Ceschi was born with four fingers on his right hand, which served as partial inspiration for the name of his DIY record label, Fake Four, Inc. Those who have worked with him describe Ceschi as one of the most artist-friendly labelheads out there, a rare breed who values art over profit almost to a fault. Since 2008, he has curated a roster of wildly original and critically praised talent and put out albums from the likes of Open Mike Eagle, Buck 65, Sister Crayon and Dark Time Sunshine in addition to his solo records The One Man Band Broke Up and Broken Bone Ballads.
An engaging, theatrical live performer, Ceschi Ramos has treated entire venues like a stage, viewing the middle of the audience or an empty barstool as good a place as any to perform a soul-baring folk song or tongue-twisting rap track. Ceschi once described himself in song as “a martyr at most… a failure at least” and said that, “In the eyes of history I’ll be no more than a leaf on a tree.” He knows what it is to suffer for his art and is aware that music exploring the ugliness and sorrow of the human condition will always exist on the fringes of a game dominated by disposable escapism and expensive publicists. Yet he still pours everything he has into his craft, and on any given night you can find him tracking vocals at his cousin’s New Haven studio, warmly greeting fans and friends at a dive bar merch booth or rapping double-time in Japan or Europe for audiences that often don’t speak his language, but are able to see the giant heart at the core of it all.
Barely Alive
Ceschi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for the nothing and I'm awfully alone
Sunday went and visited your grave
Put a wild rose on the Virgin Mary engraved
Mother sang her song, brother kneeled
And I just kept on wishing that the last year wasn't real
Teeth have sunk into my neck Teeth have sunk into my neck
Holy relics and hummingbirds All to fill this hollow man
I'm alright, I'm alright But don't fuck with me tonight
These fists are clenched and I will fight For every breath left in this life
All the mosquitoes in Saskatoon Couldn't quite suck the tough out of me yet
Although I know I'm a three-legged dog Hopping and begging like Vietnam vets
These years are only appetizers Swallowed quick and wet
But I will not forget The remnants that were left
Build us a holiday Out of straw and out of sticks
Out of claws and out of bricks Out of gauze and spit
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
I make a fist, stare at it and think This is how big my heart is and I'm scared of it
Till they use scissors to open my shirt
I go to work, overworked in the business of holding a smirk
Private jokes telepathically shared From the present me to the past me
When I had more hair
The tub remains clogged
Sloshed through the memories of hooking up friends in need of jobs
Didn't stop them from requesting loans
It started with them calling me Boss
In a condescending tone
Put an indefinite extension on the zero interest
Better business bureau, better be damn well prepared to be impressed
We're reporting back to duty, heavily wounded
Steadily losing our gains, the enemy moves in
Gotta choose your weapons wisely
When I bust open my ribcage and I unleash the fist that's beating inside me
It'll punch more than clocks, check your peephole
Cause there might not be more opportunity that knocks
Door to door I'm selling artificial tears for your eyes
Using a stethoscope just to hear your cries
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
Surprise
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
The lyrics to Ceschi's song "Barely Alive" reflect a sense of yearning, loneliness, and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening lines convey the passage of time and the feeling of being alone, as the singer reflects on another year gone by with a growing stomach and a fully grown beard. Visiting a grave, symbolized by putting a wild rose on the Virgin Mary engraving, signifies the pain of loss. The mother singing and the brother kneeling imply a sense of mourning, while the singer wishes that the previous year was not real, suggesting a desire to escape from the painful memories.
The repetition of the line "Teeth have sunk into my neck" could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of feeling drained or consumed by the hardships and challenges faced in life. The following lines about building a holiday out of stones, holograms, holy relics, and hummingbirds speak to the singer's need for solace and distraction from their inner emptiness. Despite feeling barely alive, the singer asserts their resilience and determination, willing to fight for every breath left in their life.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of personal and professional struggles. The mention of overworking and holding a smirk in the business world suggests a façade of strength and success despite personal uncertainties. The imagery of the tub remaining clogged with memories hints at unresolved emotions and the weight of past experiences. The reference to hooking up friends in need of jobs and the extension on zero interest highlight the singer's role in helping others, even at their own expense.
Overall, "Barely Alive" portrays a complex mix of vulnerability, resilience, and a longing for connection and purpose in the face of life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Another year gone, stomach fatter, beard fully grown
Time has passed, my physical appearance has changed indicating aging and lack of self-care.
Waiting for the nothing and I'm awfully alone
Feeling empty and isolated while anticipating a sense of purpose or meaning.
Sunday went and visited your grave
I went to pay respects at your burial site on a Sunday.
Put a wild rose on the Virgin Mary engraved
I placed a wild rose on the engraved image of Virgin Mary as a symbol of reverence and remembrance.
Mother sang her song, brother kneeled
My mother expressed her grief through singing, while my brother knelt in prayer.
And I just kept on wishing that the last year wasn't real
I longed for the previous year to be fictional, wishing it didn't happen.
