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
South Mouth
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Milky home cookin' and ashake in the shackle, like anervously calm noose
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Do I have to ask ya, do I have to ask ya
Do I have to tell ya, do I have to tell ya
To avoid the sharp teeth of a suckling brat child
Help me tear the twins all away from their mothers
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
An off duty clown always conjures up hoopla when she's sniffin' up snail tracks or steppin' on slug backs
Hey sometimes, hey sometimes, hey sometimes
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Hey sometimes we act like
Why do we all men pay attention to a wiggly waist line
Do I hate (have) to ask ya, do I hate (have) to ask ya, do I hate(have) to ask ya, do I hate (have) to tell ya
Hey sometimes, hey sometimes, sometimes
The lyrics to The Jesus Lizard's song "South Mouth" seem to be full of nonsensical phrases and strange metaphors. In the first stanza, the singer asks if they have to "cut the cackle" and "ask ya" about a "snake in a south mouth" or "a cooter canal path." These lines are not entirely clear, but they seem to be referring to something dirty or taboo. The next line is equally puzzling, with the image of "milky home cookin'" and someone "ashake in the shackle" suggesting both comfort and confinement. The overall effect is one of unease, as if something is not quite right with the situation that the singer is describing.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I have to ask ya, to cut the cackle, 'bout a snake in a south mouth, or a cooter canal path
Do I need to remind you to stop talking nonsense about dangerous situations in the south?
Milky home cookin' and ashake in the shackle, like anervously calm noose
The comforting feeling of being trapped is like being held by a noose that is equal parts calming and frightening.
Hey sometimes we act like animals, like we act sometimes like little girls
Occasionally, we can behave in irrational or immature ways.
Do I have to ask ya, do I have to ask ya
Must I bring up the topic again?
Do I have to tell ya, do I have to tell ya
Must I remind you of something?
To avoid the sharp teeth of a suckling brat child
Stay away from vicious and immature individuals who bite.
Help me tear the twins all away from their mothers
Assist me in separating the twins from their mothers.
Give 'em some go slow, just to shut their clam traps shut
Use a slow-acting substance to quiet down their loud mouths.
An off duty clown always conjures up hoopla when she's sniffin' up snail tracks or steppin' on slug backs
A clown who is not performing is always causing a commotion by being curious or careless about small things.
Hey sometimes, hey sometimes, hey sometimes
On occasion, every so often.
Why do we all men pay attention to a wiggly waist line
Why are men drawn to shapely bodies?
Do I hate (have) to ask ya, do I hate (have) to ask ya, do I hate(have) to ask ya, do I hate (have) to tell ya
Do I need to repeat myself for you to understand?
Hey sometimes, hey sometimes, sometimes
Periodically, once in a while.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind