As a teenager, Slug (Sean Daley) became entranced with hip-hop, graffiti, and breakdancing, forming the Rhymesayers label and collective (originally known as Headshots) with two high-school friends, Siddiq Ali (Stress) and Derek Turner (Spawn). After some early gigs as Urban Atmosphere -- where Slug DJed behind Spawn's rhyming -- the pair hooked up with producer Ant (Anthony Davis), as well as like-minded locals such as MC Musab, Mr. Gene Poole, and the Abstract Pack, forming an underground hip-hop clique dedicated to freestyling and clever lyricism. In 1997, Atmosphere released their debut album, Overcast!, which received college radio airplay and earned an underground hip-hop following thanks to Slug's deeply personal, poetic musings, as well as Ant's bare-bones -- but inventive -- production.
Atmosphere participated in the supergroup the Dynospectrum (who released a self-titled album on Rhymesayers in 1998) and Slug contributed to another supergroup, Anticon's Deep Puddle Dynamics (whose full-length The Taste of Rain...Why Kneel appeared in 1999). The Headshots collective concluded their series of underground cassettes with a seventh volume in 1999, later reissued as an Atmosphere release called Headshots: Se7en. The group also began a series of limited releases (often sold exclusively on tour) titled Sad Clown Bad Dub, beginning with an extremely scarce 1999 cassette.
A year later, Atmosphere (then down to the duo of Slug and Ant) released the Ford One and Ford Two EPs, followed by the Lucy EP in 2001. Collected as the 2001 full-length Lucy Ford: The Atmosphere EPs, the three EPs were built around the theme of Slug's complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend, the lost love of his life. As Atmosphere's following increased beyond underground hip-hop circles, they toured consistently, both at home and overseas; while Ant usually didn't accompany the group on the road, Mr. Dibbs of the group 1200 Hobos often joined in behind the turntables while Slug was assisted on the mike by young rappers like the teenaged Eyedea. In June 2002, Atmosphere unleashed God Loves Ugly, an 18-track effort that returned to previous themes ("F*@k You Lucy"), but also contained the group's pop-friendly single "Modern Man's Hustle," which reached the Top 20 of the U.S. rap singles chart.
By this time indie rap superstars, Atmosphere returned with their fourth album, Seven's Travels, in 2003, followed two years later by You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having. Following the record's success, Ant began regularly touring with the group. They continued to put music out during the next couple of years, including the free download Strictly Leakage in late 2007, a near-party album that they followed up with When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold in April 2008. The record featured plenty of live instrumentation and guest background vocal spots from Tom Waits and TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe; it was also their highest-charting album, hitting number five on the Billboard 200. The "double EP" To All My Friends: Blood Makes the Blade Holy appeared in 2010, with the full-length album The Family Sign following in 2011.
In 2014, the group released the album Southsiders, which featured the single "Bitter" and became another Top Ten-charting hit. The following year, Atmosphere celebrated the ten-year anniversary of You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having by reissuing the album as a four-LP set (including instrumental versions of all the album's songs), in addition to The Fun EP, a picture-disc vinyl issue of an EP of You Can't Imagine outtakes that was originally released as a promo CD in 2006. In 2016, they returned with Fishing Blues, an album that featured the single "Ringo" along with guest appearances from MF Doom, Kool Keith, and Aesop Rock. While the set peaked just outside the Top 20 on the Billboard 200, it became their second album to top the U.S. indie chart. Mi Vida Local, an urgent reflection on middle age, appeared in 2018, followed a year later by the full-length Whenever. The Day Before Halloween arrived on that exact date in 2020, with Atmosphere unexpectedly switching to sci-fi/horror-informed themes over spooky, synth-heavy backdrops. Nearly a year later, Ant and Slug swerved back to their signature sound with Word?, which included guests such as Evidence, Aesop Rock, Sa-Roc, and MF Doom.
Biography by Dan LeRoy
There are other artists with the same name:
2) A Polish rock group, established in 1993 in Leszno, Poland, with Marcin Rozynek as a vocalist. In 1994 the group appeared at Mokotowska Jesień Muzyczna, where they were runners-up just behind Myslovitz. Two years later they won competition Marlboro Rock In. In 1997, Atmosphere released their self-titled debut album, Atmosphere, and in 1999 released Europa Naftowa. Atmosphere was awarded the Album debut of the year 1997 by magazine Tylko Rock and was nominated for the award Fryderyk in 1998 in the category Debut of the Year. In 1998, Atmosphere appeared at the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole with song Niewielki Skrawek Ziemi. Disbanded after Marcin Rozynek departure for a solo career. However, Atmosphere regrouped recently with a new line-up and is recording a new album.
3) An obscure one hit wonder Italo-disco group of the early 80’s. The group was produced by Franco & Venise Scopinich, and their one single “Swede’s Scandal” was realased on Superradio Reccords (label owned by Franco & Venise Scopinich).
4) A thrash metal band of the same name from Vietnam who have released two demo's.
Musical Chairs
Atmosphere Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up alive
Cause the music hasn't die yet
[Repeat 3X]
Suzy was a psycho, but she looked good
Little ball of fire, light it up and cook wood
Pieces of a puzzle, personality, and posture
When it's probably done, it seems spun
As long as you're not ??
Bar fly looking for a fall guy
Taking on all types
From big baller to the small fry
Get what you want out of life
But every night now the same thought arise (babe you got a light?)
Still as lonely as the number one
Cause you only love someone
So you have someone to run from
Run, run, put your back into it Sue
Always wonder what it would be like to try to rap to you
We gotta show Suzy love
Ain't no way anyone's gonna stop before the music does
[Chorus 4X]
Bobby was a genius, and he would prove it
His favorite move is to make you look stupid
He knows the answer, nobody puts their hands up
When he starts talking everybody (shut up)
Bobby didn't have friends, not real ones
Just a bunch of light minded self righteous pilgrims
And they all treated Bob like the big cheese
Knowing damn well they all thought he was a "bitch please"
Blows his own horn, slaps his own bass
While everyone waits for him to fall on his face
And while he's down, someone will take his place
If the suit isn't trump even seven beats an ace
Look at Bobby, he doesn't even know
You're supposed to set a new one after you achieve a goal
Accomplishments are just excuses to talk and spit
When you music stops, who will have a spot to sit?
[Chorus 4X]
Bring me the head of whoever said "play fair"
I want to sit in my chair and wear a blank stare
Fuck being king of the hill
When the music dies you'll be the first one the villagers kill
Walk in circles, dizzy up the movement
Talk in circles, the underground's polluted
Lots of circles, you wonderin' where you fit
Stop the cirlces!
(Over beat boxing)
Oh Oh Oh yea, Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Oh Oh Oh yea
Stand up alive
Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up...
[Chorus 4X]
Atmosphere's "Musical Chairs" speaks to the idea that life is like a game of musical chairs - when the music stops, you better have a place to sit. The lyrics introduce Suzy and Bobby, two characters who represent different aspects of the human experience. Suzy is a ball of fire who attracts people, but her loneliness comes from her inability to love and be loved. Bobby is a genius who constantly seeks validation and attention while putting others down. Both are examples of people who are trying to find their place in the world.
The chorus repeats the line "do you want a plight? well, you don't have a choice" three times, emphasizing the fact that life is full of challenges and obstacles that must be faced. The song's message is one of perseverance and the idea that the music hasn't died yet, meaning there is still time to find your place in the world and make something of yourself.
Overall, Musical Chairs is a song that speaks to the struggles we all face in finding our place in the world. Suzy and Bobby are two characters that represent the different paths we can take in life, but ultimately, the goal is to find a seat when the music stops.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you want a plight?
Are you looking for a difficult situation?
