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.
Jam Jar Jail
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I know where you're coming from
'Cause you come from the underneath the same stone
That I have often crawled
And I know you need music more than you need love
I know you can get some answers
Tell you where you're coming from
You feel, you're damaged
Hang on, don't panic
You feel, you're damaged
Answer me now when this has failed
There'll be no release from your jam jar jail
Ethics antiquated, I want them to stay that way
The best thing about this place is that you know that
You'll leave it some day
And I know that you need music more than you need love
Painted beds, pregnant men
Tell you where you're coming from
Hang on, don't panic
You feel, you're damaged
Hang on, don't panic
You feel, you're damaged
And it'll get you in the end
When it fails, your jam jar jail
Hang on, don't panic
You feel, you're damaged
Hang on, don't panic
You feel, you're damaged
And it'll give you a battle hard
Escape
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
The song Jam Jar Jail by Therapy? speaks about feeling trapped and confined, unable to escape one's own limitations and ways of thinking. The lyrics suggest that the singer and the person they are addressing share a background of struggle, but while the singer has found solace in music, the other person remains trapped in a "jam jar jail" of their own making. The metaphor of the jam jar suggests a feeling of being trapped and unable to move beyond a limited space, while also conveying a sense of fragility and vulnerability.
The singer encourages the other person to "hang on" and not panic, despite feeling damaged and trapped. The lyrics suggest that music can offer a release and a way to process feelings and emotions. However, the song is also aware of the limitations of music, suggesting that it cannot always offer a solution or an escape. The repeated refrain of "jam jar jail" emphasizes the sense of being trapped and confined, while also suggesting that this state of being is self-imposed.
Overall, Jam Jar Jail is a poignant and thought-provoking song that captures the feeling of being trapped and confined, while also offering a glimmer of hope in the form of music. The song's lyrics invite the listener to reflect on their own sense of confinement and limitations, and to consider how they might find an escape or a sense of release.
Line by Line Meaning
Well you walk just like a tourist
You are unfamiliar with your surroundings and stick out like a sore thumb.
And I know where you're coming from
I understand your perspective and background.
'Cause you come from the underneath the same stone
We share a similar origin or upbringing.
That I have often crawled
I have struggled and faced challenges in my past.
And I know you need music more than you need love
You prioritize and value music over romantic relationships.
I know you can get some answers
You can find clarity and understanding through music.
Tell you where you're coming from
Music can provide insight into your own experiences and emotions.
Hang on, don't panic
Stay calm and collected.
You feel, you're damaged
You believe that you are damaged or broken in some way.
Answer me now when this has failed
Tell me what's next when your current path doesn't work out.
There'll be no release from your jam jar jail
You will continue to feel trapped and confined by your struggles.
Ethics antiquated, I want them to stay that way
I prefer traditional moral principles and customs.
The best thing about this place is that you know that
The only certainty is that things will change and you will eventually leave this place.
You'll leave it some day
You will eventually move on from your current situation.
Painted beds, pregnant men
Unexpected or unconventional things that challenge our assumptions and beliefs.
And it'll get you in the end
Your struggles will catch up to you eventually.
When it fails, your jam jar jail
When your current coping mechanism or solution fails, you will feel trapped and confined once more.
And it'll give you a battle hard
Your struggles will test you and make you stronger.
Escape
Find a way to break free from your struggles.
Jam jar jail, jam jar jail
Repeating the phrase to emphasize the feeling of being trapped.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDREW CAIRNS, GRAHAM HOPKINS, MARTIN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL ROBERT MCKEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind