Known to tour the US in a converted city bus with Rathbun as the driver/mechanic, with the windshield destination banner of HELL. Besides their wild performances which embodied a "rock against rock" ethos, they were also known to defy classification with marching band routines, performing puppet shows, and playing household items as instruments (in tune). After finding few financial rewards for their increasingly complex stage show, Idiot Flesh disbanded in 1998.
Core Members:
- Captain Dragon (Gene Jun; Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Vocals, Arranger)
- Hyena Boy (Wes Anderson; 1994-1998: Percussion, Drums, Marimba, Multi Instruments, Talking, Vocals, Bassoon, Trash Cans)
- The Improver (Dan Rathbun; Bass, Multi Instruments, Saw, "Talking", Horn, Vocals, Trombone, Cello, Megaphone; Engineer)
- Pin (Nils Frykdahl; Flute, Saxophone, Percussion, Castanets, Vocals, Guitar; Cover Design/Graphics)
- Chuck Squier (1985 through 1994: Drums, Cover art)
Discography:
- (1990) Tales of Instant Knowledge and Sure Death
- (1994) The Nothing Show
- (1995) Teen Devil/Twitch (4 Song EP)
- (1997) Fancy (Nov. 11)
Meditation
Idiot Flesh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
seal your lips
no more quivering fingertips
spent spirit
racing tension…
give me your soft attention
we take a slow pace
within this space
waters are calm
ripe for reflection
don't quench the quiet with worry
self pity will tow you under-
stand what we have is an ebb and flow
treasure what comes
be rich when it goes
pain has it's uses
past the moan
when you recognize the shoulder you cry on
is your own
i know at times
it gets too lonely
cuts so big
the night starts to squeeze
no fair, no fair
my words don't mean shit
in your despair
slow your blood
it's too far ahead
to appreciate the pain
of an ego unfed
no need to wait for the sun on time
light the candles
animate shadows
echoing blues
in the bowels of their flames
flirting with darkness
dancing with ghosts
romancing memories
in mental frames
here's your treasure
locked in yesterday
here's your treasure
locked in time
here's you treasure
locked in yesterday
you'll be a richer man
when you give it away
when every thought is all at once
heartbeat falls behind the mind
too vast, too loud
to listen to the cogs
when they start to grind
sometimes we all forget how to breathe
sometimes we all forget how to breathe
sometimes we actually have to ask ourselves
how are we feeling?
take a deep
breath
I believe at times
that life is a megaphone
that's pointed up towards the sky
it shouts "I don't know why"
when times are evil
"you don't have to"
comes the reply
but you'll forgive then
don't forget then
count to ten
and get on with the next then...
The song "Meditation" by Idiot Flesh is about taking some time off from the daily chaos and reflecting on life. The opening lines ask the listener to be quiet, close their lips, and stop the nervousness. The singer then tries to ease the tension and asks for the listener's attention. The verses implore the listener to take a step back and observe the flow of life, accept both the good and the bad, and appreciate the moments they treasure. The chorus asks the listener to slow down and take a deep breath amidst the chaos. It reminds them that sometimes life is hard, but one should not despair, instead just count to ten, forgive, and move on.
Line by Line Meaning
hush now
Be silent and calm
seal your lips
Keep your mouth shut
no more quivering fingertips
Stop being anxious
spent spirit
Someone who is emotionally drained
racing tension…
A feeling of anxiety and unease
give me your soft attention
Pay attention quietly and calmly
we take a slow pace
Slow down and relax
within this space
In this calm environment
waters are calm
The situation is peaceful
ripe for reflection
A good time to think introspectively
don't quench the quiet with worry
Don't let your worries disrupt the peace
self pity will tow you under-
Don't feel sorry for yourself
stand what we have is an ebb and flow
Understand that life has its ups and downs
treasure what comes
Appreciate the good times
be rich when it goes
Be content even when things go wrong
pain has it's uses
Pain can teach us important life lessons
past the moan
Move past the complaining
when you recognize the shoulder you cry on
Realize that you have to depend on yourself
is your own
You are responsible for your own happiness
i know at times
I understand that sometimes
it gets too lonely
There are times when you feel isolated
cuts so big
Times when your emotional pain is intense
the night starts to squeeze
A feeling of claustrophobia
no fair, no fair
A sense of unfairness
my words don't mean shit
I don't know how to help you
in your despair
When you are feeling hopeless
slow your blood
Calm down and relax
it's too far ahead
Your anxiety is focused on the future
to appreciate the pain
To understand the importance of your struggles
of an ego unfed
Learn to become selfless
no need to wait for the sun on time
You can be happy at any time
light the candles
Set a relaxing mood
animate shadows
Create a calming ambiance
echoing blues
Sad thoughts that keep replaying in your mind
in the bowels of their flames
Deep, intense emotions
flirting with darkness
Exploring your negative thoughts
dancing with ghosts
Remembering the past
romancing memories
Reflecting on the good times
in mental frames
Stored in your mind
here's your treasure
Here is what is most valuable to you
locked in yesterday
Stuck in the past
locked in time
Trapped in a moment
you'll be a richer man
You will be happier and more content
when you give it away
When you are willing to let go
when every thought is all at once
When you are thinking too fast
heartbeat falls behind the mind
Your emotions are out of sync with your thinking
too vast, too loud
Overwhelming thoughts and emotions
to listen to the cogs
To think clearly
when they start to grind
When you are mentally struggling
sometimes we all forget how to breathe
Sometimes we forget to slow down and relax
take a deep
Breathe deeply
breath
Inhale deeply
I believe at times
I think that sometimes
that life is a megaphone
Life can be overwhelming
that's pointed up towards the sky
A sense of directionlessness
it shouts "I don't know why"
There are times when you feel confused
when times are evil
When life is difficult
"you don't have to"
You don't have to feel bad
comes the reply
Someone is telling you this
but you'll forgive then
But you can let go of the negative feelings
don't forget then
Don't forget the lesson you learned
count to ten
Take a moment to relax
and get on with the next then...
Move on with your life
Contributed by Layla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Cosmonaut
I bought this album recently. Only physical copy I’ve seen to come online in years. It is truly something to behold, a masterfully composed album
qwqwqwqw99
This track is a masterwork. This track and "Something" from the same album are insane.
Kyle Chronister
What an amazing song.
znoahmarhoadskill
FUCK YES THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING THE GREATEST COMPOSITION OF ALL TIME
Carey Wilson
Great stuff! Rock-against-rock at its finest. Greetings & cheers from Chico, CA.
trenthink
Rock Against Rock was the last movement I felt any compulsion to believe in.
I feel sick to say it, but I'm just saying...
Maxx Higgins
@breachborn No problem, man. It was a travesty that this wasn't on youtube, the whole album is some of music at its finest.
Vileness Fats
These guys, The Residents, Mr. Bungle, and Primus should be the Big Four of weird-but-fantastic music
Maxx Higgins
This is an unpopular opinion, but I'm not crazy about Primus. A lot of their stuff just reminds me of 80s King Crimson. Personally I'd nominate Henry Cow for their place in the big 4 but aside from that I totally agree with your list.
Vileness Fats
Henry Cow actually does fit in a bit better, now that you mention it.