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 Associate
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
South side skyscraper scape
Serve and protect my ass
Search and annoy
Search and annoy
Search and annoy
Seek hunt
There is a motive for every movement
This is the way I remember it to be
This is the way I remember it to be
This is the way I remember
Your skin to be
You've got skin like porcelain
Like dirty porcelain
Like crusty porcelain
Like restroom porcelain
The best place for you
Is the hell out of my sight
This is the way I remember it to be
This is the way I remember it to be
This is the way I remember it to be
Write a check
Write a check
And make it out to my associate
Make it to your associate
Be content
With a less than spicy lifestyle
The Jesus Lizard's song "The Associate" is a critique of the police state culture in the United States. The song describes the outskirts of the city and the skewed perspectives of the Southside skyscrapers, indicating the struggle for access and opportunities between the lower and upper class. The use of the phrase "search and annoy" is a play on the police motto of "to serve and protect", emphasizing a feeling of being oppressed instead of protected by law enforcement. The repetition of "search and annoy" indicates the singer's frustration with the surveillance and harassment they face at the hands of the police.
Line by Line Meaning
City street map outskirts of town
The location is on the edges of the city, according to the street map.
South side skyscraper scape
The surrounding of the place consists of tall buildings in the southern part of the city.
Serve and protect my ass
The person demands to be served and protected, but in a vulgar way.
Search and annoy
Law enforcement's actions are perceived as intrusive and irritating.
Seek hunt
The person is aware of being chased by someone, and is alert to this situation.
There is a motive for every movement
The person believes that every single action has an underlying reason or intention.
This is the way I remember it to be
The person is recalling or emphasizing what he knows to be true.
Your skin to be
The person is referring to the skin characteristic of someone or something.
You've got skin like porcelain
The person thinks that the skin is pale and smooth, comparing it to fragile ceramic material.
Like dirty porcelain
The person perceives the ceramic material dirty or stained, creating an unpleasant impression.
Like crusty porcelain
The person imagines the ceramic material with dried or dirty debris on its surface, creating visual discomfort.
Like restroom porcelain
The person refers to bathroom fixtures which have an unpleasant connotation, symbolizing uncleanliness.
The best place for you
The person suggests that it would be better for the addressee to stay away from him or her.
Is the hell out of my sight
The person wishes for the addressee to disappear from his or her vision entirely.
Write a check
The person instructs to make a monetary payment.
And make it out to my associate
The recipient of the payment should be a colleague or business contact of the person.
Make it to your associate
The payment should be directed to the receiver's representative or partner.
Be content
The person advises that it is sufficient or satisfactory to be content with a certain circumstance.
With a less than spicy lifestyle
The person implies that the recipient should accept or embrace a lifestyle lacking in excitement or stimulation.
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CAREY F MCNEILLY, DAVID L YOW, DAVID WILLIAM SIMS, DUANE DENISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind