Thievery Corporation is on the Eighteenth Street Lounge record label named after the DC club owned by Eric Hilton, but several of their singles and EP's appear on the 4AD and !K7 labels.
Formed in the summer of 1995 at D.C.’s Eighteenth Street Lounge. Rob Garza and Lounge co-owner Eric Hilton bonded over club life, dub, bossa nova and jazz records, then decided to see what would come of mixing all these in a recording studio. From this, the duo was born and their self started label Eighteenth Street Lounge Music began to emerge on an international level.
The duo caught the ears of underground DJ’s with their first two 12" offerings, Shaolin Satellite and 2001: a Spliff Odyssey. Their 1997 debut LP, Sounds from the Thievery Hi-Fi began to both define a new genre of electronic music and connect with an international community of like-minded souls. Though the terminology has varied (downtempo, chill out, left field and a myriad of other permutations), they have maintained their unique musical standards for the duration of their popularity.
In 2002, they released The Richest Man in Babylon on their ESL label. This fifteen track album is similar in sound and timbre to their earlier 2000 release, The Mirror Conspiracy, and features performances by vocalists Emiliana Torrini, Pam Bricker, and Loulou.
In 2005 they released The Cosmic Game, which has a darker, more psychedelic sound than The Richest Man in Babylon. The album also featured more high-profile guest singers on it, including Perry Farrell, David Byrne, and Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.
In 2006, the group released Versions, a selection of remixes done by Thievery Corporation for other artists and toured the United States, playing at Lollapalooza.
The group released their fifth studio album, Radio Retaliation, on 23 September 2008.
The language of the group's lyrics are as diverse as English, Spanish, French, Persian, Portuguese, Romanian and Hindi. This reflects the group's global feel and collaborative structure.
They were the opening act on August 1, 2009 for Sir Paul McCartney at FedExField in Landover, Maryland.
On July 27, 2010, Babylon Central, the cinematic directorial debut of founding member Eric Hilton, was released. Set (and shot) in Washington, D.C., the film follows tripwire events in the interconnected lives of its characters, each influencing power brokers' schemes to manipulate international currencies.
In June 2011, Thievery Corporation released their sixth album, Culture of Fear.
In January 2012, Thievery Corporation launched a remixes contest in conjunction with Dubspot.
The Foundation
Thievery Corporation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as we are born knowing what we like
Spreading the words of the soup and rice,
That exist in this Earth, yeah.
Spreading the words of the soup and rice,
That exist in this Earth, yeah.
With the proud civilizations that created them.
Sparta, Rome, the knights of Europe, the Samurai.
They worship strength because it is strength
That makes all other valuables possible.
He is a foundation of creation
He is a foundation of creation
He is a foundation of creation
He is a foundation of creation
Storm, typhoon, tidal wave, and our tempest of
Roaring elements from creation to this side of the Ganesha.
Storm, typhoon, tidal wave, and our tempest of
Roaring elements from creation to this side of the Ganesha.
Telling the world of the soup and the rice that existed in this Earth
Storm, typhoon, tidal wave, and our tempest of
Roaring elements from creation to this side of the Ganesha.
The lyrics of Thievery Corporation's song "The Foundation" can be interpreted in multiple ways as they seem to touch on a few different themes. One interpretation could be that the lyrics are referring to the power of knowledge and the idea that we are born with a natural curiosity and desire to learn. The first two lines suggest that we are all ready to read and know what we like from the beginning. The following lines talk about spreading the word of the "soup and rice" that exists on Earth, which could be a metaphor for sharing knowledge and information.
The lyrics then take a darker turn with the mention of the "horrors" associated with historical civilizations like Sparta, Rome, knights of Europe, and Samurai. The mention of these societies highlights the idea that strength has always been valued above all else in human history. The chorus then repeats the phrase "He is a foundation of creation" four times, which could refer to a deity or a person who embodies the essence of creation itself. The lyrics then conclude with references to storms, typhoons, tidal waves, and tempests, which could be interpreted as natural forces that are also a part of creation.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Foundation" seem to touch on the themes of knowledge, power, creation, and the natural world. The mention of historical societies and natural disasters adds a philosophical layer to the song's meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
We are all ready to read.
As humans, we are born with an innate ability to comprehend and process information.
Just as we are born knowing what we like
Our individual preferences and tastes are inherent and constant throughout our lifetime.
Spreading the words of the soup and rice,
Sharing the values and traditions of our ancestors, particularly those related to sustenance.
That exist in this Earth, yeah.
Emphasizing the abundance and diversity of resources available on our planet.
It is difficult to associate these horrors
Despite their contributions to civilization, many powerful nations and cultures throughout history have been responsible for terrible atrocities.
With the proud civilizations that created them.
Acknowledging the paradoxical relationship between cultural pride and inhumane actions.
Sparta, Rome, the knights of Europe, the Samurai.
Listing a few renowned examples of societies known for their military prowess and cultural achievements.
They worship strength because it is strength
These societies highly valued physical power and might, as it was seen as essential to achieving their goals and protecting their interests.
That makes all other valuables possible.
Those in positions of power believed that their strength allowed for the development and preservation of other desirable traits, such as wealth and knowledge.
He is a foundation of creation
The repetition of this line emphasizes the idea of an all-encompassing, powerful force driving the world.
Storm, typhoon, tidal wave, and our tempest of
Listing natural disasters that serve as examples of raw, uncontrollable forces.
Roaring elements from creation to this side of the Ganesha.
Describing these forces as omnipresent and reflective of the entire world.
Telling the world of the soup and the rice that existed in this Earth
Continuing the theme of celebrating the legacy of our ancestors and the bountiful resources that they cultivated.
Storm, typhoon, tidal wave, and our tempest of
Reiterating the idea of uncontrollable, powerful forces as a central theme of the song.
Roaring elements from creation to this side of the Ganesha.
Suggesting that these forces span beyond any defined or confined space, impacting us all no matter where we are.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ERIC HILTON, ROBERT MANUEL GARZA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidellis5141
What an incredible album. Used to play it daily at record stores I worked at. Like smooth 🍷 it has aged well.
@bdlblob
The way you guys process drums is so mindblowing to me. I dont know how simple or complex your approach is, but every record is absolutely flawless in terms of dynamics and punch. I wish my tracks had that "thievery corporation snare" to them! Thank you so much for your music.
@ryanpeeney8145
This is just so incredibly beautiful!
@bEje87
these sounds .... no word can describe them.pure magic 🧙‍♂️
@arnobug
soooooo good, just love them
@pajiad191
I am happy this track was uploaded. For many years "the Foundation" was the only track on this album nor available on YT
@pajiad191
It is strength that makes all other values possible
@wiffleone
Not on Spotify now
@claudiocataldi6347
i love them, from the first time, alwais original, never banal, my favourite band ever for sure
@idratherbeinvail
The best song. Forever.