JR JR was formed in late 2009 by members Joshua Epstein and Daniel Zott. The band also includes drummer Mike Higgins and the group’s newest addition, keyboardist Jon Visger. The band initially began as a basement recording project with few intentions of reaching the public.
In July 2010, the band released Horsepower EP via Quite Scientific Records. The Horsepower EP consisted of songs “Nothing But Our Love,” “Vocal Chords,” “Simple Girl,” and a cover of The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.” Months after their EP was released the band’s genre was described as ‘psych-retro pop,’ ‘an inspired mix of hip-hop and folk,’ ‘minimalist altera-pop,’ and ‘beach wave.’ The band came out with a second EP titled My Love Is Easy: Remixes Pt.1 via Quite Scientific Records on November 2, 2010. They were noted as ‘one of the best new bands’ of 2010 and became very well-liked from various sources such as Stereogum, SPIN, Under the Radar, Real Detroit, and The Metro Times. The band later came out with We Almost Lost Detroit EP via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records on April 21, 2011. The duo released two singles, “Morning Thought” and “Simple Girl” on April 8, 2011 and September 9, 2011; respectively.
Then-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. released their first full-length album, It’s A Corporate World on June 7, 2011 via Warner Bros. Records and Quite Scientific Records.
The band came out with their new single, “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor)” on April 2, 2013. This single was released right before they came out with their new EP, Patterns. The band performed live on May 16, 2013 on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic to premier a few songs on their upcoming album. The featured songs included: “Hiding,” “Run,” “Mesopotamia,” “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor),” “Dark Water,” “Knock Louder,” “War Zone,” “Don’t Tell Me,” and “I Think Of You.” They also performed on the TV series Conan, June 11, 2013, featuring the song “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor).”
Patterns (EP) was released on April 16, 2013, consisting of four songs: “If You Didn’t See Me (Then You Weren’t On The Dancefloor),” “Dark Water,” “Hiding,” and “Habits.” Their 13-track sophomore LP, The Speed of Things, was released on October 8, 2013.
JR JR's first release under their new, shorter moniker on July 16, 2015 was the single "Gone," to be featured on their upcoming LP "Jr Jr," slated for a September 25, 2015 release.
More information can be found at the band's web site, jrjrmusic.com.
Same Dark Places
Jr Jr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks can be deceiving
Everyone has curated their life
Makes you feel like you're not living right
And you might be alright with that
But I can't waste my time like that anymore
Sometimes in the dead of night when you think you can't make it
You might find I left a light beside the bed for you
'Cause I've been there, too
I know everybody goes to the same dark places, whoa
Close your eyes and let go
You weren't meant to follow everyone
Looks different in a frame
Since they're so good at their own game
And you might be alright with that, whoa
But I can't waste my time like that anymore
I know everybody goes to the same dark places
Sometimes in the dead of night when you think you can't make it
You might find I left a light beside the bed for you
'Cause I've been there, too
I know everybody goes to the same dark places, whoa
You always doubt yourself
But you're probably just as well
As anybody else
I know everybody goes to the same dark places
I know everybody goes to the same dark places
I know everybody goes to the same dark places
Sometimes in the dead of night when you think you can't make it
You might find I left a light beside the bed for you
'Cause I've been there, too
And don't think it's only you
Because we've all been through what you're going through, whoa
(Same dark places)
Oh, I know everybody goes to the same dark places
Oh, I know, I know
(Same dark places)
Oh, I know everybody goes to the same dark places
The song "Same Dark Places" by Jr Jr explores the common human experience of feeling inadequate and insecure in the face of other people's seemingly perfect lives. The lyrics advise the listener to not waste time trying to keep up with the curated portrayals of life on social media and in person, as everyone goes through the same struggles and experiences the same feelings of doubt and fear. The song acknowledges the difficulty of staying positive and motivated in the dead of night while facing darkness and uncertainty, but assures the listener that they are not alone in their struggles. The chorus emphasizes that the same dark places that seem so isolating are actually a shared human experience that connects everyone together.
The song's message helps to break down the facade of perfection that is cultivated in today's society, particularly on social media. People often feel the need to present only the positive aspects of their lives online, leading others to feel inadequate or left behind. However, the song encourages listeners to recognize that this façade is not real and that everyone is going through similar struggles. The message is one of empathy and understanding, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggles.
Overall, "Same Dark Places" is a powerful and universal expression of the human experience. It encourages listeners to recognize their own worth and value and to find strength in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Focus on your breathing
Concentrate on your breathing, try to stay calm.
Looks can be deceiving
Appearances can be misleading, people often present a carefully curated image of their life on social media.
Everyone has curated their life
People selectively choose what they share about their life, often only revealing the highlights.
Makes you feel like you're not living right
This can make you feel like you're not good enough or not living your life to the fullest.
And you might be alright with that
Some people may be content with this superficial lifestyle.
But I can't waste my time like that anymore
The singer no longer wants to waste their time on this surface-level way of living.
I know everybody goes to the same dark places
Everyone has their own moments of doubt, fear and vulnerability.
Sometimes in the dead of night when you think you can't make it
These moments often occur in the middle of the night when it seems like everything is falling apart.
You might find I left a light beside the bed for you
The artist is offering a symbol of hope and support to those going through a difficult time.
'Cause I've been there, too
The artist has gone through their own dark times and wants to offer empathy and understanding.
Close your eyes and let go
Relax and try to release anxieties and doubts.
You weren't meant to follow everyone
People are individuals and should not have to conform to the standards set by others.
Looks different in a frame
What people present can look very different on social media or behind a screen, compared to real life.
Since they're so good at their own game
Some people are very skilled at curating their image and may not show their true selves.
You always doubt yourself
Self-doubt is a common experience, but it's important to remember that everyone feels this way at some point.
But you're probably just as well
You are likely just as capable and deserving as anyone else, despite doubts.
As anybody else
Everyone has their own struggles and weaknesses.
And don't think it's only you
Reminding the listener that many people go through the same struggles and feelings of vulnerability.
Because we've all been through what you're going through
The singer is offering solidarity, recognizing that everyone experiences the same emotions and fears.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOSHUA EPSTEIN, BENJAMIN WEST, DANIEL NEAL ZOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TahoeNevada
I’ve been very depressed lately, and this is literally the song I needed to hear right now.
@stylesdangerfield
Ya. It’s good for us all the hear it.
@cockycookie1
We've all been there, it's going to get better 👍🏼
@dazai974
*after seeing 13 rw
@clarkbsharp
The empathy and love that this band connects with has kept me a fan since they were wearing fire suits. Please never stop.
@yeboitroy4646
Underrated music. You guys deserve much more support.
@erinmurphy4709
THIS SONG CALMS ME DOWN SO MUCH WHEN I NEED IT!! i like how it literally reminds me to focus on breathing and that’s everything’s gonna be ok it’s verrrry calming for me and i love it
@Oreopanda227
I'm here because of "Wonderful" podcast :)
@MadnessMantra
gessepi00 Rachel McElroy, woman after my own heart. Bless her taste in music ♡
@jonathancollins3884
I was so surprised when I found out Griffin's "joke" about how Jr Jr's name used to be Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr turned out to just be a fact about the band and not actually a joke at all!