The band tour the U.S. frequently in a renovated vintage Green Tortoise bus, and their live performances have featured puppet shows, pseudo-scientific scholarly presentations, and performances by members of the Butoh group inkBoat. SGM's music has been categorized as anything from avant-prog to art rock to experimental metal to RIO (Rock In Opposition). Many reviewers have remarked that the group is altogether unclassifiable.
The band uses many homemade devices as instruments, such as the viking row-boat and the spring-nail guitar. Rathbun plays a stringed bass instrument of his own construction called The Log which uses piano strings and is perhaps 7 feet long; it is played with two sticks: one in the left hand generally used as a fret, another in the right hand striking the strings. Mellender's percussion instruments consist of restaurant kitchen equipment, trash can lids, and other "found" metal objects, in addition to traditional percussion instruments.
They've announced their imminent end, as their last concerts will be held early April around California. But 2011 will still see a new album, a movie and a live DVD.
Formicary
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To move great masses with his mouth
To play fast and loose with limb
To build a castle on the sand
To lie with grace
And steal with face
A horrible cunning man
Condemned to flail without end
Condemned to fail in the end
To give more than he takes
With high stakes
To Save the world from itself
To put his own gain on the shelf
To set his mind on a higher peak
And always turn the other cheek
A champion of the meek
What a total fucking freak
Condemned to flail, tries to mend
Condemned to fail in the end
Insignificant/Indispensable
Dependable/Disposable
Miniscule/Indefatigable
A man who would be king
The lyrics to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's song "Formicary" describe a man who desires to be king, with the power to move great masses with his words and actions, to be cunning and charming, to build his own castle with ease, and to succumb others to his will. However, this man is also described to be callous and horrifying, and his cunning will eventually lead to his own downfall. Despite this, the lyrics also suggest that there is a path to redemption, one where the man sets aside his own selfish desires to help others and become a champion of the meek. The song lyrically explores the duality of human nature, how the same person can be both lovable and callous, insignificant and indispensable.
The word "formicary" itself refers to an ant colony or nest, which could symbolize the man's desire to build his own kingdom, or the idea that even the smallest, seemingly insignificant creatures can have a great impact on the world. The contrasting words used throughout the song reflect the struggle between good and evil, between selflessness and selfishness, and the constant battle within ourselves to choose the right path.
Overall, the lyrics to Sleepytime Gorilla Museum's "Formicary" are a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the choices we make in life. It encourages the listener to reflect on their own actions and motivations, and to strive towards a greater good rather than pure self-interest.
Line by Line Meaning
A man who would be king, a big thing
Referring to a person who desires to hold a position of immense power and authority.
To move great masses with his mouth
The ability to influence large groups of people through the power of oration.
To play fast and loose with limb
A willingness to take major risks, often involving physical danger, with little or no regard for one's own safety.
To build a castle on the sand
To create something that looks impressive, but has no solid foundation or lasting value.
To lie with grace
To say things that are not true, but with such smoothness and sophistication that they are difficult to detect.
And steal with face
To deceive others into believing that one's actions are acceptable or justified, even when they are clearly not.
A horrible cunning man
A person who is extremely deceptive and manipulative, often to the detriment of others.
A lovable and callous sham
A person who is able to win people over with charm and charisma, even though they are completely insincere and selfish in their actions.
Condemned to flail without end
To suffer from perpetual failure, without any hope of recovering or succeeding.
Condemned to fail in the end
To ultimately experience defeat or disappointment, despite having put in one's best effort.
To give more than he takes
The practice of prioritizing the well-being and interests of others over one's own personal gain.
With high stakes
Referring to situations where there are significant risks and potential consequences involved.
To Save the world from itself
The desire to prevent people from causing their own destruction or downfall, and to promote peace and harmony in the world.
To put his own gain on the shelf
To set aside one's own self-interests, in order to focus on more important goals or values.
To set his mind on a higher peak
The desire to attain lofty goals and aspirations, and to constantly strive for greater achievements and self-improvement.
And always turn the other cheek
The practice of showing forgiveness and compassion, even in the face of hostility or aggression from others.
A champion of the meek
A person who advocates on behalf of those who are powerless or underprivileged, and who seeks to improve their circumstances and position in society.
What a total fucking freak
An expression of disbelief or shock, often accompanied by disdain or mockery.
Insignificant/Indispensable
Two opposing characteristics that a person may exhibit, with one suggesting that they are of little importance or significance, while the other suggests that they are essential and irreplaceable.
Dependable/Disposable
Another pair of opposing traits, with one suggesting that a person is trustworthy and reliable, while the other suggests that they are easily discarded or replaced.
Miniscule/Indefatigable
Two additional opposing characteristics, with one suggesting that a person is small or insignificant, while the other suggests that they have boundless energy and are tireless in their pursuits.
Contributed by Isabelle B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.