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
Molecules
Aesop Rock Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Come on)
Spoilers, the non bon-voyage
Stock weaponry and soylents and whatever stop the voices
Colossal paranoias out to author an abrasive lore
About how war paint won't assure you ain't a painted whore, baby
Mouth-breathing outliers climb out of mothballs
Wrung stones unsung and alone
Known to run up in the unknown, honey I'm home
I push a bucket of bolts, assorted death in his wake
I take the hand off the thief, I take the head off a snake
Approach a pen like revolution's just a sentence away
'Til then he's documenting cops and watching Heaven decay
It's not a gentleman's game it's a generation braced accordingly
Who know the differences between the cozy and the quarantine
Yes y'all the crestfallen careworn
Air horn, air horn, air horn, air horn
These awful winds
Those grinding gears
This pile of bones
That's why I'm here
Wild frontier
(Come on)
These violent drums
Those primal fears
This pool of mud
That's why I'm here
W-w-w-w-wild frontier
That's impossible, body still warm
Scavengers already obsessively knocking on his molecules
I'm catatonic, fat, and outta rocket-fuel and ramen
Not a dollar, watching Rocky two in Donatello boxers
At some hot-as-hell motel in what's supposed to be his Shangri-La
More akin to angry mobs with anchor tats and mangey dogs in vacant lots
Traded any semblance of consistency to play the odds
Not even a baby doll to change his gauze
Not even a hideaway to hide up in
A side effect of sliding environment to environment
Driving isn't simply when the tires spin, try again
Departures and arrivals aren't only time and mileage
Try again again, a raider break off from the phalanx
And never look back, never cook crack, K - thanks, bye
New York in the rear view then peel
Out, 'til he found New York in the windshield
These cursed dogs
Those flying spears
This rancid food
That's why I'm here
Wild frontier
(Come on)
These fleeting hopes
Those vital prayers
This bag of cash
That's why I'm here
W-w-w-w-wild frontier
This was never an effective way to rally insurgents
Or really even the occupation of a rational person
When you write about seclusion and some buyers finally tune in
You get frightened finding happiness can drive away the movement
In a jiffy, just eat your food and keep the future iffy
That fruition's for the viewers who need a loser to pity
Plus an underlying message of a greater disconnection
God forbid he try to live or gain momentum
Mend or pay his penance
You'd rather see him eat a bowl of mouse traps
Surf a thousand couches
Take a jagged little down the hatch
Chowderheads
I know you love the way the failure flounder
Maybe I could be your daily downer
If his brain left his body and was headed for the door
Would you take it in and help it find it's way into a jar?
No, fuck it, let him hop around a maze
We can see who's really lost when the schadenfreude fades
These churning seas
Those quiet sneers
This box of parts
That's why I'm here
Wild frontier
(Come on)
These creepy friends
Those dicey dares
This perfect dark
That's why I'm here
W-w-w-w wild frontier
The lyrics of Aesop Rock's song "Molecules" are quite complex and abstract, but they seem to revolve around the concept of living in an unstable and dangerous world. The opening lines suggest that the person speaking is preparing for something terrible to happen and stockpiling weapons and supplies. They liken their state of mind to a "colossal paranoia" that creates a narrative about the way war paint (or any form of protection) can't save you from harm if you have been designated as a target. The following lines describe the main character as someone who is always on the move, constantly running towards something, but not necessarily in a linear way. They push a "bucket of bolts" (perhaps meaning a car or similar mode of transportation) that leaves death in its wake, but they also have the courage to stand up to injustice and wrongdoing by taking the hand off a thief and the head off a snake.
The chorus of the song refers to the "wild frontier," which seems to symbolize the unpredictable and untamed territory of life. The second verse introduces a new character who may have died, as scavengers are already "obsessively knocking on his molecules." The singer is described as feeling catatonic and unable to function properly, existing in a state of poverty and watching Rocky II in their underwear at a dingy motel. They contrast their current situation to what should be their "Shangri-La," or idyllic paradise, but they are stuck in a world of chaos and danger. The verse concludes with the idea that driving or moving from place to place is not as simple as changing one's location; it requires resilience and the ability to adapt quickly to new environments. The final chorus repeats the idea of the "wild frontier" as a metaphor for a life that is filled with risk and the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Spoilers, the non bon-voyage
This is a warning because bad things are going to happen.
Stock weaponry and soylents and whatever stop the voices
People use different things to cope with their issues to silence or pacify the voices in their head.
Colossal paranoias out to author an abrasive lore
Heavy fears and anxieties develop an intense and bitter tale.
About how war paint won't assure you ain't a painted whore, baby
Putting on a facade does not change who one is or what one has done.
No ground wires, all jaw froth
No grounding or control, just a bunch of talk and noise.
Mouth-breathing outliers climb out of mothballs
Individuals who are seen as different or unusual emerge from hiding.
Wrung stones unsung and alone
Mistreated and neglected individuals are left unknown and without a voice.
Known to run up in the unknown, honey I'm home
Someone is going into the unknown and treating it like it is their home.
I push a bucket of bolts, assorted death in his wake
A person is driving something old and dangerous, leaving a path of destruction.
I take the hand off the thief, I take the head off a snake
Individuals who steal or cause harm are dealt with.
Approach a pen like revolution's just a sentence away
The power of writing can be revolutionary.
'Til then he's documenting cops and watching Heaven decay
Until that time, someone is documenting police actions and the decline of society.
It's not a gentleman's game it's a generation braced accordingly
This is not something to be taken lightly. This generation is prepared for the challenge.
Who know the differences between the cozy and the quarantine
These people understand the distinction between a comfortable life and being segregated.
Yes y'all the crestfallen careworn
The people are tired and struggling.
Air horn, air horn, air horn, air horn
This is a call to action, a warning that something is happening or that things are about to get intense.
These awful winds
These are terrible winds, indicating a bad situation.
Those grinding gears
There are gears that are grinding, causing an unbearable noise.
This pile of bones
There is a pile of bones on the ground, indicating death and decay.
That's why I'm here
This is the reason the artist is present, to face these challenges.
Wild frontier
This is a wild and dangerous place, with unknown obstacles.
These violent drums
These are aggressive drums, signaling an impending attack.
Those primal fears
These are basic, instinctual fears that everyone experiences.
This pool of mud
There is a treacherous pool of mud, making it hard to move forward.
That's why I'm here
This is the reason the singer is present, to face these challenges.
W-w-w-w-wild frontier
This is an intense and treacherous wilderness.
That's impossible, body still warm
This is an unlikely scenario because the body is still warm.
Scavengers already obsessively knocking on his molecules
People are already scavenging the remains of someone's body.
I'm catatonic, fat, and outta rocket-fuel and ramen
The person is inactive, overweight, and out of resources.
Not a dollar, watching Rocky two in Donatello boxers
The person is poor and watching Rocky 2 in a Ninja Turtles costume.
At some hot-as-hell motel in what's supposed to be his Shangri-La
Someone is staying in a motel that is supposed to be a paradise, but it is not.
More akin to angry mobs with anchor tats and mangey dogs in vacant lots
This place is similar to an area with violent gangs and stray, unkempt animals.
Traded any semblance of consistency to play the odds
The person gave up stability to take chances.
Not even a baby doll to change his gauze
The person does not even have a toy to take their mind off their pain.
Not even a hideaway to hide up in
The person does not have a safe place to retreat to.
A side effect of sliding environment to environment
Moving from place to place is taking a toll on this person.
Driving isn't simply when the tires spin, try again
Driving is not just about the mechanics, it is something more complicated.
Departures and arrivals aren't only time and mileage
Going somewhere is not only about the time and distance traveled.
Try again again, a raider break off from the phalanx
Try again, another person is leaving their group.
And never look back, never cook crack, K - thanks, bye
This person is leaving and does not want to go back to their old ways.
New York in the rear view then peel
A person is leaving New York and moving on with their life.
Out, 'til he found New York in the windshield
The person is returning to New York and it is the only destination in sight.
These cursed dogs
These are animals that are considered cursed or unlucky.
Those flying spears
There are sharp, flying objects that pose a threat.
This rancid food
There is food that is spoiled and unpleasant.
That's why I'm here
The artist is there to face these challenges.
Wild frontier
This is a place that is unexplored and dangerous.
These fleeting hopes
The hopes are temporary and do not last long.
Those vital prayers
These are essential prayers that are important for survival.
This bag of cash
There is a bag of money, indicating wealth and power.
That's why I'm here
The singer is there to obtain this money and power.
W-w-w-w-wild frontier
This is a dangerous and intense place.
This was never an effective way to rally insurgents
This has never been an effective way to inspire others to revolt or resist.
Or really even the occupation of a rational person
Even a reasonable person would not see this as a good occupation or way of life.
When you write about seclusion and some buyers finally tune in
When someone writes about being alone, others finally pay attention and show interest.
You get frightened finding happiness can drive away the movement
This person's happiness may be seen as a reason for them to stop fighting for change.
In a jiffy, just eat your food and keep the future iffy
Quickly eat your food and don't think about your future very much.
That fruition's for the viewers who need a loser to pity
Seeing someone else fail makes some people feel better about their own situation.
Plus an underlying message of a greater disconnection
There is a deeper message of being disconnected from society, oneself, and others.
God forbid he try to live or gain momentum
It is a shame that this person is trying to move forward and live their life.
Mend or pay his penance
This person needs to make things right or pay for their mistakes.
You'd rather see him eat a bowl of mouse traps
Some people would rather see this person suffer and get hurt.
Surf a thousand couches
This person is moving from sofa to sofa, without any sense of stability or purpose.
Take a jagged little down the hatch
This person is taking dangerous substances or doing risky things without any thought of the consequences.
Chowderheads
These are people who are foolish, unintelligent, or naive.
I know you love the way the failure flounder
These people enjoy watching other people fail and suffer.
Maybe I could be your daily downer
The singer is suggesting that they could be someone's source of depression and negativity.
If his brain left his body and was headed for the door
If this person loses their mind or consciousness and was leaving the situation.
Would you take it in and help it find its way into a jar?
Would someone try to help this person and put their brain into a container to protect it?
No, fuck it, let him hop around a maze
Some people do not care what happens to this person and would rather see them confused and scared.
We can see who's really lost when the schadenfreude fades
People will realize who they are when their enjoyment of other's misery is gone.
These churning seas
These are massive, tumultuous seas that are constantly moving.
Those quiet sneers
People are sneering or scowling softly, expressing their disdain and disapproval.
This box of parts
There is a collection of parts assembled together, indicating that something is being created or built.
That's why I'm here
The singer is present to work on this project or creation.
Wild frontier
This is a place where anything can happen, including success or failure.
These creepy friends
These are friends who are odd or strange, causing discomfort.
Those dicey dares
These are risky challenges that are not guaranteed to succeed.
This perfect dark
This is an ideal, flawless level of darkness.
That's why I'm here
The artist is present to experience this perfect darkness.
W-w-w-w wild frontier
This is an untamed, unpredictable place where anything can happen.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: IAN MATTHIAS BAVITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind