Penny Jar

Track Notes:

“This song lurks!” was a common response when we’d play it for someone. Originally, the song was supposed to be a lighter, bouncier song more in line with Primus’ “Wynonoa’s Big Brown Beaver,” but when Joe busted out the Jaws-like bass line instead, we just went with it.

The opening lick is a blistering assault on the senses, with a tiny pause before the lurking begins. The middle and end “interludes” are very Tool-esque in nature, dissonant and almost nerve-grating. This is punctuated with Mike’s drumming — he’s not using his snare, except to punch through the din like a bullet through your ears.

As it should be. This is, actually, kind of a sad AND creepy song at the same time, a metaphor for someone who is only concerned with locking away memories, never really cherishing them.

Lyrics:

I have a jar I keep in the corner
A lonely thing, all by itself
And copper pieces live inside
Abraham Lincoln, one to a side
And every day I place some more
Doomed to life upon a shelf
Shiny copper coins, so round
I save every one I have found

Penny Jar, I fill you up
Penny Jar, up to the rim
Penny Jar, I save them all
Penny Jar, of what has been
Penny Jar, I fill you up
Penny Jar, up to the rim
Penny Jar, I save them all
Penny Jar, of what has been

I take the coin and use it
As a substitute for life
For every one I try and hold
Another passes by

I have a jar I keep in the corner
A lonely thing, all by itself
Pieces of my life are all inside
Abraham Lincoln mocks my pride
I spend my days in an attempt
To fill my lonely jar
When I look back upon it all
I haven’t come real far.

Penny Jar, I fill you up
Penny Jar, up to the rim
Penny Jar, I save them all
Penny Jar, of what has been
Penny Jar, I fill you up
Penny Jar, up to the rim
Penny Jar, I save them all
Penny Jar, of what has been
My Penny Jar
My Penny Jar
My Penny Jar
My Penny Jar