Well you don't have a choice
You have no other option
Stand up alive
Be present and active
Cause the music hasn't die yet
The situation is not over yet
Suzy was a psycho, but she looked good
Suzy had issues, but she had an appealing appearance
Little ball of fire, light it up and cook wood
She had a lot of energy and could accomplish great things
She knew the power of what she had to offer
She understood her worth and capabilities
Pieces of a puzzle, personality, and posture
Suzy was complex and unique
When it's probably done, it seems spun
The situation becomes more complicated than it seems
As long as you're not ??
As long as you are not too intoxicated
Bar fly looking for a fall guy
Someone who frequents bars and wants to blame someone else for their problems
Taking on all types
Engaging with people from various backgrounds
From big baller to the small fry
From the wealthy and influential to the insignificant
Get what you want out of life
Accomplish your goals and desires
But every night now the same thought arise (babe you got a light?)
However, every night she still feels lonely and seeks validation from others
Still as lonely as the number one
She is just as lonely as before
Cause you only love someone to have someone to run from
She only loves someone to have an excuse to escape from them
Run, run, put your back into it Sue
Keep trying and putting effort into your endeavors
Always wonder what it would be like to try to rap to you
Wondering what it would be like to connect with her
We gotta show Suzy love
We need to appreciate and support Suzy
Ain't no way anyone's gonna stop before the music does
We will not give up until the situation is over
Bobby was a genius, and he would prove it
Bobby thought he was intelligent and needed to demonstrate it
His favorite move is to make you look stupid
Bobby likes to belittle others to prove his superiority
He knows the answer, nobody puts their hands up
Bobby thinks he knows everything and does not allow others to participate
When he starts talking everybody (shut up)
People stop talking and listen when Bobby speaks
Bobby didn't have friends, not real ones
Bobby did not have genuine friendships
Just a bunch of light minded self righteous pilgrims
He was surrounded by close-minded and judgmental people
And they all treated Bob like the big cheese
His acquaintances treated him like he was important
Knowing damn well they all thought he was a "bitch please"
They pretended to respect him, but secretly they thought he was foolish
Blows his own horn, slaps his own bass
Bobby brags about his own achievements
While everyone waits for him to fall on his face
People hope for his failure
And while he's down, someone will take his place
If Bobby fails, someone else will replace him
If the suit isn't trump even seven beats an ace
If someone else is more impressive than him, he will be replaced
Look at Bobby, he doesn't even know
Bobby is unaware of his own shortcomings
You're supposed to set a new one after you achieve a goal
After reaching a goal, a new one should be established
Accomplishments are just excuses to talk and spit
Achievements are a way of bragging
When your music stops, who will have a spot to sit?
When the situation is over, who will come out on top?
Bring me the head of whoever said "play fair"
The desire to eliminate someone who promotes fairness and equality
I want to sit in my chair and wear a blank stare
The desire to be disengaged and indifferent
Fuck being king of the hill
The rejection of striving to be the best
When the music dies you'll be the first one the villagers kill
When the situation ends, you will be held accountable for your actions
Walk in circles, dizzy up the movement
The tendency to engage in pointless activity
Talk in circles, the underground's polluted
The conversations are non-productive and the situation is chaotic
Lots of circles, you wonderin' where you fit
There are too many people involved and it is difficult to find your place
Stop the cirlces!
The need to stop unproductive behavior
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
electrotoxins
Do you wanna play?
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up alive
Cause the music hasn't died yet
[Repeat 3X]
Suzy was a psycho, but she looked good
Little ball of fire, light it up and cook wood
She knew the power of what she had to offer
Pieces of a puzzle, personality, and posture
When it's probably done, it seems spun
As long as you're not the one the bee stung
Bar fly looking for a fall guy
Taking on all types
From big baller to the small fry
Get what you want out of life
But every night now the same thought arise (man, you got a light?)
