Aesop Rock
One of Four (Thank You)
[Intro]
One of four
My name is Ian Mathias Bavitz. I was born in 1-9-7-6, at Syosset hospital, located in Long Island, NY. I am 6 foot 4, I weigh 2-0-0 pounds. I have brown hair and green eyes. I enjoy writing songs, painting, movies and diner food. I have two brothers; Chris and Graham, and two parents; Paul and Anita. In august of 2-0-0-1 I went crazy. This was originally not for public consumption. This was made for four people—four people that literally saved my life. They know who they are—and, uh—I mean, I could live to be a thousand years old and never re-pay them. I don't think this song would pay for them. But hopefully by putting it out, push the bank a little further

[Verse]
This ain't a burner for the whips (no it isn't)
This ain't even Aesop Rock fly earthworm demeanor (no it isn't)
My name is Ian Mathias Bavitz and I was born in Long Island, New York
Seventy Six, before Graham and after Chris... OK
In August of 2001 my seemingly splinter-proof brain bone scaffolding imploded
I kept it on the hush, but nearly tumbling
To the cold hard concrete on mere bodega trips
For cigarettes and soda, shook me to casper
Dizzy with a nausea chaser, motor sensory eraser
Gorophobe tunnel vision, guilt, self loathing arrangement
Rose rapidly out a bog I'd never fished in
That abates three separate foreign meds
While I seems to hook lines and syncro simple fishing
Simple primitive self taught, easing of soul, mind and body
But the symptoms rejected my cave-man modus operandi
So now it's one fish belly up, through medicated mileage
Shrinks that get 250 an hour for awkward silence
And, I'd be lying if I said all of this
Made even the slightest fragment of sense to me
That's frail... Simply put
I don't know what happened, or what's still happening
I literally feel like I'm teetering on the blunt edge of my sanity
JAIME, I killed the robots and I'm sorry
Broke down in front of you, embarrassed
But you lent a heart and hand that only you could
You're one of my best friends and yes I'd take that bullet for you
That's my word, which is about all I have left
TONY, I know you know I'm crazy, cause you told me
But that didn't ever bother you, I hold you as my brother 'til death
And I got your back if ever the drunk goblin step
For makin' a cat laugh when I was walking with the dead
KATHRYN, mother figure, older sister, concerned beyond limits
Letting me know I wasn't the only one with this
Continuous offers for vacation, Chicago visits
Talked me through repair of a head full of broken pistons
RAIA, for the late night movie rentals and the company I needed
An' you knew it, but I just wouldn't admit it
You listened to me blab about my issues for hours
Offer incredible advice, gave me a hug when I was finished
Am I a jack of all trades? No... I like to write songs though
Are they good? I dunno...
But I could tell you that I only write shit down when I believe it
So take this how you want, but know I mean it
I want you all to know that I'm scared
Now my fuckin' crooked soul never faced a monster like the last few months
Ever in my whole life... I wish I could explain this better (I can't)
But the pieces won't formulate it to anything even close to cohesive
So I guess this is my feeble way to thank you
Four soldiers that extended something sacred off the purity of kindness
I owe you all my life and please don't argue with that statement
'Cause without y'all, I may not have a life to offer, take it
[Chorus]
Thank you
I wish I could explain this better (Thank you)
I'm sorry for burdening your pleasures (Thank you)
I love you all with all that's left of me (Thank you)
For helping try to kill what made a mess of me (Thank you)
Somehow, someway (Thank you)
I'mma get you back someday (Thank you)
Just gotta figure this all out (Thank you) So;

[Interlude]
I guess it is kind of funny when you look at it from a step back. How one man can literally buckle under the same pressures other men operate normally under. I have scoped this out from all angles, multiple times. I have been over everything in my head, till I can't think anymore. But I guess some times, when you can't breathe, there are people there to breathe for you. I am lucky enough to have those people around me. Thank you for helping me to not die. Thank you for helping me to not die

[Outro]
Pocket full of pennies, and a soul gone tilt
Cockpit full of memories and a drain full of guilt
Pocket full of pennies, and a soul gone tilt
Cockpit full of memories and a drain full of guilt
Pocket full of pennies, and a soul gone tilt
Cockpit full of memories and a drain full of guilt
Pocket full of pennies, and a soul gone tilt
Cockpit full of memories and a drain full of guilt