encounter with the person they're waiting for. They "hang by a maritime" and "wait waterlogged" for that person to arrive, perhaps longing for a moment of connection or escape. The line "fucked up in the flood, stoned" adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control.
Overall, the lyrics of Seasick seem to capture a sense of waiting, uncertainty, and longing. The repetition of phrases and the vivid imagery of being waterlogged by the ocean create a sense of discomfort and anticipation, while the hope for a chance encounter adds a touch of longing.
Line by Line Meaning
I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim
The singer alternates between knowing and not knowing how to swim.
I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim
The singer continues to express this uncertainty about their ability to swim.
Well here's a notion, a single idea
The singer introduces an idea.
Swing by the ocean, because
This idea involves visiting the ocean.
I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim
The artist continues to express uncertainty about their swimming ability.
I can't swim, I can swim, I can swim, I can swim
The singer expresses that they are becoming more confident about their swimming ability.
Hang by a maritime, marine at nighttime, waiting waterlogged down by the high sea
The singer describes waiting for someone by the ocean at night, possibly even standing in the water.
Waiting (wading) waterlogged, for that guy to arrive
The artist is specifically waiting for a man to arrive.
Oh he don't know that
The artist reveals that the man they are waiting for doesn't know about their intentions.
I can swim, I can't swim, I can't swim, I can swim
The artist once again expresses uncertainty about their ability to swim.
If there was even one chance, that he would come along
The singer hopes that the man they are waiting for will arrive.
If there was even one chance, that he would come alone
The artist specifically hopes that the man will arrive by himself.
If there was even one chance, and take a drink by the drink
The singer imagines the man taking a drink by the ocean.
Fucked up in the flood, stoned
The singer describes the man as being affected by the environment or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
And get soused by the sea
The singer envisions the man getting even more drunk by the ocean.
And take a dip, in the briny deep
The artist imagines the man going for a swim in the ocean.
Well he don't know that
The artist repeats that the man doesn't know about their intentions.
I can swim, I can't swim, I can't swim, I can swim
The singer once again expresses uncertainty about their ability to swim.
I can't swim, I can swim, I can't swim, I can swim
The singer feels that they are becoming more confident in their swimming ability again.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind