Sumach Ecks was born in San Diego to a Hispanic mother and an Ethiopian father. He has been musically active since the 1990s, when he rapped with Masters of the Universe and self-released some solo albums under the name Sumach. In 2008 he made his first two notable appearances on record: rapping a verse on "Anything Is Possible" (on the album Johnson&Jonson by Blu and Mainframe) and singing on "Testament" (on the album Los Angeles by Flying Lotus). The latter garnered Ecks a great deal of attention, and led to him being signed to Warp Records and releasing A Sufi and a Killer under the moniker "Gonjasufi" in 2010.
Since signing to Warp, Ecks has also released three more records: The Caliph's Tea Party in 2010, The 9th Inning EP in 2011 and MU.ZZ.LE in 2012.
Ageing
Gonjasufi Lyrics
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Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
Aeging
as I'm getting older
I'm feeling so young
breathe in the air
like life just begun
I'm on a rant
yes I have come
thinking all in the spring time
look what has sprung
lord here I come
for you can know
and look who I brung
we've come as one
Ahahhah
Ahahhah
Ahahhah
whooh
once a man
twice a child
once a man
twice a child
once a man
twice a child
once a man
twice a child
once a man
twice a child!
so while you're alive
give them the highest vibes
cause before you die
you gone end up again a child
Ohhhoh ooohhoh ohhohhoh
Interpretation:
The lyrics of “Ageing” by Gonjasufi speak of the dichotomy between growing old and feeling youthful at the same time. The repetition of the word “ageing” reinforces the theme of growing old, but the following line of “feeling so young” subverts this expectation. The singer acknowledges their increasing age but remarks that they still feel young at heart. They revel in the feeling of being alive and inhaling the fresh air, as if life has just begun for them. When the singer says they are on a “rant,” it could imply they are on a passionate tirade or a journey of self-discovery. They become contemplative about the season of spring, when everything is reborn and renewed.
The phrase “lord here I come” alludes to a religious sentiment and a sense of surrender to a higher power. When the singer mentions bringing someone along with them, it could be a reference to a friend, a partner, or a spiritual guide. The repetition of the phrase “once a man, twice a child” suggests that even as we age, we are still children at heart, regardless of our physical or mental maturity. The song culminates with a call to action to spread positivity while we are still alive, as we are bound to return to the innocence of childhood after death.
Overall, the song presents a contemplative and introspective view on ageing and the passage of time. Its message may be interpreted as a call to live in the moment and to cherish life before it passes by.
Line by Line Meaning
as I'm getting older
Despite my age increasing
I'm feeling so young
I still feel youthful
breathe in the air
Take in the surroundings
like life just begun
As if there is still much life to experience
I'm on a rant
I am in a state of deep thought
yes I have come
I have arrived
thinking all in the spring time
Reflecting on youth and growth
look what has sprung
Take note of what has evolved
lord here I come
I am ready to face the consequences
for you can know
We can find out together
and look who I brung
Accompanied by another
we've come as one
Together, we have experienced this
once a man
At one point, an adult
twice a child
But aging brings us back to a state of vulnerability
so while you're alive
Make the most of your life
give them the highest vibes
Spread positivity to others
cause before you die
Because inevitably, life ends
you gone end up again a child
And we return to a helpless state once more
Contributed by Taylor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.