People II: The Reckoning by AJJ (Andrew Jackson Jihad)
AJJ, or Andrew Jackson Jihad, (depends on which publicist you ask first,) have been one of the strongest voices for the folk-punk FOLK/PUNK genre for nearly 15 years. Their music and uncompromising lyrics have helped to take these bards of the Phoenix desert all around the world warning about American hypocrisies, white privilege, violent impulses, and religious madness to round it all out.
Admittedly I didn’t start listening to AJJ until 2009/2010 when they were opening a show in Phoenix. Over the next few years I would see them on lineups all over the western United States. I would get a sense of regional pride to see someone from the Southwest make their way on a larger stage.
Just like most, their seminal album, People Who Can Eat People are the Luckiest People in the World, has remained one of my favorites of theirs, and specifically, People II: The Reckoning. This song was one that I could always come back to. It speaks to the frustrations that lead to nervousness, the anxiety that can envelop us making it near impossible to function. Hell, it references the parasympathetic nervous system on several occasions.
When I was in my early 20’s I, like many, was dealing with new stresses and situations that resulted in overwhelming feelings of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, when I sought medical help, I was referred to a prescription catalog as oppose to a mental health professional. This led to Dr.’s wanting to place labels of “bi-polar” disorder, or “manic depression,” on my chart. After trying their regiment of specially colored mood boosters, I found myself in a worst state than before.
Fortunately, I wasn’t willing to stop seeking help. When I finally found it, I began to learn how to work with the often overwhelming sensations, and manage them to a healthy and productive degree. Lo-and-behold, I actually didn’t have anything that the Dr.’s wanted to stamp on me, but it was great insight to how quick these labels my be used, and how regardless of the label the need to help and work with the individual is still paramount. It was a lesson in understanding the harm in labels, and how close our mental and emotional dispositions can actually be, so it’s important to remember, we never know what sort of baggage another person is carry, do not judge, do not assume, and whenever possible be free to lend a hand.
Lyrics:
Nobody knows everything
We know this to be true
Everything is difficult
Except what’s in front of you
But it’s complicated even under your nose
Bullshit math equations
And your highs and your lows
[Chorus 1]
And your manic depression
It comes and it goes
Your parasympathetic nervous system reacts
And you’re in fight or flight mode[Verse 2]
How’s the world so small when the world is so large?
And what made the world, could I please speak to who’s in charge?
Everything is real, but it’s also just as fake
From your daughter’s birthday party to your grandmother’s wake[Chorus 2]
And your bipolar illness, it comes and it goes
Your parasympathetic nervous system reacts
And you’re in fight or flight
You’re in fight or flight
You’re in fight or flight mode[Interlude][Verse 3]
I’ve tried to know which words to sing so many times
And I’ve tried to know which chords to play
And I’ve tried to make it rhyme
And I’ve tried to find the key that all good songs are in
And I’ve tried to find the notes to make
That great resounding din
But there’s a bad man in everyone
No matter who we are
There’s a rapist and a nazi living in our tiny hearts
Child pornogrophers and cannibals and politicians too
There’s someone in your head
Waiting to fucking strangle you[Outro]
So here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
People love you more, oh nevermind
Oh nevermind
In fucking fact, Mrs. Robsinson
The world won’t care whether you live or die
You live or die
In fucking fact, Mrs. Robsinson
They probably hate to see your stupid face
Your stupid face
So here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
You live in an unforgiving place