The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 … Read Full Bio ↴The Legendary Pink Dots are a Netherlands-based band formed in August 1980 in the UK who, although distinctly underground, have been musically influential over the years. The band name was derived from pink dots of nail varnish on the piano in their squat, where founding members Edward and April lived. The band has as its focal point vocalist Edward Ka-Spel, who is, along with Phil "The Silverman" Knight, one of the original remaining members of the band. In the mid eighties the band resettled in the Netherlands, where they still reside today. Apart from Edward and Phil, the line-up has gone through many changes. Members such as Ryan Moore, a Canadian bass player, who joined in 1991 after the recordings of the Last Man to Fly with the Tear Garden (he joined as a session musician), went on to form their own labels and musical projects. See Twilight Circus and M Records. Their music is nothing if not original and it is difficult to categorise, but comparisons may be drawn with bands like Pink Floyd and Can.

Their sound has been described as an amalgamation of psychedelic rock, industrial, synth-pop and avant-garde. They have released over 40 records and continuously tour the world.

Members of the band have also collaborated with Nurse With Wound, The Dresden Dolls, Jarboe, HNAS, Jim O'Rourke, Skinny Puppy's cEvin Key, forming The Tear Garden. Ka Spel accompanied Skinny Puppy for a small part of their 1988 European 'Head Trauma' tour in Sweden. Key also appears on the 1994 album 9 Lives to Wonder.

No Matter What You Do
The Legendary Pink Dots Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jesus loves the little children even when they torch the cat. Jesus loves the little cat that flies then tortures this and that. Jesus loves yea, that which stings. Yea, that which stinks. Yea, look! No fingers!!! Jesus just loves everything. We do not deserve him.

Jesus loves the man who takes his name then wields it as a curse. Jesus loves the man who fakes his pain then flaunts it, lines his purse. Jesus loves his wife, the wise guy, shy guy and the sleazy shyster. Jesus don't steal pearls from oysters.
It would be beneath him.

We do not disturb him. We do not deserve him. We are so unworthy of his endless mercy.

Overall Meaning

The Legendary Pink Dots' song No Matter What You Do is a commentary on the hypocrisy of society's perception of morality and religion. The lyrics speak to the notion that Jesus loves everything and everyone, despite their actions or behavior. The opening lines, "Jesus loves the little children even when they torch the cat. Jesus loves the little cat that flies then tortures this and that", highlight the contradiction between the innocent nature of children and their potential to do harm. The line "Jesus loves yea, that which stings. Yea, that which stinks. Yea, look! No fingers!!! Jesus just loves everything" suggests that even when we do something wrong or repulsive, Jesus still loves us unconditionally.

The second verse continues to critique the societal norms of religion and morality, stating that even if people misuse Jesus' name or exploit their pain for personal gain, Jesus still loves them. The line "Jesus don't steal pearls from oysters. It would be beneath him" implies that Jesus is above petty acts like stealing, and that his love is all-encompassing, regardless of an individual's worthiness.

The chorus "We do not deserve him. We are so unworthy of his endless mercy" emphasizes the idea that humans are not deserving of Jesus' love and mercy, but he continues to love us nonetheless. The song ultimately challenges the idea of deserving love or being worthy of forgiveness, suggesting that it is simply given freely.

Line by Line Meaning

Jesus loves the little children even when they torch the cat.
Jesus loves children, even if they do cruel things like burning a cat.

Jesus loves the little cat that flies then tortures this and that.
Jesus loves all creatures, even mischievous cats that cause chaos.

Jesus loves yea, that which stings. Yea, that which stinks. Yea, look! No fingers!!!
Jesus loves everything, even unpleasant things like bad smells or painful stings, and even things without fingers.

Jesus just loves everything. We do not deserve him.
Jesus loves everything and everyone, even though humans are undeserving of his love.

Jesus loves the man who takes his name then wields it as a curse.
Jesus still loves those who misuse his name and turn it into a curse word.

Jesus loves the man who fakes his pain then flaunts it, lines his purse.
Jesus loves even those who fake their suffering for personal gain and riches.

Jesus loves his wife, the wise guy, shy guy and the sleazy shyster.
Jesus loves everyone, including people with various personalities or those who have made bad choices.

Jesus don't steal pearls from oysters. It would be beneath him.
Jesus does not engage in unethical behavior, like stealing pearls from oysters, as it would be beneath him.

We do not disturb him. We do not deserve him. We are so unworthy of his endless mercy.
As humans, we are not worthy of Jesus' love and mercy, and we do not want to disrupt his peace.

Contributed by Lauren H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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