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 State Of The Union
Thievery Corporation Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
And I know all the things you hide
Even though it's a good disguise
And what you do will comeback on you
You think we can't fight what the eyes can't see
Because we are blinded by poverty
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
It's like the people you want them to rebel
And fire gunshots and burn buildings to hell
And after that you a go want treat me well
It's like you have the people under a spell
Talking to the people in a congress
A we vote you in, so you must put out your best
After all we no in a contest
It's the state of the union address
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
Broadcasting lies on the television sreen
Trying to get us hooked on your american dream
We up on your games if you know wha me mean
When you cheated on your wife with your money and your schemes
People rule and a that you fi follow
We and nuh no call me no nigga
Do a good term and you deserve another
Signed musically yours, the general sleepywonder
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
The people live in misery
Govemment a work
But govemment them is a monckery
Respect to the youths
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
The lyrics of Thievery Corporation's song The State of the Union express the disparity between the government and the people. The people live in misery while the government works, but is also seen as a mockery. The lyrics entreat the government to treat the youths with respect, bringing attention to the socio-economic and political challenges that they face. The lyrics also suggest that the government hides certain truths from the people and broadcast lies on the television screen, in an effort to push their own agenda, while condemning the people for not doing enough to improve their lives. The song highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and equal treatment for all.
The lyrics also caution against inciting violence and rebellion, suggesting that the government's neglect and mistreatment may push the people to extreme measures, such as burning buildings and firing gunshots. The lyrics speak to the power dynamics at play between the government and the people and the contractual relationship between them. Finally, the lyrics challenge the government to do better and to follow the will of the people, rather than pursuing their own interests or agenda. Overall, the song speaks to themes of power struggles, corruption, and social injustice, and calls for greater equity and fairness.
Line by Line Meaning
The people live in misery
The citizens are suffering and unhappy
Govemment a work
The government is functioning
But govemment them is a monckery
The government is acting foolishly and irresponsibly
Respect to the youths
Show admiration to the younger generation
Whether in front and all dem a back a me
Regardless of their location or position relative to me
Why don't you treat them the way you should
Why not show proper treatment to the youth
And I know all the things you hide
I am aware of all your secrets
Even though it's a good disguise
Despite your efforts to conceal your actions
And we see all the things you do
We are aware of all your behavior
And what you do will comeback on you
Negative actions will have repercussions
You think we can't fight what the eyes can't see
You believe we can't overcome what is hidden from view
Because we are blinded by poverty
Our financial situation is preventing us from taking action
It's like the people you want them to rebel
It seems like you want the citizens to rise up in protest
And fire gunshots and burn buildings to hell
And resort to violent methods to express their dissatisfaction
And after that you a go want treat me well
And then you will try to appease us
It's like you have the people under a spell
It's as if you are controlling us with your actions
Talking to the people in a congress
Addressing the public during a governmental meeting
A we vote you in, so you must put out your best
We elected you, so you must fulfill your duties in the best way possible
After all we no in a contest
In the end, we are not in direct competition
It's the state of the union address
This is an address discussing the state of the nation
Broadcasting lies on the television sreen
Spreading deceitful information through media outlets
Trying to get us hooked on your american dream
Attempting to influence us with the ideals of the American Dream
We up on your games if you know wha me mean
We understand your tactics and manipulations
When you cheated on your wife with your money and your schemes
Referencing a specific politician's personal scandal involving infidelity and deception
People rule and a that you fi follow
The people are ultimately in charge, and you must listen to them
We and nuh no call me no nigga
We are not to be called a derogatory term
Do a good term and you deserve another
Perform well in your role and you will be rewarded
Signed musically yours, the general sleepywonder
A sign-off from the artist who created this song
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Αntonis B.
One of the best songs I heard in my life.. can't express how much I tune with it
Nickolai kvalsvik
the melody, the beat, it's amazing - the whole song feels like a mind trip! Fernando, it's indeed a powerful song ;)
Gabriela Fialho
Esse som que tem o poder de transportar!Que nostalgia.
yusa13
So chill. TC cleanses the soul, I can feel the worries and stress of the day just dissolving
D F
This will most likely be a forever relevant song. Another one that comes to mind is Paolo Nutini's Iron Sky. I highly recommend both songs.
Hiram Eberhardt
Will check it out...loved to expand my music universe.
AK cristo
i love this album since is was out.. i don't know i fall in love.. for sure the album i heard more times in my life.. thank thievery corporation
Saul Leeman
After so many years I somehow found this! Love it!
Cipher-Tu Productions
One of my favorite pieces of all time spread thoughout multiple genres, great work!!!
Suave Zion
This tune brings so much good memories 😍🔥