Califone is the musical project of former Red Red Meat frontman Tim Rutili. Its regular and rotating contributors include many former members of Red Red Meat and some members of other Chicago bands, such as Tortoise. Their music is less rooted in blues-rock than Red Red Meat and is more directly inspired by experimental music and early American folk music as can be found on Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music.
Califone's current lineup includes Joe Adamik (drums), Jim Becker (banjo, violin), Ben Massarella (percussion), and Tim Rutili (vocals, guitar, keyboards). Each member is a multi-instrumentalist.
Tim Rutili has collaborated with a number of other artists as well. He joined up with Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and others in 2002 to release the album Sharpen Your Teeth under the band name Ugly Casanova. Some members also toured with Freakwater and served as a backing band to record the album Thinking of You in 2005. In 2006, Tim Rutili teamed up with Wil Hendricks and Michael Krassner under the name The Unseen Hand to record the soundtrack for Rank, a documentary about bullriding. In the same year Califone worked with animator/musician Brent Green on a series of performance art pieces featuring animation, live music, and spoken word. They are also featured on the soundtrack for the movie Stranger than Fiction.
Your Golden Ass
Califone Lyrics
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A wolfish mouth
On a mouse-ish face lady from shanghai 3rd man
Shot wild in the house of mirrors
Vicodin itch bite your lip take it all in
But it ain't sticking it ain't sticking it ain't sticking it ain't sticking
Speed and grace traded tea lites for an irish womb
Comeback comeback comeback come
Make your make your make your motion
Corn your crown your crown your crown your
Crown your crown your golden ass
Blackbirds in formation blown
Like thumbtacks spilling across a marble sky
The key slides like olive oil into the lock
Into the lock
Mean old sun baring down mothers milk
Breathe in for me bloood orange in an amaretto pool
Don't you get only what you ask for everytime
The lyrics in Califone's "Your Golden Ass" are full of vivid and abstract imagery that can be difficult to decipher. However, upon closer inspection, an underlying message of existentialism and the search for meaning becomes apparent.
The lyrics of the first verse seem to juxtapose different ideas and images, such as a slow-moving Japanese pitcher and a lady from Shanghai. The "house of mirrors" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the confusion and illusions of life, where one can never be sure of what is real. The use of the word "Vicodin" could suggest the idea of seeking escape or numbing pain, but ultimately finding that it doesn't stick, doesn't bring lasting relief.
The second verse seems to address the idea of choice and consequence - in this case, the singer seems to be suggesting that we only get what we ask for, and that sometimes our choices can be dangerous or painful. The repetition of "comeback" and "make your motion" could be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging the listener to keep moving forward even when things get difficult.
The final verse brings in a new set of images, such as blackbirds and a mean old sun, but the underlying message remains the same - that life can be both beautiful and cruel, and that we can't always control the things that happen to us. The mention of the "amaretto pool" could be interpreted as a symbol of pleasure or indulgence, but again the singer seems to suggest that even these things can be fleeting and temporary.
Overall, the lyrics of "Your Golden Ass" suggest a deep sense of introspection and a search for meaning in a world that can often be confusing and cruel.
Line by Line Meaning
Early minor japanese pitcher sidearm slow tic
The singer describes a baseball player's throwing style and mentions a nervous tic in a slow and deliberate manner.
A wolfish mouth
The person being described has a mouth that resembles that of a wolf, perhaps implying that they are aggressive or predatory.
On a mouse-ish face lady from shanghai 3rd man
The singer describes a woman from Shanghai who has a face that is small and unassuming, but might possess hidden strength or cunning. The reference to the '3rd man' could possibly suggest a love triangle or other complicated relationship dynamic.
Shot wild in the house of mirrors
The subject of the song is likened to being 'shot' or attacked while in a house of mirrors, which could represent a distorted or confusing environment where one's sense of self is being challenged.
Vicodin itch bite your lip take it all in
The artist suggests a sensation of taking prescribed pain medication followed by an urge to bite one's lip in response.
But it ain't sticking it ain't sticking it ain't sticking it ain't sticking
Despite efforts to cope with the situation, the singer implies that it is not successful and their strategies are not working.
Speed and grace traded tea lites for an irish womb
The singer compares two different things - 'speed and grace' and 'tea lites' - and suggests that they were traded for something more significant, symbolized by the phrase 'an Irish womb.' This could reflect a shift in priorities or what is valued in life.
Don't you get only what you ask for every time everytime
The artist imparts some wisdom or advice, suggesting that one only receives what they ask for and emphasizing the repetition of this idea.
Comeback comeback comeback come
The word 'comeback' is repeated, possibly emphasizing the idea of rebounding from a setback or coming back stronger after a defeat.
Make your make your make your motion
The artist is urging action and motion, likely as a way to overcome adversity or embrace life's challenges.
Corn your crown your crown your crown your
The verb 'corn' suggests the act of making something tough or hardened, which could be interpreted as protecting oneself or becoming resilient in the face of difficulty. The repetition of 'your crown' could also reference personal strength or determination.
Crown your crown your golden ass
The artist uses the phrase 'golden ass' as a way of referring to someone who is arrogant or full of themselves. They suggest 'crowning' this aspect of oneself, possibly highlighting the importance of self-confidence or being true to oneself regardless of what others think.
Blackbirds in formation blown
The image of birds in formation being blown away could represent a loss of control or direction, perhaps implying that the singer feels directionless or at the mercy of external forces.
Like thumbtacks spilling across a marble sky
The simile of thumbtacks spilling across a marble sky could further emphasize the notion of things being scattered or out of place.
The key slides like olive oil into the lock
The singer describes a smooth, fluid action of inserting a key into a lock, emphasizing the ease or simplicity of the task.
Into the lock
This repetition could serve to further emphasize the idea of the key sliding smoothly into the lock.
Mean old sun baring down mothers milk
The 'mean old sun' could represent an oppressive or punishing force, while 'mothers milk' could bring to mind nurturing, caring qualities. This juxtaposition of contrasting images may underscore feelings of confusion or conflict.
Breathe in for me bloood orange in an amaretto pool
The singer is making a request for someone to 'breathe in' a specific scent or atmosphere, which could create a particular mood or sensation. The reference to 'blood orange in an amaretto pool' conjures up a vivid image of something sweet and intoxicating.
Don't you get only what you ask for everytime
This repeated line serves as a refrain, echoing the earlier suggestion that one must ask for what they want, and reinforcing its importance or truth.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benedetto Massarella, James Becker, Joseph F Adamik, Temistoclas Hugo Rutili
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind