Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts; Poolside; 0 for 1 and don’t forget spoons twice
Lukewarm folgers; mold on his moonpie
Rooms in his home that dissipate into fruit flies
Suicide lane wide load ride looting in the wake of an amicable marooning
My duty go from moving in packs to sharing food with a cat. “it’s me, I accidentally sawed a woman in half.”
She said "I’ll keep you in my prayers, " I said "I need to hide a body, " she said “ok honey, talk to you on Friday.”
Apparently we share a common plasma so the growing disconnection doesn’t matter. according to the blood-and-water chapter. weird
Who wrote the blood-and-water chapter anyway? probably some surly dad; only child, 30 cats.
Looking for a way to reconnect with an averted past.
Except it doesn’t always work like that
Today I pulled three baby snakes out of moss and dirt; where the wild strawberry vines toss and turn;
I told them “you will grow to be something inventive and electric; you are healthy, you are special, you are present.” then I let them go
Oh
You were sitting at the gate awaiting spirits and provisions
I was privy to a headache over pirouetting innards
In the mirror sweating pictures; who’s there: simian or lizard?
As it were there is a disappearing difference
In ambition and material;
Antiquated gentleman outlaws reduced to a ferris wheel of vitriol
Move as a godless heathen; black gums, tooth gone, bootleg ‘Yukon Cornelius’
I’m a… that’s better, here we here we go. disenchanted face printed on a zero-dollar bill
Got a little plot of land where authority isn’t recognized, contraband keeping the core of his Hyde Jekyll-ized
Check! nevermind a misanthrope vying for affection to the wretched sound of mysticism dying
It is something he must handle on his own; the wind blown way, wanna win? don’t play
Today I pulled three green frogs out of leaf and bark where the grape vines climb a convenient barn;
I told them “you will grow to be something tenacious and exalted; you are mighty, you are gracious, you are lauded.” then I let them go
Oh
I have been completely unable to maintain any semblance of relationship on any level
I have been a bastard to the people who have actively attempted to deliver me from peril
I have been acutely undeserving of the ear that listen up and lip that kissed me on the temple
I have been accustomed to a stubborn disposition that admits it wish it’s history disassembled
I have been a hypocrite in sermonizing tolerance while skimming for a ministry to pretzel
I have been unfairly resentful of those I wish that acted different when the bidding was essential
I have been a terrible communicator prone to isolation over sympathy for devils
I have been my own worst enemy since the very genesis of rebels
Today I pulled three ghost crabs out of rock and sand, where the low tide showcased a promised land.
I told them “you will grow to be something dynamic and impressive; you are patient you are gallant you are festive.”
Then I let them go
Oh
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His 8 confessions towards the end carry so much weight.
THAT’S MY FAVORITE PART! it is burned into my mind.
also I like the contrast between those confessions and doing things like picking up small animals and telling they they are beautiful. I think these are linked.
Aesop’s music like this is so fucking powerful
My suspicion is he’s referring to The Threefold Law. The kinds of creatures he’s referencing, as well as where he pulls them from, is also very suggestive of earth-centric magick. But who really knows.
That would be really cool! I hadn’t considered a spiritual connection but that would be a really uncommon reference to make in rap. But his music is really full of stuff like that so it’s possible.
That’s one of my top 5 Aesop Rock’s songs and I love (almost) every one of them
hell yeah. what’s your favorite?
That’s a hard question. I have a special place in my heart for his earlier more whimsical stuff like Daylight and None Shall Pass, where the flow and lyrical reach are there but it’s more freeform / surreal lyrics, but I also think he’s grown a lot as a poet since then and I’d have to pick Rings. It’s grounded in his history, remarkably intricate rhymes, fully coherent and on topic throughout and has a brilliant hook. I also love his sidequest stories such as the one about the mythical frog and the recent one about snails, there’s a lot to be said for rappin’ about mundane everyday life as opposed to bling and shit.
I love how that song is all about how much regret he has for not continuing to draw/paint, and how recently aes is doing all sorts of drawing /painting. Just feels so good to get back. That pigeonometry short on YouTube is so fun.
Nice! Daylight was the first song I was shown.
Rings is hella good. That whole album is just stacked so it’s hard for 1 song to stand out but Rings is definitely one of the best from it.
Awesome, I do not have this song, I will have to add it to my playlist.
Thanks for sharing this song with us!
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Aesop Rock’s Gopher Guts: Unveiling Profound Self-Reflection
“Gopher Guts” by Aesop Rock delves into a deeply introspective and self-reflective narrative, exploring themes of isolation, self-discovery, and personal growth. The song paints a vivid picture of a troubled individual grappling with inner turmoil, regrets, and a sense of disconnect from the world around them.
The recurring phrase “Gopher Guts” serves as a symbol for the messy and unpleasant aspects of life that one often encounters. It represents the grim and unappealing experiences that the protagonist has faced. This imagery sets the tone for the song’s exploration of life’s complexities.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of mortality and impermanence, as evidenced by references to suicide, body disposal, and the idea of a disappearing difference between human ambition and materialism. The protagonist’s musings on death and disconnection from society reflect a sense of alienation and despair.
The song juxtaposes these dark themes with moments of hope and resilience. The act of rescuing and encouraging the baby snakes, frogs, and ghost crabs symbolizes a desire for growth, transformation, and renewal. These acts of kindness towards nature represent the protagonist’s yearning for something better and their capacity for empathy.
Throughout the song, the protagonist grapples with personal shortcomings, self-awareness, and a desire for change. They acknowledge their past mistakes, admitting to being a hypocrite, a terrible communicator, and their own worst enemy. This self-awareness suggests a longing for self-improvement and redemption.
The reference to “blood-and-water chapter” suggests a familial or ancestral connection, hinting at the complexities of family relationships and the challenges of reconciling with one’s past.
In essence, “Gopher Guts” is a raw and introspective journey through the inner workings of a troubled mind. It explores the duality of human nature, the struggle to find meaning in life’s messiness, and the potential for growth and redemption even in the face of one’s darkest moments. It’s a song that invites listeners to contemplate their own flaws and the possibility of self-transformation amidst life’s chaos.[1]
Gopher Guts by Aesop Rock | Aesop Rock | February 4, 2025
“Gopher Guts” is a track by the renowned underground hip-hop artist Aesop Rock, featured on his album “Skelethon,” released in 2012. Known for his complex lyricism and unique style, Aesop Rock delivers a compelling narrative in this song that encapsulates his artistic vision.
The song explores themes of disconnection, introspection, and the struggle for personal growth, juxtaposing dark imagery with elements of hope and nurturing.
“Gopher Guts” opens with vivid and surreal imagery that sets the tone for the song. The phrase ‘greasy, grimy gopher guts’ serves as a metaphor for the narrator’s internal chaos and the messy aspects of life that are often hidden beneath the surface. This imagery evokes a sense of discomfort and disarray, suggesting that the narrator is grappling with their own flaws and the darker sides of their psyche.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the theme of isolation. The mention of ‘rooms in his home that dissipate into fruit flies’ symbolizes a sense of decay and neglect, reflecting the narrator’s mental state. This imagery suggests that the narrator feels trapped in their own environment, with their thoughts and emotions becoming overwhelming and suffocating.
The chorus introduces a contrasting element of hope, as the narrator expresses a desire for growth and transformation. By telling creatures that they will grow to be ‘something inventive and electric,’ the narrator conveys a sense of optimism amidst the chaos. This nurturing imagery serves as a reminder that despite the struggles and darkness, there is potential for change and creativity.
Throughout the song, Aesop Rock’s introspective lyrics reveal a deep self-awareness. The narrator acknowledges their own flaws and the difficulty in maintaining relationships, which adds a layer of vulnerability to the narrative. This introspection is further emphasized by the melancholic tone of the music, creating a poignant atmosphere that resonates with listeners.
In conclusion, “Gopher Guts” is a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, exploring the complexities of the human experience. The juxtaposition of dark, chaotic imagery with hopeful, nurturing elements creates a powerful narrative that speaks to the struggles of personal growth and the desire for connection.[2]
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