There’s a scene in Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov where the main characters Ivan and Alyosha discuss the existence of God. Ivan, in particular, questions the idea of God. Alyosha, on the other hand, is a monk, a believer, some may say, a holy fool.
Talk of faith and exalted things is rare in indie rock today. Enter Seattle band Ivan & Alyosha. Throughout their second release, the five song Fathers Be Kind EP, the band chart their own course between divinity and disbelief.
“I left my family and my home/to fight the battle on my own
I stole a car and drove away/but in my hate St. Paul did say
‘Glorify the Lord above/with your drink and making love
Glorify the Lord my son, with your whisky and your gun.”
Ivan & Alyosha began as the solo outlet for Tim Wilson but in spring 2007 the band formed after Tim met Ryan Carbary through a former band mate and mutual friend. Ryan and Tim began playing and recording together and a trip to Los Angeles to work with Eli Thompson (Richard Swift, Delta Spirit) spawned the name Ivan & Alyosha. According to Tim, Thompson is a huge Dostoevsky fan and the name stuck. With that, Wilson and Carbary released The Verse, The Chorus, their debut EP on Cheap Lullaby Records (Joan as Police Woman, The Silver Seas, Teitur). The stand out track “Easy To Love” earned NPR Song of the Day honors as “a propulsive, sweetly booming ode to love as a feat of endurance.”
The name Ivan & Alyosha is apt for a band cutting its teeth. As Ivan in Brothers Karamazov moves through the novel with doubts, Ivan & Alyosha navigate the indie rock world contemplating their path as a band. Tim says he writes songs about what’s current in his life. He recently married and had a son. Songs like “Living for Someone” and “Fathers Be Kind,” reflect Ivan & Alyosha grappling with the idea of being in a band and trying to fashion a career. Not only to follow their dreams but to earn a livelihood and support their families; a feeling he expresses in the former song, “Expecting our first child / Amid the great recession”. Despite the uncertainty, Ivan & Alyosha’s soulful folk tunes suggest a band inspired, hopeful and longing; a band unafraid to probe their collective faith and doubts.
Plus, things are different this time around. Tim and Ryan are joined by two others – Tim Kim and Pete Wilson, Tim’s brother. The band built a studio in a barn at Ryan’s parent’s house in Snohomish, 45 minutes outside of Seattle. Snohomish provides an idyllic setting with a charming main street lined by bars and little distraction. Self-recording their upcoming EP allows the guys more time together to create and perfect the new songs. Recently the band spent a week in New York playing gigs at 92Y Tribeca, Maxwell’s in Hoboken and Brooklyn’s Littlefield. They also took a trip to NPR Headquarters in Washington DC to record an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, and opened a run of shows for the Jayhawks’ Mark Olson.
In the Brothers Karamazov, when Ivan asks Alyosha to renounce his beliefs, Alyosha refuses. Rather, he kisses Ivan on the lips. Seattle’s Ivan & Alyosha are not nihilist indie rockers but a new brand of tender dreamers. And non-believers be damned! God, or no God - these guys are no holy fools. They have their music to prove it.
On My Way
Ivan & Alyosha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I'm getting too paid these niggas too fake
Like I said before these niggas out here really be two faced
Watch before you cross because these niggas coming two ways
Dropping bangers I got the rap game locked up in submission
Cannot talk right now I'm too busy baby I'm on a mission
Take a sip out the bottle put my foot down all up on the throttle
I'm getting cheese I add to my nachos niggas too fragile
break him like some tacos nigga I'm too talented spitting off the top bro
Niggas turn to demons so I fill them up with hallows listen
I'm balling like Isaiah Thomas back when he was in Boston
I'm sorry baby but your nothing nothing but an option
The way you top me off made me pull up take you shopping
Loui Gucci or Fendi baby you got some options pop a bottle
Get to sipping fuck the smith pass the wesson
Baby come here you match my preference kick my feet up
And count my blessings Bad bitch she's a model fuck a model
I need mulatto big bank like I won the lotto Feel like he lord call me Pablo
I'm on my way way way way way way way way
Fuck out my face face face face face face face face yeah yeah yeah
I'm on a different page every chapter I've been through
Included the pain niggas really pussy won't say it to my face
Niggas ain't gonna do nothing they watching from my page
These bitches won't understand the pain I've been through
Talking bout let me help what the fuck is you gon do
Balling like a starter I need me a ranada feeling savage
So I go ahead and fuck his daughter I'm a real fighter
I really give out these concussions fuck about the talking
Skip it all my chopper busting my baby want the Prada for you
I'm going harder stacking up my bread I share it all with my brothers
Throat baby Shawty wanna fuck so I pass her to my team
I don't need your money boy I shoot his ass for free
Only thing I'm sipping in this cup is purple lean
My guns are hot they all come with a beam
Rip to my brothers in that casket
Praying everyday I wish that shit done
Never happened 30 should be on my back the way
I'm scoring baskets her body fake she done filled it
With all the plastic she done filled it with the plastic
Ivan is that Gucci she can tell by the fabric
I keep my day ones close we always pistol packing
Uh yeah we always pistol packing
The lyrics of Ivan & Alyosha's song "On My Way" depict the artist's journey to success and the challenges they face along the way. The opening lines convey the artist's determination to reach the top despite facing hatred and fake people in the industry. They caution listeners to be cautious of those who may appear friendly but have ulterior motives.
The next verse discusses the artist's confidence and talent, comparing themselves to an athlete at the height of their game. They express their disregard for anyone who is not genuine and fragile, asserting their superiority. The reference to spitting off the top indicates their ability to freestyle or improvise with their lyrics, showcasing their skill as a rapper.
Moving on, the lyrics highlight the artist's opulent lifestyle and the affection they receive from attractive women. They boast about their financial success and the options they have when it comes to luxury brands. It also implies that they are willing to spend lavishly on their romantic interests. However, the line "fuck a model, I need mulatto" can be seen as objectifying women, which may be interpreted negatively.
The final verse touches on themes of betrayal and the artist's disdain for fake friends. They express frustration towards people who claim to be helpful but ultimately do nothing to support them. The lyrics also allude to engaging in illegal activities, such as violence and potentially illegal substances, which further highlights the artist's gritty and rebellious persona.
Overall, the lyrics of "On My Way" convey the artist's determination, confidence, and a disregard for those who are not genuine. While some lines may be seen as controversial or objectifying, the song as a whole portrays a perspective of resilience and success in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
On my way to the top these niggas still hate hating
Despite my progress towards success, there are still people who dislike and criticize me.
That I'm getting too paid these niggas too fake
They are envious of my financial success, but they themselves lack authenticity.
Like I said before these niggas out here really be two faced
As mentioned previously, these individuals tend to have two conflicting personalities.
Watch before you cross because these niggas coming two ways
You should be cautious before trusting them, as they may approach you with different intentions.
Dropping bangers I got the rap game locked up in submission
I am consistently releasing great music and dominating the rap industry.
Cannot talk right now I'm too busy baby I'm on a mission
I am currently occupied with important tasks, so I cannot engage in conversation.
Take a sip out the bottle put my foot down all up on the throttle
I am confidently taking control and accelerating in my pursuits.
Swimming in the deep end while you swimming in the shallows
While you remain in superficial waters, I am delving into more profound and meaningful experiences.
I'm getting cheese I add to my nachos niggas too fragile
I am accumulating wealth, enhancing my personal satisfaction, while others are emotionally fragile.
break him like some tacos nigga I'm too talented spitting off the top bro
I possess exceptional skills in delivering impressive freestyle rap verses, easily overpowering my opponents.
Niggas turn to demons so I fill them up with hallows listen
Some individuals become malicious and corrupted, so I respond by confronting them with my powerful lyrics.
I'm balling like Isaiah Thomas back when he was in Boston
I am achieving great success, much like the basketball player Isaiah Thomas during his time with the Boston Celtics.
I'm sorry baby but your nothing nothing but an option
I apologize, but you hold no significant value to me beyond being a mere choice among many.
The way you top me off made me pull up take you shopping
Your proficiency in providing sexual satisfaction motivates me to reward you by taking you on a shopping spree.
Loui Gucci or Fendi baby you got some options pop a bottle
You have the freedom to choose luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, or Fendi. Let's celebrate by opening a bottle.
Get to sipping fuck the smith pass the wesson
Let's disregard drinking lightly and instead opt for a stronger liquor, passing around a firearm for protection.
Baby come here you match my preference kick my feet up
You meet my desired criteria, so come closer and allow me to relax.
And count my blessings Bad bitch she's a model fuck a model
While appreciating the positives in my life, I disregard the significance of attractive women and prioritize more meaningful aspects.
I need mulatto big bank like I won the lotto Feel like he lord call me Pablo
I desire a biracial woman and immense wealth, akin to winning a lottery. I feel powerful, like the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar.
I'm on my way way way way way way way way
I am steadily progressing towards my goals, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
Fuck out my face face face face face face face face yeah yeah yeah
Please leave and stop bothering me with your presence and repetitive remarks.
I'm on a different page every chapter I've been through
I have experienced various stages in life, and each one has shaped me differently.
Included the pain niggas really pussy won't say it to my face
My life story includes moments of hardship, and those who criticize me lack the courage to express their thoughts directly.
Niggas ain't gonna do nothing they watching from my page
These individuals are incapable of taking any meaningful action, resorting to silently observing my activities from a distance.
These bitches won't understand the pain I've been through
These women fail to comprehend the emotional suffering I have endured.
Talking bout let me help what the fuck is you gon do
They claim to offer assistance, but in reality, what are they truly capable of doing?
Balling like a starter I need me a ranada feeling savage
I am excelling and performing exceptionally, like a professional athlete, and I desire a romantic partner who matches my boldness.
So I go ahead and fuck his daughter I'm a real fighter
As an act of dominance, I engage in sexual relations with his daughter. I demonstrate my strength and determination.
I really give out these concussions fuck about the talking
I truly deliver powerful blows and cause physical harm. I have no regard for idle conversations or empty words.
Skip it all my chopper busting my baby want the Prada for you
Forget all the unnecessary details, my firearm is firing repeatedly. My beloved partner desires expensive Prada products, and I am willing to provide for her.
I'm going harder stacking up my bread I share it all with my brothers
I am putting in more effort and accumulating wealth, and I am willing to share it all with my loyal companions.
Throat baby Shawty wanna fuck so I pass her to my team
The woman who is skilled in oral sex desires sexual activity, so I involve my group of associates in the encounter.
I don't need your money boy I shoot his ass for free
I am not interested in your monetary offerings; in fact, I am willing to eliminate any individual without charging a fee.
Only thing I'm sipping in this cup is purple lean
The beverage in my cup contains a mixture of prescription-strength purple cough syrup.
My guns are hot they all come with a beam
My firearms are loaded and ready for use; they are equipped with red laser sights.
Rip to my brothers in that casket
I offer my condolences and respect to my deceased companions, resting in their coffins.
Praying everyday I wish that shit done
I engage in regular prayer, hoping for an end to the hardships and negative circumstances.
Never happened 30 should be on my back the way
I refuse to acknowledge or accept certain events, and I carry the burden of responsibility akin to a basketball jersey number, specifically number 30.
I'm scoring baskets her body fake she done filled it
I am achieving success in various aspects of life, while the woman's physical appearance is artificial, altered through cosmetic procedures.
With all the plastic she done filled it with the plastic
She has augmented her body with synthetic materials, emphasizing the excessive presence of artificiality.
Ivan is that Gucci she can tell by the fabric
Ivan, referring to himself, exudes a luxurious and high-end image, as evident from the quality of the fabric associated with Gucci.
I keep my day ones close we always pistol packing
I maintain a strong bond with my loyal and original friends, and we are constantly armed and prepared for potential threats.
Uh yeah we always pistol packing
Yes, it is true, we remain armed and alert, ready to defend ourselves if necessary.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Ivan Wani
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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