“I do believe that hip-hop can be the new jazz, and I’m helping create that”, Bruner said in an interview to Bass Player, in 2008.
He is part of the new generation of jazz literate, hip-hop loving instrumentalists who can play beyond traditional limits - a mutant jazz cat - and that’s how 'Thundercat' (a monicker he chose), suits him well (even if it’s purely the result of an unhealthy cartoon addiction dating back to childhood).
Special Stage
Thundercat Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When there is just so much
Crowding your space
You've got to drown everything out
And see what you want to see
Listen with your heart and see through all of your fears
Open up your world
That's just yours cause life just seems so short
Heart begins to race
Hands begin to sweat
On the edge of death
If you lose you have to play again
Life's a special stage
Zone in on your goal
Sit back and relax
Play the game and play to win
Doo wah doo wah doo wah doo wah
If you miss the point
You must understand
Life is just a game
It's all in your hands
Doo wah doo wah doo wah doo wah
It's all in your hands
The song "Special Stage" by Thundercat is a message of motivation and positivity aimed at encouraging listeners to focus on what they want to achieve in their lives. It describes how easy it is to lose sight of what’s truly important when life gets busy, but that it's crucial to take a step back from the chaos and listen to your heart. Thundercat urges the listener to open up their world, see through their fears, and zone in on their goal. The song talks about the importance of persistence in achieving success, that if you lose, you have to play again. It emphasizes that life is a game, and how you play is entirely up to you.
The opening lines suggest that sometimes it's hard to maintain focus when life feels overwhelming. The song encourages listeners not to let other people or external pressures distract them from achieving their dream. Thundercat sing-songs about heart racing and hands sweating, implying that the journey toward your goal won't be easy. However, the message in the song is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because when you focus on your goal, everything else fades away. Playing the game is a metaphor for persevering and doing whatever it takes to create the life that you desire.
In conclusion, "Special Stage" is a call to arms to focus on your goals and not let external pressures and distractions stop you from achieving your dreams. It's a reminder that life is a game; the more you play, the better you get, and eventually, you will win if you play to win. With a catchy tune and a message of positivity, Thundercat encourages listeners to put their lives in their hands and take control.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes it's hard to think straight
Thinking with clarity can be a challenge
When there is just so much
When there is an abundance of thoughts and distractions
Crowding your space
Overwhelming your mind and environment
You've got to drown everything out
You must block out external noise
And see what you want to see
Focus on one's desired outcome
Listen with your heart and see through all of your fears
Have faith in oneself and look beyond any anxieties
Open up your world
Explore new possibilities
That's just yours cause life just seems so short
Life is fleeting, and one must make the most of their individual time
But if you play the game you can win in the end
Success can be achieved if one navigates life's challenges effectively
Heart begins to race
Emotions escalate and adrenaline kicks in
Hands begin to sweat
Physical symptoms arise from nervous tension
On the edge of death
Metaphorically close to losing it all
If you lose you have to play again
Failure is not permanent, and perseverance is key
Life's a special stage
Life is a unique and valuable performance
Zone in on your goal
Focus intently on one's objective
Sit back and relax
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor
Play the game and play to win
Enthusiastically participate in life and strive to excel
If you miss the point
If one cannot grasp the true meaning or importance
You must understand
Realize and comprehend
Life is just a game
Life is a series of opportunities, obstacles, and uncertainty
It's all in your hands
One holds their future success in their own control
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: STEPHEN BRUNER, STEVEN D ELLISON, TAYLOR GRAVES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@greyhughes4079
Seriously, I start my day with this track daily. It just hits every damn time and motivates the hell outta me!
@nbradyeastham
The picture of Thundercat on this video has a Big Boss MGSV vibe about it
@nikkiboy6367
Dead on
@marcosveron5881
I love how all the highest rated comments on the videos of this album are about mgs and the cover
@marcosveron5881
Also thundercat is boss
@Tullece
Damn, Thundercat and old school Sonic the Hedgehog, a match made in heaven.
@labcoatgorilla6784
Was listening to them changes by thundercat and I definitely heard the sonic special stage warp sfx in it. Guess he’s always been about that.
@MOnkeyJoker902
I love how the song has a Sonic The Hedgehog reference in it!
@grumpyoats
+Herman Sagoon hell yeah!
@DillHurley7
It has actual Sonic noises. Confirmed jump noise and coin collection 😂