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
The Art of Self Defense
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is en route to your house just to knock you off
A sad pygmy who takes small steps
Who weeps while he snuffs you
Who sits on your chest
The art of self-defense
Is en route to your house just to knock you off
A sad, sad, sad, sad, sad pygmy
He weeps while he snuffs you
He sits on your chest
To him you're no different from all the rest
The art of self-defense
A sad, sad, sad, sad, sad pygmy
The Jesus Lizard's song The Art of Self Defense is an intense and dark look at the idea of self-defense. The lyrics seem to be describing a small, pitiful creature (a pygmy) who is on their way to attack the listener. The language used seems to suggest that the pygmy is particularly pitiful and unworthy – filthy and sad. However, despite this, the pygmy is still capable of inflicting harm on the listener – knocking them off and snuffing them out. The image of the pygmy sitting on the listener's chest creates a sense of claustrophobia and oppression – the idea that even the smallest and weakest of creatures can have power over us if we let them.
In addition to the powerful imagery, there is a sense of irony in the lyrics. The idea of the "art of self-defense" suggests a certain level of skill and expertise, but the reality of the situation is that the attacker is a sad, small pygmy. This contrast creates a sense of unease and discomfort – the idea that we may not be as safe and powerful as we think we are.
Overall, The Art of Self Defense is a haunting and thought-provoking song that explores the darker side of human nature and the idea of violence and self-defense.
Line by Line Meaning
A diminutive figure in a filthy loin cloth
A very small person dressed in dirty and ragged garments
Is en route to your house just to knock you off
He is on his way to your house with the intention of attacking and defeating you
A sad pygmy who takes small steps
A pitiful dwarf who walks with small strides
Who weeps while he snuffs you
He cries as he kills you
Who sits on your chest
He sits on top of you, exerting his dominance and control
The art of self-defense
This is his method of protecting himself and attacking others
To him you're no different from all the rest
He sees every person he attacks as the same, with no distinguishing qualities
A sad, sad, sad, sad, sad pygmy
An incredibly pathetic and sorrowful dwarf
Contributed by Mateo D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.