After gaining some recognition in local circles in Jacksonville, Florida and competing at Scribble Jam, Astronautalis self-released his debut album, You and Yer Good Ideas, in 2003. He eventually signed with Fighting Records and the record was re-released in 2005, followed by his second album, The Mighty Ocean and Nine Dark Theaters, in 2006. He released the third album, Pomegranate, on Eyeball Records in 2008. In winter 2009, he toured with the Canadian indie rock band Tegan and Sara through Europe, and supported them again through the spring of 2010 in Australia. His fourth album, This Is Our Science, was released on Fake Four Inc in 2011.
Astronautalis has been described as "if Beck were a decade or so younger and had grown up more heavily immersed in hip-hop," with his rapping style noted for "blending styles of indie rock, electro, and talkin’ blues" with hip-hop. He has described himself as "historical fiction hip-hop."
During live performances, he often performs a freestyle rap based on topics chosen by members of his audience
Tightrope
Astronautalis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The stares and the umbrellas
That you held atop my hair
When the subtle rain befell us
The acrobat safely steps
Above the safety net
Faced the lengthy stretch
Whether the taste the grace of the final place
Or face the hated misstep
He trusts the heart string net will always be there dresssed to catch
I make mistakes like the next but I never make regrets
I'm not upset I climbed the steps and tried to cross that thing
I don't blame you or anyone when it was time to cut the strings
But I don't look foward to interviewing the new applying sets of arms
That will catch me and protect me from the potential bodily harm
Catch me and protect me with their wit and charm
So I raise the sacred bar and take a charge across that bloody cable
Take a step into my quest and try to hold my body stable
Take a guess at futures next and wonder when I'm who's the next net to come along and try and save you
I'm game to
Talking loving and maintaining the friendship
But I know that will never fit because it will always be second best
Mothers cover their children's eyes
Children peak through it
And everyone held their breath Because I was working without a net
The song "Tightrope" by Astronautalis is about taking risks in life and accepting the consequences that come with them. The opening lines talk about the main character getting used to the attention and protection he receives from his loved ones. He describes how he got comfortable with the stares and the umbrellas that were held atop his head during the rain.
The lyrics continue to describe the act of an acrobat walking on a tightrope without a safety net. The acrobat trusts that the "heart string" net will always be there to catch him if he falls. The main character relates this to his vulnerabilities and mistakes in life. He admits that he has made mistakes but has never regretted them. He is aware that he cannot blame anyone when he falls because he took the risk on his own.
The song emphasizes the importance of taking risks and the courage needed to do so. It acknowledges that there will always be consequences, and you need to accept them willingly. The line "everyone held their breath because I was working without a net" highlights how people around us get affected by our decision to take risks. Overall, the song serves as a reminder to step out of our comfort zones and take risks in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd grown accustomed to the touching
I was used to the physical contact
The stares and the umbrellas
People watching and holding umbrellas over me when it rained
That you held atop my hair
You were the one holding the umbrella over my head
When the subtle rain befell us
During the light rain shower
The acrobat safely steps
The acrobat steps confidently
Above the safety net
While being above the net
Faced the lengthy stretch
Confronts the long tightrope
And didn't sweat the placement yet
Doesn't worry about being in the right spot
Whether the taste the grace of the final place
Whether achieving mastery and grace at the end
Or face the hated misstep
Or facing a disappointing mistake
He trusts the heart string net will always be there dresssed to catch
He trusts the safety net will be there to catch him if he falls
I make mistakes like the next but I never make regrets
I make errors but I don't regret them
I'm not upset I climbed the steps and tried to cross that thing
I'm not upset I tried crossing the tightrope
I don't blame you or anyone when it was time to cut the strings
I don't blame you or anyone else for letting me go
But I don't look foward to interviewing the new applying sets of arms
I don't look forward to finding new people to trust
That will catch me and protect me from the potential bodily harm
People who will catch me and prevent me from getting hurt
Catch me and protect me with their wit and charm
Catch me and protect me with their charm and intelligence
So I raise the sacred bar and take a charge across that bloody cable
I challenge myself and cross the dangerous tightrope
Take a step into my quest and try to hold my body stable
Taking one step closer to my goal while keeping my balance
Take a guess at futures next and wonder when I'm who's the next net to come along and try and save you
Wondering who will be the next person to help in the future
I'm game to
I'm willing to try
Talking loving and maintaining the friendship
Discussing love and staying friends
But I know that will never fit because it will always be second best
But it will never work out because it is not my primary focus
Mothers cover their children's eyes
Mothers protect their children by not letting them see the danger
Children peak through it
Children still take a peek despite being shielded
And everyone held their breath Because I was working without a net
Everyone was worried because I was taking a risk without a safety net
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind