The group released their self-titled first album in 1994 on Okeh/Epic, a subsidiary of Sony Music. On the strength of the single "Cold Beverage", in part due to MTV rotation, the album nearly went gold. After which, trying to capitalize on the success of the album, the group toured heavily, eventually landing a spot on the H.O.R.D.E. tour.
In 1995 they released their follow up album Coast to Coast Motel. Though it did not sell as well as the first album, it is generally considered among critics as the stronger of the two albums.
On tour following the release of the second album the group nearly broke up, due to bickering about finances. Deciding on a hiatus the three members went their separate ways, working on various side projects.
By October 1997 the group had reconciled their differences and released their third album, Yeah, It's That Easy, which along with their own work, showcased their collaboration with several other bands and musicians, including All Fellas Band, Philly Cartel, King's Court, and Dr. John. This soul-influenced album was more similar to their debut album than their previous release.
Soon after G. Love & Special Sauce set out on another world tour, returning to Philadelphia in 1999 for the release of their fourth album, Philadelphonic. Philadelphonic was followed up with Electric Mile in 2001, an album that shows the wide-ranging influences of the group, incorporating hip-hop, funk, psychedlia, blues, and soul in equal and ambitious measure. Ever the road band, the release of "Electric Mile" was followed by extensive touring.
By 2004 and The Hustle, G. Love (with the help of his bandmates and others) went solo and had eased up a little on the kitchen sink approach, offering instead a cohesive, dry groove reminiscent of his earliest efforts. Hustle was also the first G. Love release under Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records banner; the two had been pals at least since Philadelphonic, which Johnson had been a guest on.
Special Sauce did a series of shows in 2004 with Jack Johnson and fellow Brushfire artist Donavon Frankenreiter, and the trio also found time to issue a brief live EP, titled Some Live Songs.
In the summer 2005, the band was featured (along with the less well known Philly local Chuck Treece of 80's skate-rock band McRad) in an advertisement for the launch of Coca-Cola Zero, featuring the groups own unique version of the noted Coca-Cola advertising song I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing.
G. Love's 2nd electrical solo release Lemonade also included Special Sauce on some tracks. Jack Johnson, Tristan Prettyman, Ben Harper, Jasper, and Blackalicious also contrbuted.
G. Love still continues to tour with the Special Sauce in the meantime.
Astronaut
G. Love & Special Sauce Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some of these days
I just can't seem to get out of bed
Waking up spider webs growing up in my hair
I've been last; tumbleweeds growin up in my face
It seems just like it's a good time to blast off to space
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Yeah
Some of these days despite all the things that in my head
Some of the days I love you despite all the shit you said
Tumbleweeds, rolling on rolling on around this town
I'm blasting off; I don't even think I hang around
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Yeah
Should I leave?
I should have left a long time ago
Should I leave?
I should have left a long time ago
Should I leave?
I should have left a long time ago
Should I leave?
I should have left a long time ago
I just need a spaceship to get me right out of here
I wish I had never met you let you in my stratosphere
Spider webs getting in my brain
I'm the brother that you drove insane
I'm just a kid from the Milky Way
I'm blasting off momma I can't stay
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Right about now
Momma I'm an astronaut
Yeah
Beam me up, beam me up Scotty
Beam me up yeah
Beam me up, beam me up Scotty
Get me out of here
Beam me up, beam me up Scotty
Beam me up yeah
Beam me up, beam me up Scotty
Get me out of here
The lyrics of G. Love & Special Sauce's song "Astronaut" express a feeling of wanting to leave and escape from a difficult situation or relationship. The singer talks about being in bed with spider webs growing in his hair and tumbleweeds growing on his face. He wants to blast off to space and escape his problems. Despite the problems in his head and the "shit" the person he loves has said, he still wants to leave. He wishes he had never met this person who has driven him insane. He feels like he needs a spaceship to take him away from everything. The chorus repeats the line "Momma I'm an astronaut," as if he is announcing his intention to leave and go to space.
The song can be interpreted in many ways. It could be about mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or it could be about a tumultuous relationship. The idea of wanting to leave and go to space suggests a desire to escape and start over, away from everything that is causing distress. The use of space imagery in the lyrics emphasizes the feeling of being isolated and alone, as if the singer is the only one who can solve his problems by leaving.
Line by Line Meaning
Some of these days
Sometimes
I just can't seem to get out of bed
I'm feeling lazy and unmotivated today
Waking up spider webs growing up in my hair
I feel like my mind and body are tangled and cluttered
I've been last; tumbleweeds growin up in my face
I’ve been struggling and forgotten; I feel like I’m stuck in a desolate place
It seems just like it's a good time to blast off to space
I feel like leaving everything behind and starting anew
Momma I'm an astronaut
I’m ready to take on a new journey and leave everything behind
Some of these days despite all the things that in my head
Sometimes I can’t help but dwell on all the thoughts and emotions inside
Some of the days I love you despite all the shit you said
Sometimes I still have affection for you despite your flaws and negative actions
Tumbleweeds, rolling on rolling on around this town
I feel like I’m going nowhere and life around me is bleak and stagnant
I'm blasting off; I don't even think I hang around
I’m moving on and not looking back; I’m ready for a change
Should I leave?
I’m contemplating whether or not to leave my current situation
I should have left a long time ago
I know deep down that I should have left a while ago
I just need a spaceship to get me right out of here
I need something drastic to take me out of this current situation
I wish I had never met you let you in my stratosphere
I regret allowing you into my life and causing me harm
Spider webs getting in my brain
I feel like my thoughts are tangled and confusing, making it hard to think clearly
I'm the brother that you drove insane
You have caused me so much stress and frustration that I feel like I'm going crazy
I'm just a kid from the Milky Way
I consider myself just another person from this world; I’m not special
Beam me up, beam me up Scotty
Take me away from here
Get me out of here
I want to leave this place and situation behind
Contributed by Hudson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
MuppetBasher
This album was 2004. Best album they made IMO.
Everyday Adventures
thanks for posting! I LOVE this song!!! : )
M3 Dan
love this song, and this guy thanks for share
xicaozao
aww thanks, ive always looked for this song on youtube, finallllllyyyyyyyyy!!!!!
Zachary Harr
6 comments? How does this jam only have 6 comments? Beam me up scotty!
Jmess301
BEAM ME UP, BEAM ME UP SCOTTY!
itwasabaddream
Listening to this song on the day NASA announced there is flowing water on the surface of Mars.
One Man
Lift off