Raised in Cornwall, James began DJing at free parties and clubs in the area in the late 1980s. His debut EP Analogue Bubblebath, released in 1991 on Mighty Force Records, brought James an early following; he began to perform across the UK and continental Europe. James co-founded the independent label Rephlex Records the same year. His 1992 debut album Selected Ambient Works 85-92, released by Belgian label Apollo, garnered wider critical and popular acclaim. James signed to Warp in 1993 and subsequently released charting albums such as ...I Care Because You Do (1995) and Richard D. James Album (1996), as well as Top 40 singles such as "Come to Daddy" (1997) and "Windowlicker" (1999); the latter two were accompanied by music videos directed by Chris Cunningham and brought James significantly wider international attention.
After releasing Drukqs in 2001 and completing his contract with Warp, James spent several years releasing music on his own Rephlex label, including the 2005 Analord EP series under his AFX alias and a pair of 2007 releases as the Tuss. In 2014, he made available a previously unreleased 1994 LP as Caustic Window. He returned later that year with the Aphex Twin album Syro on Warp, winning the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. He has since released charting EPs including Cheetah (2016) and Collapse (2018).
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphex_Twin
Studio albums
Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (1992)
Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994)
...I Care Because You Do (1995)
Richard D. James Album (1996)
Drukqs (2001)
Syro (2014)
Beetles
Aphex Twin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under my carpet
Under my feet
They come out in the heat
The lyrics to Aphex Twin's song "Beetles" are intriguing and can be interpreted in various ways. One possible interpretation is that the "beetles" symbolize repressed memories or traumas that are hidden underneath the surface and resurface during times of stress or heat. The singer acknowledges the presence of these "beetles" under their carpet and under their feet, indicating that they are constantly aware of their existence. The fact that they come out in the heat could symbolize a trigger or a breaking point that causes the repressed memories to resurface, whether it be an environmental factor or an internal struggle.
Another interpretation could be that the "beetles" represent a metaphor for subconscious thoughts or emotions that are concealed but still affect the singer's daily life. The singer is aware of their presence and can feel them under their feet and carpet, suggesting that they are always at the back of their mind. However, they only become apparent in the heat, implying that they only come to the forefront when the singer is feeling intense emotions or going through a difficult time.
Overall, the lyrics to "Beetles" are cryptic but evoke a sense of hidden undercurrents that can resurface at any moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Beetles
These insects called beetles
Under my carpet
They are hiding or living under the carpet in my room
Under my feet
I can feel them crawling under my feet as I walk around
They come out in the heat
These beetles emerge from under the carpet and become more active when the temperature rises
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: RICHARD D. JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RCmies
The melody is just genius
@ajsmith4181
Sounds like “A Reflection” by The Cure
@laurenwoolen5882
@@ajsmith4181 it doesnt
@junokarah3495
@lauren woolen yes, it actually does ling dong
@nickandshadow
the rhythm makes me think exactly of an insect's legs moving in the dark. I don't find this song sad, relaxing or nostalgic. it's fucking creepy and it's gorgeous
@cockyplopsnigga
The demurity of an exotic caged lizard
@raccoondude6371
beetles, under my carpet, under my feet, they come out in the heat x4
@Hasuo2001
I want aphex twin to make songs with more vocals.
@hjgould
I don't understand how people find this song peaceful. It makes me paranoid. The melody gives off the sorta feeling of lying about things being fine when there's clearly something off and unnerving.
Sorta like hearing a noise in a concrete hallway. You lie to yourself about it being nothing knowing full well that you're not alone.
@JessicoreWaIrus666
Nice