Bavitz was born in Syosset, New York and grew up in Northport, New York. While attending college, Bavitz initially recorded and released two self-financed efforts, Music for Earthworms (1997), a full-length featuring underground artist Percee P on two tracks. Bavitz also released a music video to "Abandon All Hope", which was one of the tracks on the CD. The album sold over 300 copies, largely from a grassroots internet-based promotion at his website AesopRock.com and then-popular web portal, MP3.Com. It was a success. With the money he made from his previous release, he then released his Appleseed EP in 1999 which received critical acclaim in the underground hip hop circuit.[citation needed] Both of his early records were produced by long-time friend Blockhead, and underground producer Dub-L. He completed these albums while also working as a waiter.
After his breakthrough success in the underground hip hop and indie rap community, he was eventually noticed by the Mush label and obtained his first record deal in 1999, just a year after he graduated from college. Aesop released his first major album, Float (2000), with guest appearances from Vast Aire, Slug, and Dose One. Production was split between Blockhead and Aesop himself, with one track by Omega One. During this time, Aesop worked at a photography gallery. In August 2001 tragedy struck when Bavitz had a nervous breakdown. The song "One of Four" on his Daylight EP documents his struggles.
Shortly after releasing Float, Aesop Rock signed to Manhattan-based label Definitive Jux (commonly shortened to Def Jux), where he released Labor Days (2001), an album dedicated to the discussion of labor in American society and the concept of "wage slaves". This album was most well known for its single "Daylight". Because of its popularity, Daylight was re-released in 2002 as a seven-track EP, including an "alternative" new version of the song "Night Light", whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to, and stand in stark opposition to, the original's. The song "Labor" (from Labor Days) was featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4; it also was the first album in his catalog to break through the Billboard charts, peaking at number 15 at the United States Independent Charts, giving Aesop Rock more recognition.
Labor Days was followed by Bazooka Tooth in 2003. For the first time, production was mostly handled by Rock himself, with three tracks from longtime collaborator Blockhead and one from close friend and Definitive Jux label CEO El-P. Guest appearances include Party Fun Action Committee, El-P, and Mr. Lif (all Definitive Jux labelmates) and Camp Lo. With this release Aesop hit a higher level of recognition, releasing "No Jumper Cables" as a single and music video, then another single, "Freeze", shortly after. A remix of "No Jumper Cables" was featured on Tony Hawk's Underground 2, furthering Aesop's recognition. In 2004, He released Build Your Own Bazooka Tooth and created a contest in which you had to create a remix of an Aesop Rock song using the a cappellas and instrumentals.
In February 2005, Aesop Rock released a new EP, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives. The first pressing of the EP included an 88-page booklet with lyrics from every release from Float until this EP (the lyric booklet is titled The Living Human Curiosity Sideshow); later pressings of the album come without the booklet, but with an additional bonus track, "Facemelter". In addition, a limited number of albums were available direct from Def Jux with Aesop Rock's graffiti tag on them. In response to demands from his fans, Rock did less production on the EP: three songs are produced by Blockhead, three produced by Aesop, and one by Rob Sonic. During this time he was asked to join The Weathermen to replace Vast Aire.
Aesop Rock was commissioned to create a 45-minute instrumental track for the Nike+iPod running system, entitled All Day. It was released in February 2007. Distributed via the iTunes Music Store and featuring his wife Allyson Baker on guitar and scratches from DJ Big Wiz, Aesop has described the release as "something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive, as though the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes."
All Day was followed in August of the same year by Bavitz's fifth full-length album, None Shall Pass released in 2007. The album also contained original artwork by Jeremy Fish. About Jeremy Fish, Aesop Rock said: "Man that guy is my hero. We have a friend in common who hit me up a while back saying that this guy Jeremy Fish had an opportunity to pitch a cartoon to Disney and wanted me to be involved in the music side. I flipped out cuz I was also a fan of his, and owned some of his work." Aesop Rock also teamed up with Jeremy Fish again in a project called Ghosts of the Barbary Coast. Aesop Rock made a song called "Tomorrow Morning", to go along with a slideshow of drawings that Jeremy Fish drew. This was displayed in San Francisco, but was also made available for download online. None Shall Pass had positive reviews from critics and fans, applauding Aesop for his change in sound.
In 2011, Rhymesayers released "Are You Going to Eat That?", the debut album from Hail Mary Mallon, a collaboration between Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz.
