With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Hellbelly
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Says it all you just wanna be jesus
Without the suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering
Jesus without the suffering old, twisted and
White dead crow on a fence is your style you play with your kids says it all
You just wanna be jesus without suffering
Jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the
Fire, fire, fire, hell fire, fire, fire, hell you're a tin God take a look at
Those gaps in your palms gimme those nails bang
Them in, bang them in! jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering
Jesus without the suffering jesus without
The suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering jesus
Without the suffering jesus without the
Suffering
The lyrics of Therapy?'s song "Hellbelly" are an exploration of the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious or godly, but do not truly abide by the values and principles of their chosen faith. The singer expresses fear of going to hell, but suggests that some people who claim to be like Jesus want to emulate only the positive aspects of his image (such as being kind and compassionate) without being willing to suffer for others or live according to the more challenging aspects of his teachings. The lyrics suggest that these individuals are performing a kind of self-centered spiritual cosplay, putting on the costume of Jesus without actually embodying his values.
The lines "your car salesman smile / says it all, you just wanna be Jesus" imply that this hypocritical behavior is a form of performance or showmanship. The second verse seems to describe a particular individual, with their style and family life ("dead crow on a fence", "play with your kids") serving as further evidence of their supposed piety. The repeated refrain of "Jesus without the suffering" drives home the central message of the song: that being like Jesus requires more than just a superficial mimicry of his image, and that true faith and compassion requires real, self-sacrificial action.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not afraid to die I'm just scared of going to hell your car salesman smile
I am not scared of death, but I fear ending up in hell because your smile resembles that of a deceitful car salesman. It reveals your insincerity and your true intentions.
Says it all you just wanna be jesus Without the suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering
Your demeanor indicates that you aspire to be like Jesus, but without experiencing any pain, difficulty, or hardship as He did. You desire his status without being tested like he was.
Jesus Without the suffering old, twisted and
Your God-like dreams of being adored and venerated are but a facade. In reality, you are old and twisted in your thoughts.
White dead crow on a fence is your style you play with your kids says it all
Your sense of fashion is similar to that of a white, lifeless crow sitting on a fence, and your affection for your children serves as a cover-up for your true intentions.
You just wanna be jesus without suffering Jesus without the suffering jesus without the Suffering fire, fire, fire, hell fire, fire, fire, hell
Your persona is centered around the goal of being a Jesus-like figure without enduring any suffering. However, your fate may be eternal damnation in hell despite your efforts to avoid pain.
Fire, fire, fire, hell fire, fire, fire, hell you're a tin God take a look at Those gaps in your palms gimme those nails bang Them in, bang them in!
Your attempts to be a supreme being are futile, and your image as a God-like figure is simply a facade. Look at the gaps in your palms, and let me take the nails and hammer them in, signifying your lack of divinity.
Jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering Jesus without the suffering jesus without The suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the suffering jesus without the Suffering
Your efforts to emulate Jesus without suffering are highlighted again, illustrating your attempts to achieve divinity without true sacrifice.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind