My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket => The Band => Topic started by: widman on Apr 27, 2006, 05:47 PM

Title: semi-stupid question
Post by: widman on Apr 27, 2006, 05:47 PM
i'm wondering, personal curiosity, in a way related to some MMJ lyrics. do you think that jim is/was using some heavier drugs?
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: BH on Apr 27, 2006, 05:56 PM
I know Jim drinks wine and....

A bottle of wine(alcohol)is heavier than a can of soda(caffiene)

A can of soda(caffiene) is heavier than a bottle of aspirin

A bottle of aspirin is heavier than a joint

A joint is heavier than a hit of acid

so I would say, yeah.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: EC on Apr 27, 2006, 05:59 PM
Quotei'm wondering, personal curiosity, in a way related to some MMJ lyrics. do you think that jim is/was using some heavier drugs?
nope.  this question comes up a lot it seems, but the answer's always no.

some people are creative.  (ie they can think weird shit without drugs.  :))
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: begoodtanya on Apr 27, 2006, 07:54 PM
i`m a writer and i`ve tried to write while intoxicated... it doesn't work though, your mind wants to go somewhere else, lol. ;)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ManNamedTruth on Apr 28, 2006, 02:27 AM
Quote
nope.  this question comes up a lot it seems, but the answer's always no.

some people are creative.  (ie they can think weird shit without drugs.  :))

So what you know them personally? Even if they only experimented and don't use regularly do you still think that doesn't change your perspective on things?
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: sweatboard on Apr 28, 2006, 02:38 AM
Yeah, I wouldn't say the music is simply drug induced but I would venture to say that Jim has done his fair share of drugs over the years.  I mean shit, just listen to them, Jim smokes weed..........Period!!!!  
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: banjohead on Apr 28, 2006, 08:25 AM
I am no expert on MMJ.. but I would definately say no. Anyone who sings about Jesus probably isn't into heavy drug use. He gets high off the Lord, yo. I, on the other hand, still have to use drugs to get high. Just my two cents.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: EC on Apr 28, 2006, 09:29 AM
Quote

So what you know them personally? Even if they only experimented and don't use regularly do you still think that doesn't change your perspective on things?

i'm saying it doesn't matter, and it's none of our business what people do.  i'm also saying that this has come up before, and it caused some damage (ie people were speculating about drug use on this board, and it made it to some paper, and it wasn't true)

okay, this isn't meant to be mean, but it seems to me like if y'all make definitive statements about the band regarding their drug use or their jesus love, it might be because that's what you want to believe.  

also, i remember reading an article where jim said something about "if we turn into one of those bands that does cocaine and stuff, just shoot us" or something like that.  so, yeah.  that's where my thoughts come from.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: sweatboard on Apr 28, 2006, 10:26 AM
I remember reading in an article that Jim said he has smoked pot but does not do it enought to be considered a pot head and that it is certainly not the ultimate driving force behind the band.  I don't think he wan't to be labeled a stoner band either.  The guy probably does drugs recretationaly on occasion.  It's his buisness, I don't think he's ashamed of it.  I also agree with Meg, It doesn't really matter and it's none of our buisness and that's probably where this conversation should end.  As for Jim's love for Jesus I think Jim's made it clear that he's spiritual but in a broader sense than Christianity or an specific organized religion allows.  Which I think is where I exist as well.  I think when Jim refers to "Jebus" he's talking about an Idea and not litteraly a person.  I could be completly wrong of course.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ManNamedTruth on Apr 28, 2006, 12:27 PM
QuoteI am no expert on MMJ.. but I would definately say no. Anyone who sings about Jesus probably isn't into heavy drug use. He gets high off the Lord, yo. I, on the other hand, still have to use drugs to get high. Just my two cents.

I don't really hear Jesus in their music is their a specific lyric you can point out?
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: peanut butter puddin surprise on Apr 28, 2006, 12:32 PM
QuoteAnyone who sings about Jesus probably isn't into heavy drug use

I have two words for you:  Spacemen 3

check out "Walkin' with Jesus"...
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: primushead on Apr 28, 2006, 01:00 PM
Or "Jesus is Just Alright" by the DOOBIE brothers.  Right?
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: petemoss on Apr 28, 2006, 01:07 PM
Knowing Jim's sense of humour, the jebus line could very likely be a reference to that simpsons episode, lol.
But the character in 'what a wonderful man' has some strong allusions to Jesus.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: BH on Apr 28, 2006, 03:39 PM
How about "Are you drinking with me Jesus?" from Jello and Mojo!  Classic.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ratsprayer on Apr 28, 2006, 05:10 PM
Quote

I have two words for you:  Spacemen 3

check out "Walkin' with Jesus"...

the guys in spacemen 3 did drugs??

 ;) ;)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ycartrob on Apr 28, 2006, 05:46 PM
QuoteI am no expert on MMJ.. but I would definately say no. Anyone who sings about Jesus probably isn't into heavy drug use. He gets high off the Lord, yo. I, on the other hand, still have to use drugs to get high. Just my two cents.

I don't know just where I'm going
But I'm goin' to try for the kingdom if I can
'cause it makes me feel like I'm a man
When I put a spike into my vein
Then I tell you things aren't quite the same

When I'm rushing on my run
And I feel just like jesus' son

Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: begoodtanya on Apr 28, 2006, 07:35 PM
Quote

I don't really hear Jesus in their music is their a specific lyric you can point out?


I`m quoting from what I remember in I Needed It Most:

'Lord' is said a lot

"so i say Lord, all the heavens you've made, can't hold back the ghosts(?)..."

I really can't think of any other songs...

Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: MMJ_fanatic on Apr 28, 2006, 09:20 PM
No I don't think Jim uses "heavy" drugs.  He is a very inspired artist
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: banjohead on May 01, 2006, 07:28 AM
What a Wonderful Man is about Jesus. It doesn't say "Jesus was a wonderful man" but listen to the lyrics.. It ends with "Till The Day I Found Out His Cause, Was To Do It For All Of Us" which seems like a Jesus reference to me. Also, I signed up for the buddy system and the welcome email talks about "spreading the gospel." I wouldn't call them a "christian rock group" but they are definately religious.. or spiritual, however you want to look at it.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: goldengirl on May 01, 2006, 09:08 AM
What about "Easy Morning Rebel". To me I see that obviously is about Jesus.
 As someone said earlier, I am sure he does some drugs recreationally, but from articles I have read it seems like he is not completely into that. I reads somewhere he said that he would just rather sit and write music then party. I could be wrong though.
Wherever Jim gets his inspiration has been working wonderfully and I think we can all agree that no matter what "it" is, we appreciate it!
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: EC on May 01, 2006, 09:41 AM
QuoteWhat a Wonderful Man is about Jesus. It doesn't say "Jesus was a wonderful man" but listen to the lyrics.. It ends with "Till The Day I Found Out His Cause, Was To Do It For All Of Us" which seems like a Jesus reference to me. Also, I signed up for the buddy system and the welcome email talks about "spreading the gospel." I wouldn't call them a "christian rock group" but they are definately religious.. or spiritual, however you want to look at it.

banjohead, if you do a little research, you'll find that jim has said in many interviews that what a wonderful man was a song about a friend of his who died.  he said something about trying to make a song that would piss his friend off a little by bein' cheesy or something.  and by "friend", i do not mean "jesus".

"spreading the gospel" is like, a well-known rock term for letting others know about your music.  ;)  they don't literally want you to spread the gospel of the lord.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: primushead on May 01, 2006, 04:40 PM
Quote


 they don't literally want you to spread the gospel of the lord.


Creed might have... ;)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: tomEisenbraun on May 01, 2006, 06:22 PM
Quote


Creed might have... ;)

well look where that got em...

 ;D


I would say Easy Morning Rebel is the closest Jim gets to talkin about Jesus. WAWM is most definitely about a friend of theirs. They said they just wanted to make him laugh by writing a song that he'd just shake his head and call 'em idiots for.

looking at i needed it most, it's very beautiful. wow, i'd never read it really before, but it's a beautiful appeal to God, I think. with surrender, too, which makes it all the more beautiful. that, Lord, I can't fix or change this, and it's up to you, but can't you do something for her?

So I say lord, all the heavens you've made,
cant hold back the ghosts that haunt my baby and me.
Oh cant ye hold em back, form comin on in,
to a lovely woman, that jus wans her mind back again.
I cannot crumble, what you want this to be.
Or bring peace of mind, if it aint there to see.
Aw if you don't know yourself, how could you ever know me.
But to have and to hold you, yeah that's the way its gotta be.

