“I do believe that hip-hop can be the new jazz, and I’m helping create that”, Bruner said in an interview to Bass Player, in 2008.
He is part of the new generation of jazz literate, hip-hop loving instrumentalists who can play beyond traditional limits - a mutant jazz cat - and that’s how 'Thundercat' (a monicker he chose), suits him well (even if it’s purely the result of an unhealthy cartoon addiction dating back to childhood).
Bus in These Streets
Thundercat Lyrics
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That's my story and I'm sticking to it
I'm high as a kite
Don't bother me
I'm out here probably doing the most
From the minute I wake up I'm staring at the screen
Watching the world go insane
Gotta stay connected so I know what's happening
In these streets
Thank God for technology 'cause where would we be if we couldn't tweet our thoughts?
Won't you leave somethings to mystery?
Opening your mouth removes all doubt
So be quiet
Technology is the key to it all
Where did I lose my phone at?
Doesn't really matter because you're already behind the curve
It's okay to disconnect sometimes
We're out here doing the most
In "Bus In These Streets," Thundercat explores the theme of the overwhelming impact of technology on our daily lives. The song begins with the verse "Stuck in the clouds, that's my story and I'm sticking to it," which suggests that the singer is lost in thought, removed from the day-to-day reality of life on the ground. This dissociation is further emphasized by the lines "I'm high as a kite, don't bother me," implying that the singer is in a state of euphoria or escape. As the song progresses, the focus shifts to social media and the internet, with the singer admitting to spending hours staring at a screen to "watch the world go insane."
Thundercat touches on the double-edged nature of technology, acknowledging its many benefits while also questioning how much information is too much, and the importance of leaving some things to mystery. He asks "where would we be if we couldn't tweet our thoughts," implying that technology has given us a platform for self-expression that we might not have had otherwise. However, he also warns against oversharing, suggesting that "opening your mouth removes all doubt," and that sometimes it's better to disconnect and leave things unsaid. Ultimately, "Bus In These Streets" is a commentary on the power of technology to both connect and disconnect us, and the importance of finding a balance.
Line by Line Meaning
Stuck in the clouds
I'm lost in my own world of thoughts and ideas
That's my story and I'm sticking to it
I'm determined to hold onto my perspective
I'm high as a kite
I'm feeling euphoric and detached from reality
Don't bother me
I need some alone time to reflect and recharge
I'm out here probably doing the most
I'm probably overthinking and overreacting to everything
From the minute I wake up I'm staring at the screen
I'm addicted to my phone and social media
Watching the world go insane
The news and events around me are overwhelming and sometimes chaotic
Gotta stay connected so I know what's happening
I feel an obligation to stay informed and aware of current events
In these streets
In the outside world where things are happening
Thank God for technology 'cause where would we be if we couldn't tweet our thoughts?
Technology has become a significant part of our lives, and our ability to express ourselves has increased dramatically because of it.
Won't you leave somethings to mystery?
Not everything has to be revealed or explained, and it's good to leave some things open to interpretation
Opening your mouth removes all doubt
Sometimes it's better to stay quiet and let others wonder what you're thinking, rather than saying something that could confirm their doubts or fears
So be quiet
It's not always necessary to speak your mind
Where did I lose my phone at?
I've become so reliant on my phone that losing it is a significant inconvenience
Doesn't really matter because you're already behind the curve
Missing out on the latest news or trends is irrelevant because the world moves so quickly that it's impossible to stay completely up-to-date
It's okay to disconnect sometimes
Taking a break from technology and the constant stream of information can be beneficial for mental health and well-being
We're out here doing the most
We're all just trying our best and doing what we can to get by in this fast-paced world
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Stephen Bruner, Louis Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind