Standard White Jesus
Timbuk 3 Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baby boom go boom
Baby boom go bump
Baby boom goes straight to the edge
And someone hollers "jump"
You gotta be dead to be bigger than life
But everyone's afraid to fly
Everyone want to be on a postage stamp
But nobody wants to die

Better bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Then read the letters that the children write
To the standard white Santa Claus

They want flash - somethin' awesome
Somethin' with a little kick
Somethin' semi-automatic
Just might do the trick
They want weapons to arm themselves
Against every childhood fear
They want rockets to fly up to heaven
And get the hell out of here

See the devils and the angels
See how shamelessly they dance
Defyin' the laws of gravity
On the shoulders of romance
The sensations - the temptations
Our forefathers have succumbed to
And the bittersweet fragrance
Our noses have been numbed to

Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Then read the letters that the children write
To the standard white Santa Claus

How grim our lives would be
If not for children's laughter
Like scary old fairy tales
With no happily-ever-after
Talkin' on telephones across time zones
Payin' the futility bill
Prayin' for rain, punchin' clocks
Changing the world like I change my socks

Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross




Then read the letters that the children write
To the standard white Santa Claus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Timbuk 3's song "Standard White Jesus" are a commentary on the modern American society's obsession with fame, consumerism, and religious hypocrisy. The lines "Baby boom go boom, Baby boom go bump, Baby boom goes straight to the edge" refer to the Baby Boomer generation's preoccupation with material wealth and success, while "someone hollers 'jump'" suggests their ultimate dissatisfaction with their lives. The lyrics "You gotta be dead to be bigger than life, But everyone's afraid to fly" reflect the fear of taking risks and pursuing dreams.


The chorus "Bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross" is a sarcastic reference to the Western society's whitewashing of Jesus Christ, ignoring his Middle Eastern origins. The song highlights the religious hypocrisy of a society that claims to follow Jesus Christ, whose message was one of love and inclusivity, while perpetuating systemic racism and inequality. Similarly, the mention of "standard white Santa Claus" underlines the commercialization of religion and the emphasis on materialism over spirituality.


The song also comments on the glorification of violence and the culture of fear prevalent in American society. The lines "They want weapons to arm themselves against every childhood fear, They want rockets to fly up to heaven and get the hell out of here" indicate the notion that violence and aggression are necessary for survival and advancement. The song also references the frivolousness of modern life, with lines like "They want flash - somethin' awesome, Somethin' with a little kick."


Overall, "Standard White Jesus" is a poignant critique of modern Western society's values and priorities, pointing out the contradictions and hypocrisies that exist in our culture.


Line by Line Meaning

Baby boom go boom
The generation of people born after World War II is reaching the end of their lives


Baby boom go bump
The generation is facing physical and emotional challenges as they age


Baby boom goes straight to the edge
The generation is reaching a point of significant change and transition


And someone hollers "jump"
There are people who are encouraging the transition to happen as quickly as possible


You gotta be dead to be bigger than life
People who have passed away have a significant impact on the living


But everyone's afraid to fly
People are hesitant to take risks and experience change


Everyone want to be on a postage stamp
Everyone wants to make a significant impact or leave a lasting legacy


But nobody wants to die
No one wants to face the reality of their own mortality


Better bow down to the standard white Jesus on the cross
The song is criticizing the societal pressure to conform to a traditional standard of religion (Christianity) and worship a Eurocentric depiction of Jesus


Then read the letters that the children write to the standard white Santa Claus
Children are taught to believe in fictional characters and celebrate commercialized holidays


They want flash - somethin' awesome
People desire excitement and novelty in their lives


Somethin' with a little kick
People crave stimulation and intensity


Somethin' semi-automatic
The desire for power and control can manifest in violent fantasies


Just might do the trick
Acquiring weapons and other means of protection can provide a sense of security


They want weapons to arm themselves against every childhood fear
Traumatic experiences from childhood can influence adults' desires to protect themselves


They want rockets to fly up to heaven and get the hell out of here
The desire to escape from the stresses and struggles of daily life is a common fantasy


See the devils and the angels, see how shamelessly they dance
The tension between good and evil influences human behavior and actions


Defyin' the laws of gravity on the shoulders of romance
People experience exhilarating feelings through romantic relationships that can make them feel like they are defying the laws of nature


The sensations - the temptations our forefathers have succumbed to
Historical narratives and societal norms impact individuals' behavior and desires


And the bittersweet fragrance our noses have been numbed to
People become desensitized to the beauty and pain of life over time


How grim our lives would be if not for children's laughter
Children bring joy and lightness to the world through their humor and innocence


Like scary old fairy tales with no happily-ever-after
There is often sadness and darkness in life, despite the popular trope of a fairytale happy ending


Talkin' on telephones across time zones
The ability to communicate with people from different parts of the world is a modern marvel


Payin' the futility bill, prayin' for rain, punchin' clocks
Everyday life can feel monotonous and futile


Changing the world like I change my socks
People have a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world




Contributed by Grayson A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Tracy Lemme

I heard that only the two of them wrote, performed and produced this album. All on a boom box. Fantastic. Just think, no autotune. Just pure talent. I have been listening to this since the early 1990s. I still love the sounds.

SFL

Most under rated band EVER. Love Timbukt3

Axis Mundial

octopus giant SECOND THAT

Ni Jo

Only by those not paying attention.

Claudio Vargas

Lots of great musical acts tend to be underrated.

fleetwd1

@Claudio Vargas not many equal the catalog of excellent creativity over their whole time together as did Timbuk3. Pat mAcDonald and Barbara K still remain creative geniuses with their music but together they were exceptional.

penny1111 Ultican

Timbuk3's songs are so appropriate for the crazy times we are experiencing now!

Susanna Pintard

You are so correct. Saw them 😁

Adam Koster

I saw these two in a small park in downtown San Jose in the early 90's 1 or 2 cant remember. They were so incredible, two musicians put out so much sound and so perfect live! Just amazing

Ronald Abelskamp

GREAT song! Lookin' for this one a long time. Mine is on tape. (compact cassette) Gotta love the second voice. I believe the song I have is live.

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