95 Radios
Open Mike Eagle Lyrics

Okay, it's quiet now
The silence after a long and fruitless search for the right radio station.

And we drove all through the neighborhood
The frustration of searching for a radio leads to a prolonged, aimless drive.

Just sittin' in a car all day
The hopeless search leads to a state of boredom and frustration.

Tryna find a radio
The one motivation behind the aimless driving is the search for a radio station to listen to.

And we wrapped both hands in tinfoil
Desperate times call for desperate measures - in this case, trying to improve reception by covering their hands with tinfoil.

Pointed at the window frame
All attempts to find a suitable radio station begin with pointing the radio antenna towards the nearest window.

All up in my grandma's basement
Other attempts to find a radio station, including searching in a familiar setting like a grandparent's basement.

Slidin' all the closet doors
A thorough search includes checking every possible hiding spot or storage space, including sliding closet doors.

And the homies say they heard a rap song Sounded like some folks they know But we couldn't find a radio
Despite hearing about a possible station playing familiar music, they still cannot find a station that suits their taste.

Hard to express when the world is listening Hard when you're sure that the world is not
The struggle to find the right radio station is compounded by the feeling of being unheard by the world at large.

In between P.M. Dawn, and Sun Ra Wearing a suit like my school mascot
A reference to two artists, representing different ends of the musical spectrum, while also describing a personal fashion choice.

The Edison owl not a head in the crowd Could match my technique and impeccable style (style)
Proudly noting his originality and skill in an environment where conformity is often favored.

Says the young Hassan In the mirror while Tip's saying "rock-rock-on"
A moment of personal expression, inspired by a rapper and observed in the act of self-adulation.

With my guy Stefan who despite the specks Saw himself doing things he would live to regret
Acknowledging a sense of regret for poor choices, shared with a friend.

Anyway, reciting off top the memory Burnt a little chia my laugh was Gimli (heh)
A moment of humor, a lighthearted reprieve from the frustration of the radio search.

Regarding the guns I coulda shot I'm more Dove might blow up but won't pop
Reflecting on personal growth and a desire for peaceful change instead of aggression.

Jigsaw blocks and hop the road home Steps on the Ave where I played and roamed
Concluding the personal reflection, transitioning back to the present, and leaving a familiar but unproductive environment.

The old me would drink a 40 And eat bologna, shinobi
Remembering past habits and lifestyle that no longer suit the current stage of life.

On NBA Live, I play with Kobe The OGs, I miss my old hood
Indulging in nostalgia for past music and basketball icons, while also reflecting on missing a familiar environment.

Miss my homies, is lonely The radio host is like they know me
A sense of loneliness enhanced by hearing the familiar and intimate voice of a radio host.

The ocean with the seashell is how we floatin' Was hopin' to hear the airwaves, I think it's broken
A reference to childhood memories, offering a sense of comfort and peace despite a continuing sense of failure in the radio search.

I can still play it if the tape resurfaces Kept the old Boombox for just these purposes
Keeping a personal item with sentimental value, prepared to play a beloved tape if it is found.

Heard a day show had mine on there recently People had a hard time finding the frequency
A glimmer of hope in hearing that the desired music has played on a recent show, while still being unable to locate the proper frequency.

Piece of me show feels personal Circled on all sides by used car commercials
Feeling personally attached to the show, despite being surrounded by impersonal commercial advertisements.

It's worth it though, whole block listenin' 'cept the kids, they so not interested
Reflecting on the joy that comes with finding a beloved music station in a communal environment, despite it being ignored by younger generations.

Implement new COINTELPRO's Hooks, fit loops, copyrighted by Velcro
Referencing controversial government surveillance tactics, expressed through music and fashion metaphors.

Whole sound changed, don't nobody want to sell those Call the intercom yab this is my bellcote
Reflecting on the changing trends of music, and using a colloquialism to voice a desire for personal recognition.