God, that's beautiful. saying, I know I can't fix this for you (which takes a hell of a lot for a man to do, to step back and not try and be the "fixer") but that he won't leave. what he cannot fix, he's surrendered, but what he can do, "to have and to hold" no matter how painful and how hard that may be ("if you don't know yourself, how can you ever know me?"). and that's excrutiating pain but also the truest form of love right there.

c.s. lewis said that "Love is not an affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." and that is that kind of love, i think.

i wouldn't call the guys a christian band, and i'm not too sure if they would label themselves christian, though maybe, i'd love to hear where they stand.

sorry for the ramble, but yeah.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: wholovesthesun on May 07, 2006, 11:29 AM
goddd what a controversial topic! it's all speculation anyway. who's to say how he feels or what drugs he uses?
the music is still killer.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: banjohead on May 08, 2006, 10:59 AM
I was reading an old interview (2002) and came across a question aimed at Jim in reference to religion. Check it!

"Pitchfork: Is some religion at work in MMJ? Or in the background?

James: I believe there is a force that controls and guides everything I do. I totally believe in it and pray to it though I don't know what it is. I am grateful for what it has given me. Every night I tell it this prayer which I learned as a child."

I guess that settles the debate about it being "religious music" I think it is safe to say now my initial thoughts were incorrect! It is a really cool interview.. here is a link for anyone who hasn't seen it! http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/interviews/m/my-morning-jacket-02/

Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: blainesanders on May 18, 2006, 01:55 AM
as far as the drugs thing goes....
the band said in rolling stone magazine that they were doing "a decent amount of psychadelic drugs" while making the Z album.  was it a joke... i dunno, but i doubt it.  personally i have no problem with drugs, especially psychadelics.  and as far as a mind that i think could come up with great ideas while tripping, well jim james would be tops on my list to go for it.  hell i wish i could come up w. what he does.  that being said, does it really matter if the guy does drugs or not???  he's obviously not a junkie, he obviously has his shit straight, and obviously a lotta people on here look up to a guy.  if jim does do drugs, maybe there's something to be learned about seeing a genuinely smart person USE and NOT ABUSE psychadelics or weed.  not all drugs are bad... hell the legal ones are the worst IMO.
just my 4 cents  :)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ManNamedTruth on May 18, 2006, 02:55 AM
Some people do drugs just to party (cocaine). Some people do them because they expand our minds in a creative way (marijunua, lsd, mushrooms etc...). Being an artist myself I relate to that. I reccomend it.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: ycartrob on May 18, 2006, 06:33 AM
the key is to expand your mind without using drugs.

That's the trick.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: EC on May 18, 2006, 09:59 AM
Quotethe key is to expand your mind without using drugs.

That's the trick.

word.  

trick.  trick is a nice sounding word.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: MMJ_fanatic on May 18, 2006, 12:44 PM
These guys are a drug and a religion all rolled into one--what a money saver! 8)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: Foxtrot76 on May 21, 2006, 11:17 PM
 yeah, isn't it wonderful that a band nowadays can initiate such lively conversation?  
 
speaking of what a wonderful man....what does Jim sing at the very end? you know, over the last three chords? it's not in the lyrics and i'm always guessing what he's singing....
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: sweatboard on May 22, 2006, 02:34 AM
Quoteyeah, isn't it wonderful that a band nowadays can initiate such lively conversation?  

speaking of what a wonderful man....what does Jim sing at the very end? you know, over the last three chords? it's not in the lyrics and i'm always guessing what he's singing....

Isn't it beutiful.........."Always guessing", join the crowd.  I'm guessing that it's probalby something that makes no sense to anyone at all besides Jim and whoever the songs about, but I guess we could MAKE it make sense to us......and then it will.  Man I'm so lame sometimes.  Sorry. ::)
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: chunt983 on May 23, 2006, 05:02 PM
the second a musician tells you what a song is about is when i lose interest in that song (90% of the time). I love the fact that things are secretive and the best part about music is listening to it and having your own spin on it, or art in general. a good portion of MMJ songs i have no fucking clue what jim is talking about, but there's always a line or two that i relate to and i kinda put my own spin on it.
Title: Re: semi-stupid question
Post by: orbison on May 29, 2006, 04:08 AM
the responses in this thread a pretty painful to read. like in a fingernail scratching on chalkboard kinda way.