Still as lonely as the number one
Cause you only love someone
So you have someone to run from
Run, run, put your back into it Sue
Always wondered what it would be like to try to rap to you
We gotta show Suzy love
Ain't no way that anybody's gonna stop before the music does
[Chorus 4X]
Bobby was a genius, and he would prove it
His favorite move is to make you look stupid
He knows the answer, nobody puts their hands up
When he starts talking everybody (shut up)
Bobby didn't have friends, not real ones
Just a bunch of like-minded self righteous pilgrims
And they all treated Bob like the big cheese
Knowing damn well they all thought he was a "bitch please"
Blows his own horn, slaps his own bass
While everybody waits for him to fall on his face
And while he's down, someone will take his place
If the suit isn't trump even seven beats an ace
Look at Bobby, he doesn't even know that
You're supposed to set a new one after you achieve a goal
Accomplishments are just excuses to talk and spit
When you music stops, who will have a spot to sit?
[Chorus 4X]
Bring me the head of whoever said "play fair"
I want to sit in my chair and wear a blank stare
Fuck being king of the hill
When the music dies you'll be the first one the villagers kill
Walk in circles, dizzy up the movement
Talk in circles, the underground's polluted
Lots of circles, you wonderin' where you fit
Stop the circles!
(Over beat boxing)
Oh Oh Oh yea, Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Oh Oh Oh yea
Stand up alive
Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up...
[Chorus 4X]
Christopher Reeves
Great song from a great album. Brings back memories from what seems like a lifetime ago (but are only from like 13 years ago. It's so amazing how some songs have that power.
beto sk8s
One of the best songs on this album. Then again, all Atmospheres songs are always amazing!!
electrotoxins
Do you wanna play?
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up alive
Cause the music hasn't died yet
[Repeat 3X]
Suzy was a psycho, but she looked good
Little ball of fire, light it up and cook wood
She knew the power of what she had to offer
Pieces of a puzzle, personality, and posture
When it's probably done, it seems spun
As long as you're not the one the bee stung
Bar fly looking for a fall guy
Taking on all types
From big baller to the small fry
Get what you want out of life
But every night now the same thought arise (man, you got a light?)
Still as lonely as the number one
Cause you only love someone
So you have someone to run from
Run, run, put your back into it Sue
Always wondered what it would be like to try to rap to you
We gotta show Suzy love
Ain't no way that anybody's gonna stop before the music does
[Chorus 4X]
Bobby was a genius, and he would prove it
His favorite move is to make you look stupid
He knows the answer, nobody puts their hands up
When he starts talking everybody (shut up)
Bobby didn't have friends, not real ones
Just a bunch of like-minded self righteous pilgrims
And they all treated Bob like the big cheese
Knowing damn well they all thought he was a "bitch please"
Blows his own horn, slaps his own bass
While everybody waits for him to fall on his face
And while he's down, someone will take his place
If the suit isn't trump even seven beats an ace
Look at Bobby, he doesn't even know that
You're supposed to set a new one after you achieve a goal
Accomplishments are just excuses to talk and spit
When you music stops, who will have a spot to sit?
[Chorus 4X]
Bring me the head of whoever said "play fair"
I want to sit in my chair and wear a blank stare
Fuck being king of the hill
When the music dies you'll be the first one the villagers kill
Walk in circles, dizzy up the movement
Talk in circles, the underground's polluted
Lots of circles, you wonderin' where you fit
Stop the circles!
(Over beat boxing)
Oh Oh Oh yea, Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Oh Oh Oh yea
Stand up alive
Oh Oh Oh yea
Well you don't have a choice
Stand up...
[Chorus 4X]
Joel Widgins
electrotoxins #_also want a plight, glad you like it, thank you dearly
Fvck what you think
Haven't heard this in a while Danm it's a breath of fresh air!
Mike Wolf
Just saw these guys in concert last night... amazing as always!!!
Chris Gentry
classic hip-hop lives on!
Tyler Lemm
Atmosphere for life
Joel Widgins
Chris Gentry glad you like it
Johnny Warbux
Love love love this track