1996 they released an album which is regarded as their masterpiece, "Now I Got Worry". An unwieldy mess of an album, Now I Got Worry, starts with a series of piercing screams and never stops confounding until the end. Featuring the legendary Rufus Thomas howling and barking on Chicken Dog, and The Dub Narcotic Sound System on Fuck Shit Up, Now I Got Worry was a glorious celebration of what an open mind(s) could do with white trash rock and roll.
Touring endlessly, JSBX gained a small but enthusiastic global audience. Subsequent albums were "Acme" (1998), "Xtra Acme USA" (1999), "Plastic Fang" (2002), "Damage" (2004) and the earlier "Crypt Style" (1992) and "Jon Spencer Blues Explosion" (1992).
Jon Spencer as well as the other members of the band had several side-projects. They recorded an album together with The Dub Narcotic Sound System. Jon Spencer played together with R.L. Burnside ("A Ass Pocket Of Whiskey"), David Holmes ("Bow Down to the Exit Sign"), The Honeymoon Killers ("Hung Far Low") and other artists. He is also a member of Boss Hog, along with his wife Cristina Martinez. Together with Matt Verta-Ray of Speedball Baby Spencer formed a rockabilly revival band called Heavy Trash which has released three albums. The band has also been associated in various ways with The Beastie Boys, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and others.
On the Blues Explosion's album "Damage" (2004) they left out the "Jon Spencer" prefix of the band's name to show that they are a genuine band.
Dang
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get a load of this
Next thing you know
You never were the one
Somebody help me
I can't handle what's happenin'
Just when I knew
*No, baby can't help
No. baby can't help
No, baby can't help
Can you give me a rockin'
Action packed?
I'm gonna do it
Believe I'm...
Greasy hair
Ain't nobody...
Slacked off your ass
Yeah, motherfucker
In the song "Dang" by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, the lyrics speak of a feeling of powerlessness and confusion. The opening lines "stop all of it now, get a load of this" suggest that the singer is overwhelmed and needs a moment to take stock of their situation. The next line "next thing you know, you never were the one" suggests a feeling of loss or betrayal; like the singer has been removed from a position of importance, or perhaps never had it at all. The next lines "somebody help me, I can't handle what's happenin', just when I knew, dang, hard on" reinforces the idea of confusion and feeling out of control. The repeated refrain "no, baby can't help" suggests that the singer has sought out help before but been unable to find it.
The second half of the song takes on a more aggressive tone. The lines "can you give me a rockin', action packed? I'm gonna do it, believe I'm" suggest that the singer is determined to take control of the situation, even if they aren't entirely sure what that means. The lines "greasy hair, ain't nobody, slacked off your ass, yeah, motherfucker" are confrontational and aggressive. It's as if the singer is fighting against an enemy, real or imagined, and is ready to take them on regardless of the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Stop all of it now
Cease all activities immediately
Get a load of this
Pay attention to what I am about to say or show you
Next thing you know
Unexpected events will take place
You never were the one
You are not the person I thought you were
Somebody help me
I am in need of assistance
I can't handle what's happenin'
I am overwhelmed by the current situation
Just when I knew
Right when I thought I had everything figured out
Dang, hard on
This situation is difficult and unexpected
No, baby can't help
There is no one who can assist me
No. baby can't help
I must deal with this situation alone
No, baby can't help
I do not have anyone to turn to for help
Can you give me a rockin'
Can you provide me with something exciting and energetic?
Action packed?
Full of excitement and adventure?
I'm gonna do it
I am determined to succeed
Believe I'm...
I am confident in my abilities
Greasy hair
Unkempt and oily hair
Ain't nobody...
No one else can match my skills and abilities
Slacked off your ass
You have become lazy and unproductive
Yeah, motherfucker
I am confident and assertive in my words and actions
Writer(s): Judah Bauer, Jon Spencer, Jonathan Spencer, Russell Simins Copyright: Rough Trade Publishing Ltd., Rzo Music Inc. O.B.O. Dirty Shirt Music
Contributed by Gianna N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andy Dolan
After all these years jon and gang still kill it. Ive seen a few hundred different bands live and jsbx shows are always the ones that i remember. Thanks guys
Apple Scruff
How is this band not more well known? Dang...
Jeff Maxwell
Landon Cooper They were big in the 90s
Butch
I have a pretty good idea why.
AKA-077
what idea
Shruggz Da Str8-Faced Clown
My favorite part is Jon's shredtastic theramin solo!!
Lyle .G
"I didn't know something could kick this much ass!" - Butthead
Allison Vernon-Williams
I fuckin love JSBX so gd much
Scowler
That little poot at the end...
Atraeyu01
Thanks Baby