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.
Holidays
Gonjasufi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lonely holidays
Holidays
Lonesome holidays
This life I live is like the lonely ways
The only way
Through these lonely days
Is to pick up those times I've thrown away
Oh, babe,
Holidays
Babe, my holidays
Baby, my holidays
Such a lonely day
Why would I waste my time with them that don't replay?
Why would I waste my life trying to rewind the only state?
In past times I never spent so much energy on one repaste.
This role had them all on- I know it's the only way.
Hey, hey
So when I feel like I ain't got time to stay
I'll call you on my phone on holidays
On a holiday
All the lonely days
Sitting holidays
Jagging my hollow way
Janesaw Jennylaw
It's the only way
Oh, my...
The lyrics to Gonjasufi's song "Holidays" express a deep sense of loneliness and isolation, particularly during the holiday season. The repetition of the phrase "lonely holidays" emphasizes the singer's feeling of separation from others and the difficulty of coping with this reality. He describes his life as being like the "lonely ways," suggesting that his feelings of isolation are a fundamental part of his existence. However, he also recognizes that there are times when he has thrown away opportunities to connect with others and regrets this.
The singer questions why he would waste his time with people who don't respond or try to relive the past, acknowledging that he has expended a great deal of energy trying to do so. He seems resigned to the fact that playing a certain role is the only way to connect with others, but finds solace in the idea of reaching out to someone during the holidays. The repetition of the phrase "on holidays" underscores his desire for connection during this time, even if it is through a phone call.
Overall, the song explores themes of loneliness, regret, and the search for connection. The repetition of certain phrases and words creates a haunting atmosphere that underscores the singer's sense of isolation.
Line by Line Meaning
Those holidays
Referring to the holiday season, which is a time of joy and celebration but can also be a time of loneliness for some individuals.
Lonely holidays
Acknowledging the feeling of loneliness and isolation that can accompany the holidays for some people.
Holidays
Reiterating the focus on the holiday season and its emotional impact on the songwriter.
Lonesome holidays
Describing the songwriter's experience of the holidays as one of isolation and solitude.
This life I live is like the lonely ways
Comparing the songwriter's overall existence to the feeling of loneliness that is often associated with the holidays.
The only way
Indicating that the songwriter has found only one path forward in life, that of isolation and sadness.
Through these lonely days
Reflecting on the struggles the songwriter faces on a daily basis due to their isolation and loneliness.
Is to pick up those times I've thrown away
Suggesting that the songwriter must reflect on past experiences and memories in order to find solace in their present existence.
When will this feeling go away?
Expressing a desire to break free from the grip of loneliness and find a sense of purpose and belonging.
Oh, babe,
An expression of emotional pain and vulnerability.
Babe, my holidays
Reiterating the central theme of the song, that of the songwriter's loneliness during the holiday season.
Baby, my holidays
A further expression of the songwriter's sadness and loneliness during the holidays.
Such a lonely day
Describing the specific moment the songwriter is experiencing as extremely lonely and isolating.
Why would I waste my time with them that don't replay?
Questioning why the songwriter should spend time with people who don't reciprocate their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Why would I waste my life trying to rewind the only state?
Rhetorically asking why the songwriter should bother trying to go back to a state of happiness and fulfillment when they are trapped in a cycle of loneliness and sadness.
In past times I never spent so much energy on one repaste.
Reflecting on how the songwriter didn't used to spend so much time and energy fixating on memories of the past, but now feels compelled to do so due to their loneliness.
This role had them all on- I know it's the only way.
Acknowledging that the songwriter's current state of loneliness and isolation is due at least in part to their own choices and actions.
Hey, hey
A transitional phrase that links the previous verse to the next.
So when I feel like I ain't got time to stay
Revealing that the songwriter sometimes feels like they don't have the time or energy to continue living their current lifestyle.
I'll call you on my phone on holidays
Suggesting that the songwriter may reach out to someone they care about during the holiday season in an attempt to lessen their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
On a holiday
Reiterating the importance of the holiday season to the songwriter and their emotional state.
All the lonely days
Acknowledging the pervasive nature of loneliness in the songwriter's life.
Sitting holidays
A description of the songwriter's experience of the holiday season as one in which they are always sitting alone, feeling lonely and isolated.
Jagging my hollow way
A metaphorical description of how the songwriter's feelings of loneliness and isolation have shaped their life and identity over time, creating a hollowness and emptiness inside of them.
Janesaw Jennylaw
An inscrutable phrase that may be interpreted as an expression of the songwriter's inner turmoil and confusion.
It's the only way
A restatement of the idea that the songwriter's life is defined by their loneliness and isolation, and that they see no other path forward.
Oh, my...
A final expression of emotional pain and sadness.
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.