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
Wheelchair Epidemic
The Jesus Lizard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your words are broken, you got the flu,
that tour of smokin' your times are through
Your body's achin,', you need a rest,
your body's achin', take a rest I say
Ah ah, ah ah, ah ah, hey
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
Hey everybody, you're all fucked up,
Your body's achin', you need a rest,
your body's achin', they got arrested say
Ah ah, ah ah, ah ah, hey
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
Your hands are too big, your clothes look plastic,
are you stupid, or just a faggot
Your body's achin', you need a rest,
your body's achin', they got arrested say
Ah ah, ah ah, ah ah, hey
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
The lyrics to The Jesus Lizard's "Wheelchair Epidemic" are difficult to decipher, but they seem to be a criticism of the drug-fueled party culture of the music industry, particularly during the band's time on tour. The repeated phrase "hep hep" might be a reference to the in-group mentality that can develop within a scene, while the accusation that "your words are broken" might be a reference to the slurred speech that can result from substance abuse. The chorus emphasizes the physical toll that this lifestyle takes on the body, with the repeated phrase "your body's achin', you need a rest," as well as a suggestion that some unnamed people have recently been arrested.
The verses contain more specific insults, with one line accusing someone of being a "faggot." It's difficult to say whether the band is simply using homophobic language as a shock tactic or if they were genuinely prejudiced, but either way it's worth noting that the term was more commonly used as a generic insult at the time the song was written. The line "your clothes look plastic" might be referring to the garish, synthetic fashion of the '90s. Overall, the song seems to express the frustration and disillusionment that can come with experiencing the drawbacks of rock-star excess.
Line by Line Meaning
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
The repetition of this phrase serves to create a sense of urgency and set the tone for the song.
Your words are broken, you got the flu, that tour of smokin' your times are through
The singer is calling out someone who is not performing up to their usual standard due to illness or other issues, and suggesting that this is the end of the line for that person's career.
Your body's achin', you need a rest, your body's achin', take a rest I say
The singer is urging the person to take care of themselves and rest, possibly because they are physically ill or overworked.
Ah ah, ah ah, ah ah, hey
This chorus-like phrase serves as a break in the song and allows the listener to absorb the previous lyrics before moving on to the next verse.
Hey everybody, you're all fucked up, have you been smoking pot, you're in a rut
The singer is addressing the audience and suggesting that they may be in a bad place, possibly due to drug use or other issues that are causing them to feel stuck.
Your body's achin', you need a rest, your body's achin', they got arrested say
The singer is repeating the earlier phrase, possibly as a reminder to the audience to take care of themselves and avoid ending up in legal trouble like those who have been arrested.
Your hands are too big, your clothes look plastic, are you stupid, or just a faggot
The singer is attacking someone's appearance and/or behavior, possibly due to their perceived lack of ability or character.
Hep hep, hep hep, hep hep, hep hep
The repetition of this phrase bookends the song and reinforces the sense of urgency and finality present in the lyrics.
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