Teeth have sunk into my neck Teeth have sunk into my neck
Metaphorically, I have been emotionally hurt or betrayed.
Build us a holiday Out of stones and holograms
Let's create a fictional escape using technology and imagination.
Holy relics and hummingbirds All to fill this hollow man
Religious artifacts and small, vibrant beings are used to distract from my inner emptiness.
I'm alright, I'm alright But don't fuck with me tonight
Despite appearing fine, I have emotional vulnerability and should not be provoked.
These fists are clenched and I will fight For every breath left in this life
I am ready to fiercely defend and persevere through the remaining moments of my existence.
All the mosquitoes in Saskatoon Couldn't quite suck the tough out of me yet
Despite challenges and annoyances, my resilience remains intact and unconquered.
Although I know I'm a three-legged dog Hopping and begging like Vietnam vets
Acknowledging my own vulnerability and reliance on others, comparing it to the struggle faced by war veterans.
These years are only appetizers Swallowed quick and wet
The passing years feel insignificant and pass by rapidly.
But I will not forget The remnants that were left
I will hold onto the fragments and memories that remain.
Build us a holiday Out of straw and out of sticks
Let's construct an escape using simple and rudimentary materials.
Out of claws and out of bricks Out of gauze and spit
Utilizing unconventional and improvised resources to build our imaginary refuge.
I make a fist, stare at it and think This is how big my heart is and I'm scared of it
Reflecting on the size of my emotional capacity and feeling intimidated by its intensity.
Till they use scissors to open my shirt
Referencing medical procedures or vulnerability, as someone cuts open my protective shell.
I go to work, overworked in the business of holding a smirk
I put on a facade of happiness, but maintaining it exhausts me.
Private jokes telepathically shared From the present me to the past me
Humorous memories and inside jokes are reminiscent and personally transmitted through time.
When I had more hair
Reflecting on a past period when I had a fuller head of hair, likely indicating youth or vitality.
The tub remains clogged
A literal or metaphorical reference to a blockage or stagnant situation persisting.
Sloshed through the memories of hooking up friends in need of jobs
Recalling the experiences of helping acquaintances find employment.
Didn't stop them from requesting loans
Despite my assistance, they still ask for financial support.
It started with them calling me Boss
Initially being addressed with respect, or manipulatively, by those seeking aid.
In a condescending tone
The way they interacted with me conveyed a patronizing attitude.
Put an indefinite extension on the zero interest
Used financial terms to express the continuous giving without receiving anything in return.
Better business bureau, better be damn well prepared to be impressed
Referring to myself as a business entity, implying that if someone expects something from me, they should be ready to be amazed.
We're reporting back to duty, heavily wounded
Returning to our responsibilities despite being emotionally or mentally injured.
Steadily losing our gains, the enemy moves in
Facing setbacks and encountering opposition that threatens our progress.
Gotta choose your weapons wisely
Selecting the right strategies or tools to confront challenges effectively.
When I bust open my ribcage and I unleash the fist that's beating inside me
Metaphorically exposing my vulnerable core and releasing the passionate determination within.
It'll punch more than clocks, check your peephole
My actions or efforts will have a greater impact than simply marking time, making others take notice.
Cause there might not be more opportunity that knocks
Warning that chances for progress may be limited or scarce.
Door to door I'm selling artificial tears for your eyes
Engaging in deceit or emotionally manipulating others by offering false sympathy or comfort.
Using a stethoscope just to hear your cries
Taking advantage of a medical instrument to amplify or exploit someone's pain or vulnerability.
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
Despite our struggles and hardships, we still have a semblance of existence and should appreciate it.
Surprise
An abrupt acknowledgment or realization.
We're alive, barely alive But we're alive
Reiterating the message that despite our difficulties, we continue to live and breathe.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: FRANCIS SAGE, GRAHAM MURAWSKY, JULIO FRANCISCO RAMOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stickyglue92
I can't get enough. Ceschi, the best artist of this generation. Serious.
@Juan800PimpBot
One of the best performers I've ever seen such heart in what he does and I've seen him probably like 10 times it never gets old . Criminally underrated insane this is all the views.
@dazedabstract4611
What Ceschi tells us so often, should be a guideline for everyone. Thank you for the many hours in which you let me share your life for a while. And Mr. Francis, thank you, for grounding me again and....again. Greetings from Germany
@BazookaTooth707
How have I never heard this until now? Sage and Ceschi on a track together? Sign me up
@butthole4185
It's crazy how much you can relate to someone you've never met.
@onewerdmusic6344
Man....this punches me in the feels every damn time.
@nathanwilliams7721
This type of music is the only stuff I can vibe to these days.
@jstudsouza8032
SAME HERE
@mykectown
Love it!
@grifolsdonor9106
Such x Gxewd Fxxxxxxxg Scrunch-Axbumm!! Yo this was a baxger!
2018!!!
Ceschi's Dex-tro-cit-ty destroyed this... Almost brings back memories.. Lol
Delilah was the first!
💯