Ataxia wrote and recorded songs for two weeks, and the material was separated into two albums: Automatic Writing (2004) and AW II (2007). The songs all feature a ground-bass line with the guitar overlaying different motifs and long developments.
Ataxia performed two shows, both at the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, on February 2 and February 3, 2004. Following this, the group disbanded. Josh Klinghoffer continues to work with Frusciante on his solo projects.
Ethiopian Song
Ataxia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Moving the fight to the words
Tense words endanger design
Plans moving hit the world twice
Hands, grabbing this majesty light
Glance, Over there into the night
His old worlds he does intoxicate
We're meant to be a play
We're meant to be a play
We're meant to be a play
Bands, down the hall
Don't know they're small
Im picking out the day
When I will be upstage
Im picking out the day
Picking out the day
Fans, large and small
Short and tall
Fall out to their final day
Fall out to their final day
Fall out to their final day
Fall out to their final day
Lines, too hard to recall
See into the wall
Gather caught grey
Gather caught grey
Gather caught grey
When, I get the room I will play
Where, they laugh like it is the shame
Friends don't tend to use
Friends don't tend to use
Friends don't tend to use
Friends don't tend to use
Plans, which have already been made
Advance, 'twards the day after their day
They're making plans for you
They're making plans for you
They're making plans for you
They're making plans for you
The lyrics to Ataxia's song "Ethiopian Song" are poetic and abstract, leaving the listener to interpret their meaning. The opening lines, "Man, I know it has to be good, moving the fight to the words," could be interpreted as a call to create meaningful art that has the power to move and inspire people. The following lines, "Tense words endanger design, plans moving hit the world twice," suggest that it is important to consider the impact of our words and actions, as they have the potential to create significant change.
The following lines introduce a sense of nostalgia and contemplation, "His old worlds he does intoxicate, his own hands are farther in decades, we're meant to be a play." This could reference the idea that our experiences and memories shape who we are, and that life is a journey that unfolds like a play. The repetition of the line "we're meant to be a play" emphasizes this idea.
The song then shifts to a more concrete scene, with the line "Bands, down the hall, don't know they're small." This line could reference the idea that even successful musicians are just a small part of something larger, and that their impact is limited. The following lines "I'm picking out the day when I will be upstage" suggest that the singer is aspiring to a greater level of success and recognition.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ethiopian Song" are open to interpretation, but there are themes of reflection, contemplation, and the desire to create something meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
Man, I know it has to be good
The singer has high expectations for what they are about to experience or witness.
Moving the fight to the words
Words are being used as a tool to convey a message or make a point.
Tense words endanger design
Using aggressive or confrontational language can ruin plans or intentions.
Plans moving hit the world twice
Actions have consequences and their impact can be felt more than once.
Hands, grabbing this majesty light
The artist is reaching for something that is beautiful or impressive.
Glance, Over there into the night
The singer is looking into the unknown or at something that is difficult to see.
His old worlds he does intoxicate
The singer is immersed in their own past experiences or memories.
His own hands are farther in decades
The artist feels like they have aged or changed a lot since the past they are reminiscing about.
We're meant to be a play
Life is like a scripted performance where people are playing predetermined roles.
Bands, down the hall
Musical performers are present in the vicinity.
Don't know they're small
The musicians may not realize the impact they have or the potential they possess.
Im picking out the day
The artist is anticipating a future moment or event.
When I will be upstage
The singer desires to take center stage or be the main focus of attention.
Fans, large and small
People who appreciate the performers come in all shapes and sizes.
Short and tall
Even those who are different in physical appearance can come together to enjoy music.
Fall out to their final day
Everyone will eventually pass away, but the impact they leave behind can be everlasting.
Lines, too hard to recall
Memories or experiences can become blurry or difficult to remember over time.
See into the wall
The singer is looking for a hidden meaning or finding themselves at a dead end.
Gather caught grey
The atmosphere or situation is ambiguous or unsure.
When, I get the room I will play
The artist is waiting for their opportunity to take action or perform.
Where, they laugh like it is the shame
At this place, laughter is viewed as something negative or shameful.
Friends don't tend to use
The artist's friends do not utilize something or follow a certain way of thinking.
Plans, which have already been made
There are pre-existing plans or actions that have been decided upon in advance.
Advance, 'twards the day after their day
The plans or actions that have been made are moving forward towards their next phase or outcome.
They're making plans for you
Others may be making decisions or taking action on the singer's behalf without their input or knowledge.
Contributed by Daniel D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@coralcapoeira31
One of the best rock songz I ve heard since 2000...Top 3 ! Eaaaasy...
@CalifornianSoul
Such an awesome work of art. Frusciante is spirit that walks among us and bring these beautiful sounds from the other side.
@LProcks28
@Hitori521 Tottaly agree with you, man, one of the best songs put by Frusciante.
@mrlevinielsen
That cover is so creepy dude