On July 10, 2012, Rhymesayers released Aesop Rock's sixth studio album, "Skelethon". Its first single, "Zero Dark Thirty", was released four months earlier on April 10. A second single, "ZZZ Top", was released on June 29.
In 2011, Aesop Rock and Kimya Dawson of The Moldy Peaches formed the duo The Uncluded. The duo's debut album, "Hokey Fright" was released on May 7, 2013.
In 2018, Aesop Rock teamed up with TOBACCO to form Malibu Ken
Battery
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I burn a coma candle
When the flame fades, consider my flatline a soldier's sample
We them cats talkin' noise behind that New York trash heap
Where the stench of commuter briefcase replaces a bad sleep
And it's (what) worker zig-zagers versus piggy badge flashers
Training generation fallout
Waterfall bricklayer pincushion crawl out
But I painted a sunny day on the insides of my eyelids
So I'm ready now (what you ready for?)
I'm ready for life in this city
And my wings have grown almost enough to lift me
I'm a dinosaur with Jones Beach in my hourglass
Passing the time with serial killer coloring books and bags of marbles
Don't tell me you ain't the droid that held the match to the charcoals
Don't tell me Lucifer and God don't carpool
This is our school
I'm not trying to graduate life at the personalized bar stool
Head in a jar with a desk, feet dangling in a shark pool
(Man please) man please
My name stands for my being
And my being stands for the woman who stood
And braved the storm could raise the seedling
Brother, sun, sister, moon, mother beautiful
Yeah, middle sibling suitable but far from son of excellence
Back in the long time ago, I was to way the wishes wish
But missers miss, I slept through my appointment (man)
Saw the liquid dreams of a thousand babies solidify
And picked the rose, it wilted
The second I introduced myself as nervous
Well it appears the scars of learning have spoken
Some are burning, some are frozen
Some deserve tall tales, some wrote them
Some are just a brutal repercussions of devotion
Mine are all of the above, 'cause everything leads to erosion
Now where I live there's a homeless man
He sits upon a crate (yeah)
He makes a rusty trumpet sound like the music that angels make
Now if you ever come and visit me, I suggest you watch the show
Tell him Aesop Rock sent ya just to hear his horn blow like this
And I ain't getting any younger
My knuckles wear their bruises well
I've yet to lose that hunger (oh)
But only time can tell
Prodigal son with a prodigal wish to sew that prodigal stitch
And crucify bigot voodoo doll on two popsicle sticks
See your name is ambiguity
My name is something hands can't hold
But hearts part oceanscapes just to watch the starlet unfold
It's like sketching a circle in the dirt with a pointed stick
Knowing the wind'll kill it some day, still it calls my burning wits for now
And if I plow the fields, that don't guarantee plentiful harvest
But starving artists die, I set my alarm for five o'clock
Idols block survival crops the cycle stops for nothing (what)
The bible's carp revivalist winos flock by the hundreds
To the opening, scarlet carpets greeting their duel (oh)
Leading the stubborn mule to cruel rug burn
But y'all numb from gut fuel
I administer eclipse, there ain't no motor like a martyr-made motor
'Cause a martyr-made motor don't quit (quit)
I am an epiphany, I am webbed foot mammal
Channel surfing my way to the top
Tugboat in a bottle
With no holes poked in the nozzle
I fed 'em bedlam diluted in limelight
Till that rookie boogie graduated hostile (hostile)
And the vehicle is grandeur and it veered over the medium
The second my halo ran outta helium
Demoted to thorn crown, damn talk about numbskull
I was born bound to a stencil called symmetry
But my energy's a rental
So I take this now to say
Thank you, senorita beholding a flame to a lost wick
Thank you James Anthony for the Band-Aids on my ego
Y'all are family for life
I'll take that bullet to preserve you
I wannna be something spectacular
On the day the sun runs outta batteries
Attach my fashion to the casualties of anarchy
Save my nickels up to buy that homeless man a brand new horn
Then sit up on his crate as I witness the beauty born like this
I ain't gettin' any younger
The song Battery by Aesop Rock is a commentary on life in New York City, full of gritty scenes and vivid imagery. The first verse talks about the struggle of life in the city, where people are constantly talking behind each other's back and the smell of commuter briefcases is like a bad lullaby. This verse also seems to be criticizing societal hierarchies- the "worker zig-zagers" versus the "piggy batch flashers". The second verse is more personal and introspective, as Aesop Rock reflects on his own identity and ambition as an artist. He compares himself to a prodigal son with a desire to make art, even if it doesn't always result in success or recognition.
The song's chorus of "I ain't gettin' any younger" reflects the idea that life is short and precious, and Aesop Rock wants to make the most of it. The final verse in particular reflects this sentiment, as he declares his desire to be "something spectacular on the day the sun runs outta batteries". Overall, the song seems to be an expression of Aesop Rock's unique perspective on life in the city and the artist's struggle to create something meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, change the fuckin' channel
Switch your perspective or mindset
I burn a coma candle
I maintain a state of deep focus and dedication
When the flame fades, consider my flatline a soldier's sample
Even in defeat or death, my determination and resilience serve as an example
We them cats talkin' noise behind that New York trash heap
We are the individuals who criticize and speak out against the struggles and challenges we face in New York
Where the stench of commuter briefcase replaces a bad sleep
In this urban environment, the hustle and bustle of the daily grind replaces a peaceful rest
And it's worker zig-zagers versus piggy badge flashers
There is a clash between hardworking individuals and authority figures
Training generation fallout
Preparing for the consequences faced by the younger generation
Waterfall bricklayer pincushion crawl out
Overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger from challenging situations
There's smoke in my iris
I have endured pain and hardships
But I painted a sunny day on the insides of my eyelids
I choose to see the positive and imagine a brighter future
So I'm ready now (what you ready for?)
I am prepared for whatever life throws at me
I'm ready for life in this city
I am prepared to face the challenges of living in an urban environment
And my wings have grown almost enough to lift me
I have developed and grown, becoming closer to achieving my goals
I'm a dinosaur with Jones Beach in my hourglass
I am a relic of the past, with limited time remaining
Passing the time with serial killer coloring books and bags of marbles
Finding escapism and solace in unusual or dark hobbies
Don't tell me you ain't the droid that held the match to the charcoals
Don't deny your involvement or responsibility for the negative consequences
Don't tell me Lucifer and God don't carpool
Even opposing forces or entities can work together towards a common goal
This is our school
Life itself is our education and learning experience
I'm not trying to graduate life at the personalized bar stool
I don't want to simply passively observe or exist, I want to actively participate in life
Head in a jar with a desk, feet dangling in a shark pool
Being trapped in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation
(Man please) man please
Expression of disbelief or dismissal
My name stands for my being
My identity represents who I am
And my being stands for the woman who stood
My existence is a tribute to the strength and resilience of the woman who raised me
And braved the storm could raise the seedling
She faced challenges and adversity in order to nurture and raise me
Brother, sun, sister, moon, mother beautiful
Various familial and natural elements play significant roles in shaping who I am
Yeah, middle sibling suitable but far from son of excellence
I may be average or ordinary, but I am not a perfect or outstanding individual
Back in the long time ago, I was to way the wishes wish
In the past, I had dreams and desires to fulfill
But missers miss, I slept through my appointment (man)
I missed opportunities or failed to take action due to my own inaction or negligence
Saw the liquid dreams of a thousand babies solidify
I witnessed the hopes and aspirations of many individuals become real and tangible
And picked the rose, it wilted
I pursued something with high expectations, only to see it wither or fail
The second I introduced myself as nervous
My insecurities or anxieties hindered my chances of success or acceptance
Well it appears the scars of learning have spoken
The lessons and experiences I have gained from hardships have made an impact on me
Some are burning, some are frozen
The effects of these lessons can be both painful and numbing
Some deserve tall tales, some wrote them
Certain experiences or achievements are worth boasting about, while others take pride in their accomplishments
Some are just brutal repercussions of devotion
The consequences of loyalty or dedication can be harsh and unforgiving
Mine are all of the above, 'cause everything leads to erosion
My scars and lessons encompass a range of outcomes, as they are all part of the gradual wear and tear of life
Now where I live there's a homeless man
In my current environment, there is a homeless individual
He sits upon a crate (yeah)
He perches on a makeshift seat
He makes a rusty trumpet sound like the music that angels make
Despite his circumstances, he creates beautiful music that transcends his situation
Now if you ever come and visit me, I suggest you watch the show
If you visit me, I recommend observing and appreciating his musical talent
Tell him Aesop Rock sent ya just to hear his horn blow like this
Mention my name as a sign of respect and admiration for his musical ability
And I ain't getting any younger
I am aware of the passage of time and the limitation it imposes
My knuckles wear their bruises well
I have experienced my fair share of struggles and hardships
I've yet to lose that hunger (oh)
I still possess the drive and ambition to achieve my goals
But only time can tell
The future and its outcome are uncertain and can only be revealed over time
Prodigal son with a prodigal wish to sew that prodigal stitch
I am a wayward individual with an extravagant desire to mend and fix what is broken
And crucify bigot voodoo doll on two popsicle sticks
I aim to dismantle and condemn prejudice and discrimination forcefully
See your name is ambiguity
Your identity is unclear or uncertain
My name is something hands can't hold
My identity is intangible and cannot be fully grasped or confined
But hearts part oceanscapes just to watch the starlet unfold
Despite my elusive nature, people are captivated and moved by my presence and growth
It's like sketching a circle in the dirt with a pointed stick
It is an exercise in futility to create something temporary or fleeting
Knowing the wind'll kill it some day, still it calls my burning wits for now
Despite its inevitable destruction, for now, it ignites my passion and determination
And if I plow the fields, that don't guarantee plentiful harvest
Putting in effort and hard work does not always guarantee successful outcomes
But starving artists die, I set my alarm for five o'clock
I am willing to make sacrifices and discipline myself for my art and creative pursuits
Idols block survival crops the cycle stops for nothing (what)
External figures or influences should not hinder or impede one's journey towards survival and success
The bible's carp revivalist winos flock by the hundreds
People turn to religion and other forms of faith or spirituality in times of hardship
To the opening, scarlet carpets greeting their duel (oh)
They seek solace and redemption, hoping their efforts will be acknowledged and rewarded
Leading the stubborn mule to cruel rug burn
Attempting to persuade or convince someone resistant or stubborn can result in adverse consequences
But y'all numb from gut fuel
You are desensitized or indifferent due to years of enduring struggles and hardships
I administer eclipse, there ain't no motor like a martyr-made motor
I bring about significant changes or disruptions, and those who have endured suffering are capable of remarkable resilience
'Cause a martyr-made motor don't quit (quit)
A motor fueled by the sacrifices of martyrs does not give up or surrender easily
I am an epiphany, I am webbed foot mammal
I represent a moment of sudden realization and insight, like a unique creature adapted to a specific environment
Channel surfing my way to the top
I am seeking success and recognition by navigating through different experiences and opportunities
Tugboat in a bottle
I am confined or limited in my capabilities, like a small boat trapped within a container
With no holes poked in the nozzle
There are no faults or weaknesses in my approach or method
I fed 'em bedlam diluted in limelight
I provided chaos and disorder in a diluted form of fame or success
Till that rookie boogie graduated hostile (hostile)
Eventually, my chaotic nature transformed into an aggressive and combative attitude
And the vehicle is grandeur and it veered over the medium
The means or journey towards greatness took an unexpected detour or deviation
The second my halo ran outta helium
As soon as my sense of divinity or righteousness faded, my confidence and self-assuredness diminished
Demoted to thorn crown, damn talk about numbskull
I was reduced to a position of suffering and pain, emphasizing my own foolishness or naivety
I was born bound to a stencil called symmetry
My existence is constrained and defined by conformity and balance
But my energy's a rental
My vitality and passion are temporary or borrowed
So I take this now to say
I express my thoughts and feelings at this moment
Thank you, senorita beholding a flame to a lost wick
I am grateful to the woman who ignites and gives meaning to my fading or forgotten potential
Thank you James Anthony for the Band-Aids on my ego
I appreciate the individual who supports and reassures me in times of self-doubt or insecurity
Y'all are family for life
You all hold a special place in my life and heart
I'll take that bullet to preserve you
I am willing to make sacrifices or endure hardships in order to protect and support you
I wanna be something spectacular
I aspire to be exceptional and extraordinary
On the day the sun runs outta batteries
In an imagined future when even the most powerful illuminating force ceases to exist
Attach my fashion to the casualties of anarchy
I associate myself and my artistic expression with the chaos and disorder of rebellion
Save my nickels up to buy that homeless man a brand new horn
I save my money in order to provide a gift or gesture of kindness to the homeless man, enhancing his musical abilities
Then sit up on his crate as I witness the beauty born like this
I will take a seat beside him and observe the creation of something beautiful, appreciating the outcome
I ain't gettin' any younger
I am aware of the passing of time and aging
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind