Atmosphere - Became (Official Video)

[@TheIowaXperience]

Years ago a good friend of mine sent me this song and said he thought of me when he heard it. 10 years later, no longer friends, I heard it again and realized he didnt like who I was becoming.

[@JHow861]

Damn

[@justangelathegamer]

:(

[@michaelrapaport4494]

ok

[@PepperStone3]

Fuck... Thanks man.

[@ruthlessjack7367]

Be you, can’t please everyone so might as well please yourself….❤️

[@wolfadilehunter5991]

this song is relevant for anyone who thought they knew someone and they were so worried about saving them that they forgot the person was choosing their own path

[@coopdiesel88]

Exactly. People immediately conclude this song is about addiction yet there is not a single instance in this song that truly alludes to drugs. This song is highly ambiguous and allows for multiple interpretations, which is what makes this song extremely poetic.

[@thunderballkid9066]

Exactly. Thatsbthe part that hurts most. They choose to be a wolf.

[@nickcarpenter9737]

2023 this is so on point

[@mdog86]

It's about Eyedea, and how he became addicted to drugs. And Slug's view of watching his friend go down that path, which tragically led to Eyedea's death.

[@shane_l8085]

@@mdog86 I've heard this theory before but I dunno if Slug would be so disrespectful to say "It's not that tragic, it's not a shame". Although he did admit years later on the song 'Flicker' that they had grown apart towards the end, he also loved Eyedea and was heartbroken over his death. Unless he was just angry at him in the year following his death.

[@DoktorKumpel]

This song doesn't need a video. It's use of language is so vivid and descriptive it imprints itself in your mind. Don't remember the last time a rap song gave me goosebumps.

[@760kittycat]

I love how everybody has their own interpretation of the song meaning, that's what art is. It provokes thought and emotion. I love this song.

[@dogs10188]

agreed

[@NyQuilDonut]

Sounds like it's about losing someone to drug use or maybe just drifting apart from someone. But if the guy never said what it's really about then we can't be sure.

[@jordandenny6875]

I think it's about EYEDEA, r.eye.p

[@ariehill5631]

@Rukariro Mawokomatanda damn that really aligns a lot of the story's metaphor. I always thought it was about eyedea and his lost battle with drug addiction, some of the metaphors I was connecting hadn't yet quite added up completely but I figured maybe I would be able to interoperate it diffently as more time passed. Slugs lyrics always do that to me, fucking years later a line will suddenly click in my head and I'm like 'oh shit THATS what he meant'

[@krisdenson1950]

@Rukariro Mawokomatanda link?

[@dafunki8]

Damn, I've had this song on repeat for 9 years now.

[@ZeroGetsReal]

My interpretation of this song is the grieving process Sean went through, as he tripped down memory lane, remembering the beautiful times he had with Micheal, realising what was lost. Adding the pieces together, and then finally, reaching the final step of the grieving process; acceptance.

[@sunvol4503]

thank God for this song. I'm now a recovered addict but I lost the love of my life over it.

[@UnwrittenSpade]

I just seen this comment and now that it’s been six years I wanna ask how are you doing? Did you stay on the path? I’m also an addict in recovery, first time I got clean I stayed clean for a decade and the second time which is this time I’m longer than that. I really hope your doing well and I’m sorry for the love lost brother

[@sunvol4503]

@@UnwrittenSpade Well, to be honest my mind was so polluted that I couldn't handle her leaving me. Especially because I was either in a tent in the woods near the train tracks or I was hiding in a warm public laundry Mat closet. So when I lost that one person that cared about me, celebrated my birthday with me and made sure I had food even if she had to steal it from her mom's house. I understand why she left, but I was in no position to take another loss at that time and I took it really hard. I had some trouble wanting to stick around this earth, but eventually I made it through the depression. The reason I connected with this song is because I camped outside in the woods that winter in NH and it was God awful. I laid a couple blankets on top of my tent and covered them with a tarp so they didn't get wet. It worked well, but it was miserable. I'm happy to say we both got clean and doing very well for ourselves, she's working hard and holding down a job and I've been working at the same place for the past three years. We catch up from time to time, but we both know now that our time together has passed. But when I made the comment on this video everyone was dropping dead like flies. It was terrifying. So many friends died almost overnight, even a pregnant mother I knew relapsed OD'ed and died, That pain is enough to make you hate the drug forever. I used that as fuel to stay away from it. I used Suboxone for a while, I even injected it at first because that's all I knew. But it was a stepping stone to recovery and eventually I did kick the needle. It's funny you comment now because last month I quit Suboxone entirely with the help of Kratom. I'm told they make a shot that keeps you off the stuff for a month and weens you down as it goes away. Listen brother, I have faith you can do this. I learned when you do bad things like drugs, bad things always happen to you. But when you try your best to do the right thing and be healthy, good things just start happening, you just have to be patient and wait for the universe to show you the good. I wish you the best of luck friend, I know you can do it. The thought of kicking it is much worse than the actual thing, it sucks, but it's totally achievable. Don't be like the others and fall back into self pity. YOU ARE WORTH IT! Good luck! Message me anytime.

[@UnwrittenSpade]

@@sunvol4503 I’m happy I heard back from you man! Yes there is a shot you can get which will make any opiate taken not have the desired effect. I was suggested it when I got clean but declined. Looking back I should have taken it but oh well you live and learn. I’m so glad your doing well man your not alone anytime you need someone feel free to reach out!

[@Volatolx]

How are you doing now? ​@@sunvol4503

[@nicholasgilbert5210]

Hope all is well

[@NinjaLegacy805]

2020....discovering this gem. Homie would play this before foot patrols in Iraq and never took the time to listen for myself. We've both been to combat 3+ times Afghanistan and Iraq and are about to cruise around and bump these fkn amazing beats. Thank you Atmosphere

[@romanrules007]

That’s amazing bro 🥹

[@javidzcool]

thank you for your service

[@pairofsocks6164]

I love that people are debating about the meaning behind the lyrics. That's what true art does.

[@Josh-rc1rw]

"that's when I noticed your foot prints, the snows fresh, and those have been put since".......love that lyric....it flows so damn well!

[@Awryval]

There's nothing out there comparable to Slug and Ant's artistry. Everything fits together so perfect, its like a baby born on the first day of spring

[@darrnellnott07]

a long time, I didn't take Slug super seriously until Became was released a couple years ago. I get misty-eyed every time I listen to this track (which doesn't happen often). I don't kno what's true about this song but if it's true then here's what I've gathered. in a beautifully tragic metaphor for casual coke use, ie camping in the snow, Slug's friend got lost. he left his backpack behind, the love and vision of hip hop movement, and went forward into the wilderness of drug usage. the wolf is the overcoming usage where, his friend, was no longer chased but became the victim of addiction and died without external struggle despite transforming into a beast of hunger from within. eventually, it got the best of him and it's hard to change those lost to drugs, even if you get support from those around you. no matter the real meaning of the song, RIP Eyedea. you're missed and you will love forever within music

[@qu1pz]

Wow

[@josebarragan3992]

it's about Eyedea

[@MrAlmost99]

You hit it dead on. The line about the tracks he left in the snow... Tracks is used to refer to the marks left from shooting up....

[@erictim9052]

@@MrAlmost99 did you write this song?

[@xbtusd7501]

No way bro this is a wolf pack attacking a camper in Yellowstone park , are you tripping or what ?

[@amandamoore1350]

I'm in this music video, my high school collaborated with MSB and we're all the actors in the video. When we asked Slug about the meaning of the song he was hesitant and seemed emotional. He said it's about a friend who loses is way and how his friend tries to save him from danger but can't, and the bad life ends up getting him. I believe it's about Eyedea, but he hasn't yet actually said, "it's about eyedea"

[@michaelwilson8713]

Rest in peace idea the greatest rapper

[@loveme77527]

Damn when I started reading this, I already felt what you were saying... I love eyedea, his songs are deep as hell, you have to listen a gazillion times, everytime you hear something different... Eyedea was on a whole different level... He went in deep... Alot of people didn't understand him back then... He was way beyond his time... We were gifted to have him while we did... Every rain drop remind me of him...❤❤❤❤❤

[@javidzcool]

spoiler: it's about Eyedea

[@leonardosantuario3346]

Liar. He literally admitted its a rip off of a poem on camera.

[@andrewotaku1679]

Oh hey, we were in the same class. It was a lot of fun working on this.

[@ItsMeJessica1]

I know no one cares, but a few days ago my little brother took his own live. Before be went, be became addicted to drugs. And not the good ones. Needless to say, the Meth took ahold of him, and he went crazy and shot him self. When I hear this song, it reminds me of him. The things he went through, and what he became. Goddammit. This song gets me. R.I.P.

[@Moch2094]

Deep sorry for your loss

[@7clickclack]

jessica denton Stay up.. R.I.P

[@scargardens6953]

you're not alone. It's a sadness that you can't prepare for or even imagine. I'm sorry for your loss. keep your head up. there's more people out there that care than you think.

[@AutobotOrton]

I care your bro had struggles he's not the only one I've lost people the pain never goes away the memories never fade cherish the moments you did have with him that's what he would've wanted.

[@s0ftboiled-w8l]

+jessica denton Stay strong my friend, remember him for the things he did, and the love he shared. Not for the drugs he took! More people love, and care for you than you think!

[@truth1504]

"Empty sleeping bag" Joining realty......... Wolf 1" Alcohol.... "Wolf 2" Pills..... "Knife" Ego..... "Wolf 3" Heroin...... "Then he left the woods because he can't handle reality...no conscience can.....Such a deep song

[@thebeardedhamster1195]

Amen?

[@SunflowersAndRadishes]

Actually the wolf is the person because of the other wolves influencing him to become one of them.

[@user-pf8ow6iy8o]

the wolf is addiction

[@jay6314]

The wolf is the addiction creeping up on his friend. He didn't notice that it was following him and then later he started to notice, he got scared and ran because it started to creep towards him closely. "I wondered if you even knew the wolf was behind you" meaning he wonders if he realized he had a problem. Then the second wolf came up, the addiction got stronger. When his friends foot prints disappeared, meaning his friend gave into the addiction and OD'd.

[@makdragn]

thanks for that, my friends thought he was literally talking about a wolf lol I was like no look at the comments

[@4thQuarterMentality]

Not exactly the toughest concept to understand.

[@christygeorge64]

Jay Sisson OD?

[@iseesaidtheblindman.7020]

Christy George OD = overdose.

[@BrianBushRacing]

This is 100% my take, and this song has to be about Eydea

[@JBcdu63]

Strange thing, it must have the 5th time I listen closely to this song and this is the first time these lyrics actually hit me other than being really beautifully said. This song is really magic .

[@themad_ranter]

Dude your lyrics paint a better picture than a movie. Thanks for all the work.

[@kellenbecker3427]

I have loved this song for years, and just now realized that there is an incredibly artistic music video to go along with it (always listened to audio) It’s even better when you pay close attention to it. The whole thing (video and lyrics) is a masterpiece

[@rillo806]

Ur not alone there, same here

[@EngineeredMojo]

Remember listening to this years ago, still listen to it on a regular...thinking of friends who I've lost

[@Turglayfopa]

pls stop upvoting people saying how they got to this video. thats boring, talk about the song!!!!!

[@CoachBaileyCooper]

Still to this day, this song makes me cry. You got a gift my friend. Keep on telling ya story.

[@7snickelodeon322]

Dude I tear up every time this song starts

[@snowliferwb]

October 2023 ...still bumping....still reminiscing 😪

[@One4I5]

Incredibly well-crafted. I love the fantasy vibe as his friend turns into a werewolf. Slug is a poet.

[@omgitsambr]

Rip eyedea

[@cicero7409]

Thank you for providing that connection.

[@invectrum]

those who know. Know.

[@andrewlee4237]

Cant believe it's been five years since i first heard this song,i remember showing it to my ex and she loved it,life was so simple and times were always good.

[@LolaIVXX]

love the way he depicted this type of situation. it's like a story of my life...just written more poetically than i could ever articulate.

[@JackHagar]

Thank you LonelyMailbox for sharing this dope song with your fans!

[@bennytvyt]

i CAME FROM HIM TOO! : D

[@wootinbasset479]

+Ruckie jacks sister is dead :( no bants i came from tne vid as well

[@oldxspicex2174]

Haha I'm here from him too

[@gianlucamazzi1626]

Same

[@devynsingh8261]

Same

[@SirBigPaPa]

For all of you that wonder what this song means. He is talking about how his best friend, his homie he hung out with all the time started acting weird, and the reason he says its so cold and wind is blowing strong is because it started getting uncomfortable for him with how different things were getting. Then when he says he sees the prints in the ground and he starts to follow but he doesnt know the path, but it clearly looks like his friend does. which means he friend is starting to fall back into an addiction of your choice, something that you can relate to. but slug started to do, what ever it was his friend was doing to still be his friend. and by time slug realized his friend was truly addicted and that slug doesn't want get addicted as well. slug focused so much on getting himself out he forgot the whole time he was doing this to get his friend out. and that it was to late for his friend and he had to learn to live with it, that his homie is gone, there is no more he can do. and that he tried everything he could to make sure he didn't get stuck in the path he took.

[@jordandenny6875]

This is a personal favorite Atmosphere song for me. Around the time I heard this one I had only really known their bigger singles. One night I was jamming out in my room with Pandora, then the lyrics started on this one and I had to sit down and listen. Throughout the whole song I was captivated by some of the best storytelling ever put to song.

[@woofspider330]

Same I was in the car driving at night and glued to the lyrics so hard, and the twist got me that it was a dog and not a woman, and I had to give a second listen for those clues. I never even thought about the drugs metaphor, but that basically stems from me being a young, white, middle class dude born/raised in Utah. I'm not much of a hip hop guy, but something about these piano riffs, beats, and Slug's voice are just so great.

[@yaze3316]

@@woofspider330 I hear it too. In Idaho

[@2eucee]

This song can be interpreted in so many ways. I've never heard a song that tells a story like this.

[@steros1068]

Lyrics: [Verse 1] It's no surprise I overslept Put my boots on and climbed out my tent I didn't see you, assumed you were sleeping Immediately start a fire cause it's freezing I can't believe we went camping in the cold I'm in the wilderness standing in some snow A late start, but we can still catch up You need to wake up, we should eat and then pack up [Verse 2] That's when I noticed your foot prints The snow's fresh and those have been put since What, you're already up making the rounds? So where you at now, you laid back down? The breeze came and it stalled out the flame While I went to your tent and called out your name You didn't answer, so I opened up the flap It's just an empty sleeping bag and your backpack [Verse 3] I'm looking at your tracks and You took a couple laps Around the campground and hoofed down the path I figure you'll return, no concern I'mma hold put and try to make this cold wood burn The wind is blowing strong, minutes rolling on It's going on at least a half an hour you've been gone [Verse 4] It ain't right, start the paranoia I left the camp site to go and search for ya I read the trail your feet made Each step was deliberately placed It looks like you know where it leads But I see nothing but leafless frozen trees About a quarter mile into the course Another set of tracks appeared next to yours From the north it came out of the thick woods And those footprints belong to a big wolf [Verse 5] Trying to find service on my cellphone I felt aight with my knife on my belt, though I hope the wolf is intimidated by you I wondered if you even knew what was behind you Stalking ya, maybe watching ya Waiting for the opportunity to hop on top of ya Salivating', wanna take ya to the stomach In the cartoons you would have turned into a drumstick [Verse 6] And it gets about as bad it goes Cause I notice there's a new set of tracks in the snow I understood, it doesn't look good Your fan club doubled, now you've got another wolf And the odds are in favor of the home team Why'd you walk off all alone, where you going? It ain't the right time to complain, but It feels like I'm trying to find your remains [Verse 7] Your foot prints grew further apart I knew what that meant and it was hurting my heart It means you started to run, so I did the same Now my breaths looking like a steam engine train Suddenly your tracks dip off of the path And so did theirs, so my knife I grabbed Into the forest, expect the worst Adrenaline burst disturbed the nerves [Verse 8] 50 yards into the woods and brush It got so thick that it looked like dusk The air stood serene, sober It seemed like a good 15 degrees colder And I'll admit: Hell yeah, I felt fear The sound of my heart beat was all I could hear Looking at the snow it was plain and clear There was a third set of wolf prints where yours disappeared [Verse 9] I can't process, I don't follow It would be easier to believe that you were swallowed With no sign of death, no sign of struggle No signs of blood, no signs of trouble And the wolves never stopped The tracks kept going and I took off So I don't know how your story ends But I know I'll never go into those woods again [Chorus] It's not that tragic, it's not a shame You're not the hunted, you're not the aim You just another dog with hunger pains I was so afraid that you'd become the game I forgot to worry about what you became You're not the hunted, you're not the aim You just another dog with hunger pains I was so afraid that you'd become the game I forgot to worry about what you became. Source: www.google.de/amp/s/genius.com/amp/Atmosphere-became-lyrics#ampf=undefined

[@tylerreese8846]

Powerful. Multiple ways it could be thought of.

[@Creixhitme]

Since the album was called "The Family Sign", I'd always interpreted this song as children growing up and walking beyond the narrow paths that parents try to pave for them. We are all individuals, and as we go through life and make our way through existence we make choices, and like it or not, we change as a result of them. We are going to be who we are no matter what anyone tries to say or do, and this is beyond many parents' conceptions of their children. A person becoming something completely different from what a parent - or a friend - expects is not, as Slug puts it, tragic or a shame, it just is. While perhaps we should always try and protect our loved ones from becoming "game", we also must remember that we must protect what they "become" because they are the people we love for who they are, not what we'd like them to be.

[@GeminiRapCrew]

No its about addiction taking over Eyedea. But at least you tried.

[@DrewPappas1985]

REDKALFFEDERALS yeah its about addiction but not eyedea, you get an A for effort too though

[@GeminiRapCrew]

This song is absolutely about Eyedea dude. Him and Slug, the rapper of Atmosphere were best friends, Often mistaken for brothers. Look it up bud. And hey at least you tried to prove me wrong, but i have researched into Eyedea longer than you've owned a computer. So have fun "Proving people wrong," with little to no knowledge about anything.

[@DrewPappas1985]

yes i understand they were mistaken for brothers. ive heard the song "flicker" too, but he tweeted out himself that it wasn't about eyedea. so i don't know what wikipedia site you and everybody else is reading that on, but your misinformed. furthermore, you dont know how long ive owned a computer and im not your bud

[@Creixhitme]

REDKALFFEDERALS I actually already knew that, it's why I put the "or a friend" there, I had it in mind while writing it. My point was that while Slug had a specific instance of my interpretation, the song still has value to us all. It's a post modern sentiment, but I don't think Slug, or any artist for that matter would deny the interpretations that we take from their music that have personal meaning to us. Slug in particular I actually think encourages it through his use of extended metaphor. Although he may write his songs for himself, I'm sure he is considerate of the fact that once these songs are released into the air they take on meanings beyond his own.

[@joelberg4548]

This is still the one that hits me. Watching what my brother became and I didn't know how to save him.

[@Kentainmb]

For those interested slug briefly explained this song with a tweet, which is saved on the rapgenius page for this song. I personally wish I never saw it because I wanted to keep making my own interpretations, but it IS pretty interesting as expected

[@Kentainmb]

still, the magic of slug is that it can still be mended to fit an infinite amount of situations and explanations

[@chrismoehrle2978]

Kentainmb exactly

[@gummift]

checked it out, i haven't been as mind blown, and i haven't related to a song as much as i do to this one, thanks for telling me about that explanation from him dude

[@josephmikep]

Kentainmb its really like spoken poetry over a sick beat. Kentainmb i feel ya man. i honestly scrolled down so i couldnt see the video. its like better to close your eyes and make your own videos. i do like this one fan made video for the waitress though.. at least i think its home made

[@popiedo]

To me it seemed more political and the change of Obama from the Candidate obama who represented the hope and change and the fight against corruption and lobbyist to the president who works hand and glove with them and hires them. Obama was consider the game who were being hunted by the predators(lobbyist, corruption, etc) but in reality he was always a wolf and the defenders of Obama were fools for thinking he was going to try to save him. Interesting what the song really meant though.

[@MaddyMarieN14]

gives me chills. love what you do and who you are slug

[@paulmonson4052]

Hands down the best rap song about camping of all time

[@jaydonmarriott4510]

After 15 years of listening to slug and Ant this is by far my favorite song!

[@hiphopbasketball3971]

How are there people out there that don't like that? I get opinions but I just don't get how someone couldn't enjoy this, great beat, great lyricism and flow, legendary storytelling, what more can someone want?

[@Hyperlink1337]

it is a good beat, but it gets boring as shit when it's drawn out into oblivion lyrics mean nothing if the instruments can't back it up

[@Bryce54]

Hyperlink1337 I totally zoned the beat out in this song. Slug held my attention the whole way through

[@Hyperlink1337]

Bryce Moore call me impatient, but i can't have the same thing going on in a song for the entire thing

[@Bryce54]

Hyperlink1337 Depends on the artist, but I get it

[@andrewotaku1679]

Coming back to this after years. I remember my digital media class worked behind the scenes on this. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

[@Dingleberries]

this song is so beautiful. i love atmosphere so fucking much

[@Namewastakendamn]

I never even thought of it like that... That gives the song a new perspective... Getting goosebumps again, listening to it...

[@reymarquez36]

Underrated. He is gifted with the gift of reaching your mind

[@mcscots4467]

This is my favorite song by Atmosphere. Slug and Ant at their best in my opinion. My brother tried to take his life, but lived, and this song has helped both of us move forward and heal. Slug your lyrics are so powerful. I've always loved your affinity for the weather in your songs.

[@carlosr1344]

I guess we all have someone we wish never took a path away from us.

[@greendaylove1111]

one of the most beautiful atmosphere songs ive ever heard....the lyrics and guitar riff makss it so captivating lovr this sonc!!!!

[@wilfredoreyesjr]

Maybe it's a song that takes upon a different meaning for different people. Something that's able to relate to anybody based upon how they take it to mean: drugs, a friend, society, laws, human nature, institutions, or anything. Thank you for allowing me to have something to relate anything to based upon my experiences, giving me the gift to put something in a perspective to understand it in a different sense, your sense. Anyhow thank you, if nothing else understand you've accomplished my dream.

[@gabymuffinmunch430]

One of the best visuals

[@XMSWRLDX]

This is my favorite song ever

[@jeffw9465]

Slug and Ant are true storytellers. Always amazing to listen to

[@teal12321]

5 years later n I still find myself here

[@mokuu3313]

Chris Teal what about 7 years now?

[@JK-wz7ul]

This is one of my favorite songs, everything fits perfect. It paints a vivid picture. love it

[@nINJABISH]

This is easily one of the best songs in the 21st century.

[@raimundoalaniz4111]

Hits home. thank you atmosphere.

[@ambermichelle9683]

lol im actually here bc im a fan of atmosphere and love their songs , not from mailbox 😂😂

[@iHopeyoure0ffended]

Amber Gee I agree. fuck who ever mailbox is, and fuck his fans

[@BranZilla]

Now that's just rude

[@tonylancia1435]

《Dabs》 you dont gotta be a duche mailbox is dope

[@haidenschaffer8013]

Same

[@PandiTheBear]

A fan of HIS?

[@schulty007]

this song can be interpretted in so many ways. its amazing

[@ddelz01]

RIP Eyedea. they did an amazing job doing this song live...i wish my phone recorded it better

[@xxadamnbossxx]

This Song has yet failed to give me goose bumps

[@anthonysmith1246]

HOLLY SHIT i been jamming "Yesterday" thinking that was all I needed. Boy was I wrong,

[@femaleswolf]

Oh my... shivers... goosebumps... sad feeling... fear... shock... deep.

[@MarylinMonroach]

(Not sure what instrument that is) that sound that starts up at 0:07 has got to be the saddest noise I've ever heard. Something about that sound makes me feel forlorn, I'm grieving and I don't even know what for :p this song is made to be listened to over and over and over.

[@consigliere2332]

It is an electric guitar played with a slide. I love it.

[@gfreshnit]

Atmosphere has some of the chillest beats in the industry! Ant is a master producer-so much depth and emotion in his sounds!

[@mason1261]

jack/mailbox was right. straight chills bro man im talking mufukin GOOSEBUMPS. this shit lit, thanks jack!

[@richarddowd8864]

Listen to immortal technique if u want goose bumps man

[@cheyshawwnn7603]

jj

[@24besobeso]

I love how he can do that. Just make a song have so much meaning to it.

[@tj178]

not sure what lonely mailbox is but anyone else here cause they loved this song back when it came out and didn't know there was a video for it ? hahaha

[@Kasador]

Haha, yeah. I not sure what the fuck lonely mailbox is... it sounds sad... xD but I'm just a fan and never knew there was a video. I can't handle all these dumbass comments saying, "any1 her bc of lonelymailbox?" It's like, no one gives a fuck xD

[@JohnnyFromVirginia]

Jesus Sanchez yes! This is my first time seeing the video! I love the artistic interpretation of it all. It the way I visualize this song when I just close my eyes is a thousand times better.

[@sarahniemann5469]

I'm so glad atmosphere is here to listen to they have saved my soul so many times. You guys are life savers! Thank you for you art!

[@chrisjjones1976]

one of the best story based raps of all time

[@neon_tom]

One of my all time favorite songs.

[@chrismcsweeney7158]

This shit gives me chills every time i hear it

[@DavidTheDude99]

no lie this song made lumps in my throat.. amazing. Beautiful imagery.

[@MagicCrabbie]

I'm here cause atmosphere tracks are amazing. No idea who lamemailbox is

[@kobebrewster2549]

Abbie Davy same I'm here because I'm a fan of atmosphere have no idea who mailbox is

[@Schlomomo]

@@kobebrewster2549 an what is mailbox?

[@TheFreektube]

Chills up & down my spine every time I play this. Hrrr!

[@chrismoehrle2978]

crazy metaphorical shit. slug is a genius.

[@shaolinsmith]

I listened to this song over 20 times straight when I first watched it. Amazing storytelling and story.

[@absoluteform3]

I wanna have a conversation or two with slug

[@autumnleaves6287]

I saw him in Boston years ago, I was the only one that recognized him outside the show smoking a cig, I went up to him, slapped his hand said, what up slug, and then 100's of kids followed as they learned he was the one they came to see, I didn't have much of a conversation, but it was enough for me

[@michaelwarren6181]

sweet!!!

[@jillianjones257]

i always forgot how much i love these guys

[@boredhousewifelife]

I definitely see how people think this song is about Eyedea, but I don't think it's meant to be him specifically. Just death in general. When he talks about the tracks in the snow it reminds me of that Christian poem "Footprints in the sand" and I feel like this is Slug using duality as he does often in his lyrics. The woods and wolves could represent anyone's struggle in life. Whether is addiction, cancer, or a car accident. No matter how it happens it's just as hard to comprehend on our end , the people still left behind here on earth. I feel like the part about a third set of wolf prints and how they never stop speaks to life not ending in death. Our spirit goes on. It's not that tragic. It's not a shame. He's so busy worrying about death that he forgot to remember that the story doesn't end there. Death isn't the end of any of our stories. I also feel like wolves represent loners a.k.a lone wolves. The trinity of wolves at the end could be Slug again using duality and showing his take on "The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Just me trying to analyze though. Won't pretend to know for sure. I feel like because Flicker on Southsiders specifically references Eyedea, and Slug has made it clear it's a tribute to him, though Eyedea may have influenced some of it, I feel it represents death as in the act of dying and going on, not a tribute to any specific person(s).

[@paulj3873]

Carrie Carden Hey, I am 48 and just heard this song but it is about betrayal by a person. The third wolf is just confirmation that the person is now a part of something other then the author. " Cant process cant follow" is just the disbelief that some one so close to him is not what he thought they were. Listen again my friend and hear it

[@scargardens6953]

+Paul j he relays a lot of the same feelings in flicker and in my opinion it isn't coincidence, but for the most part, I couldn't have said it better myself.

[@InternetHandle123]

+SCARGARDENS It's almost for sure about Eyedea. I think it's about the fact it wasn't accidental suicide, and the further he looks at it he realizes it wasn't accidental suicide, he wasn't forced by anything. He knew where he was going, so he was the wolf.The original wolf that he was scared of was drugs in general, and when he got into them he started running, resisting, but eventually it became his norm. Being swallowed by a wolf is a metaphor for accidental suicide, but in my opinion he knew he'd die. 'Suboxone under my tongue,' 'One inch different i'm free,' 'I'm not dead until i've died.' For sure he knew he was going to die. Lots of proof.

[@jessicahalbirt1350]

+Chuck Norris He (Slug) has said in multiple interviews that this song is NOT about Eyedea and that it is from an old story he read and just put it into a rhyme

[@911Ranger1]

+Pseudo Nymn You think Puppets is about Eyedea too?

[@patrickpaslay5620]

from San Antonio we grow apart, yet stay close. thanks for everything. You to Ant ha

[@CyferPerez777]

My Theory- Eyedea, left the camp sight. Big Wolf 1: Drug follwing him Big Wolf 2: Harder Drug following him Big Wolf 3: Drug took control therefore Eyedea "Became" the drug?

[@KubaNowakYossarian]

+Cyfer Perez that's just one way of looking at it

[@PCKA1987]

Man. This song reminds me of my life in addiction. When it came up on my Facebook memories and made the hair on my neck stand up. Saw atmosphere in Anchorage Alaska still in the thick of my addiction.

[@flankenstein-iy5fi]

i can relate to that ...dont give up..i got to meet slug about 12 years ago..one of the nicest guys ever.

[@julienv4928]

I feel like this video doesn't depict the song very well.. I strongly suggest listening to the music without watching the video (not that it is bad, more that I feel you should leave it to your own imagination). Other than that this song is very powerful

[@madmanswhispers]

I feel like it's a fantastic interpretation of the song.

[@ariehill5631]

I think I gotta agree with you,I actually only got about a third of the way through the video because I like the way I see the story in my head too much, a literal representation of camping in the winter woods and chasing a wolf's tracks spliced with what I would imagine to be Michael's mother opening the door to his dimly lit room but slowed wayy the hell down. I've never had a fully constructed visualization of it; mainly just simple yet meaningful imagery but I'd like to keep my imagination towards it virgin

[@ColoradoStreaming]

Slug is so good at painting pictures in your head the video becomes meaningless. Its like Always Coming Back home to you, the story is so real you can see every detail in your mind.

[@dysfunction3375]

i really love this song. you can close your eyes and easily be there

[@Liquidmetal702]

do your research on the song. it's about addiction taking Eyedea. The woods are the drugs which Atmos tried with him and hence says in the song "those woods I'll never go back to them.", the wolves are the people who prey on addicts. all songs are open for YOUR interpretations but since he wrote the fucking thing his interpretation on THIS SONG is one thing.

[@MrDutch050]

Where did you read/hear this? Because I heard that it wasnt even about eyedea. (I wouldnt be suprised if it was about eyedea, because it seems like it tho)

[@Liquidmetal702]

Mr. S.K. It goes both ways. Where did you hear it wasn't about Eyedea? I can't find the link where I read about the song but there is this. www.quora.com/What-is-Atmospheres-song-Became-a-metaphor-for-if-it-is-one

[@fl0wDNB]

Liquidmetal702 He once wrote a twitter post about his meaning of the song. You can find it on rapgenius! rap.genius.com/Atmosphere-became-lyrics

[@Liquidmetal702]

fl0wDNB that's the exact post I read. Good stuff right there.

[@eatmmyshorts]

It is not. Song was written the Summer before his death and while the album was produced and recorded during the fall which marked death of Eyedea making it really unlikely that the song is about him.

[@degeneratedamian3572]

Used this song in my Language Arts class today to describe why this song should be remembered. Turned out very well .

[@williamreiter2774]

I think its about how Slug just watched Eyedea's drug addiction go on and saw it get worse. Slug couldn't stop Eyedea's addiction until it was too late

[@MiguelJimenezSk8Dawg]

it aint about eyedea though

[@williamreiter2774]

***** What makes you think that?

[@patrickdabs4992]

William Reiter why do you think its about eyedea?

[@MiguelJimenezSk8Dawg]

He tweeted about it a while ago that it was not about him.Plus in his new album he wrote a song about eyedea called flicker check it out if you have a chance

[@m225809c]

***** THats what I thought it was about to. RIP Eyedea. Fucking badass

[@Syzygycollapse]

Slug you always get me through tough times man love your tunes dog 👊

[@gustavogomez5710]

Sounds like the loss of a close friend. Not to drugs and such, but just to another group/ friendship. Wolf 1 and Wolf 2 could be the predators of the close friendship. The farther away the the friend got from the narrator with the wolves, the farther and faster they drifted away. And at the end, the close friend is so far off, he is just another wolf that the narrator isnt friends with anymore. love the story either way. lots of possible theories and symbolism

[@Marshcar]

Gustavo Bernal first time I've heard this theory, its a good one

[@UMayProductions]

I like how there's a lot of work put into the video.

[@ericaparent3858]

I appreciate the various interpretations of the possible meanings behind this, but I honestly just love this as a song about lycanthropy.

[@guard13007]

This.

[@tripleJmovies]

Yeah I'm going with werewolves on this one.

[@anonymousanonymous8306]

I was thinking Wendigo. North Woods.

[@JP-jv1gs]

U have no Eyedea wtf ur talkn bout

[@minifridge8315]

J Avery oh my that was a bad use of the name "Eyedea"

[@samarasonik]

never fails to send me on an emotional journey. that storytelling 🧨 everything about this tune means *so much*

[@TaoofChall]

Damn. This is art.

[@julianbustamantecadavid2273]

No te preocupas que. El problema

[@50gig]

" i leave things open for interpretation intentionally. in my opinion, that's part of the fun of music, especially as a listener. i like to break down your song for what i want your song to be about when i listen to it. so naturally that procedure has an influence on how i decide to write my songs. " - Slug What ever he is talking about, it's perfect

[@kriskryptonium1368]

This song is about is best friend Micheal "Eyedea" Larson who overdosed in october 2010. R.EYE.P

[@JPhippsification]

I have a wild husky, this song makes me think its about his dog or at least was vividly in my mind that way. Amazing song writing on this one probably my favorite song from him.

[@N8V-HAWK]

REST IN PEACE.. EYEDEA

[@kylebroussard5952]

Wow. This song is just pure beauty. To me, this song is not about wolves or camping. It is about the loss of a friend through a long road of suffering drug abuse. The footprints look as if they know where they are going, and deliberately walk in that direction. They do not show signs of struggle when the wolves come along. Finally, towards the end, the footsteps grow farther apart, the person began to run. They began to speed up their usage, and fall further into the woods, where it becomes as dark as dusk, and it can be hard to find the way back. In the end, his friends footprints turn into those of the wolf. His friend has finally reached the point of no return, and he knows it. He says, "this isn't the right time to complain, but it feels like I am trying to find your remains." Here he feels that his friend is dead, or perhaps that the friend who he used to know is now dead and gone. He doesn't want to complain, or be angry at the situation, but he can't help but feel the natural impulsion to want to. He won't give up just yet, but begins to feel as if his search is a lost cause. Finally, he had to leave his friend, he could not pursue anymore, it was too hazardous to his own health. He then reflects on his thoughts towards the situation: "I can't process, I don't follow. It would be easier to believe that you were swallowed. With no sign of death, no sign of struggle. No signs of blood, no signs of trouble, And the wolves never stopped. The tracks kept going and I took off. So I don't know how your story ends, but I know I'll never go into those woods again." He analyzes that he has no clue where his friend went, where he will end up, or what his fate will be. He hopes for the best, but can not be sure of anything, especially with the lack of outreach his friend displayed regarding his developing usage problem. The one thing he can be certain of is that after seeing what happened to his friend, he will never go into those woods again. He will not allow himself to become what his friend became, he cannot. That path is one of death and destruction, he has taken the alternate route at the fork in the road. He finishes up this reflection with an anecdote, somewhat of a conclusion in his own thoughts: "It's not tragic, it's not a shame. You're not the hunted, you're not the aim. You're just another dog with hunger pains. I was so worried that you'd become the game, that I forgot to worry about what you became." He has decided that he does not feel bad for his friend, who consciously chose the path he went down. He does not give into the idea of the victim identity his friend or others in a similar position may have created for themselves. He concludes we all have growing pain, and we are all dogs, with the potential to become wolves. It would be easier for him to believe that his friend was swallowed. Perhaps that he died, or that he moved away. Sometimes that's how it feels, to look back on who you once knew and who is before you now. You begin to wonder if death is sweeter than their current state of existence. Also note that here, the word game has a double meaning, but is more likely the definition of something being hunted. He was so worried that his friend was being hunted by the wolves (his friend was the game in the situation) he was blind to the fact that his friend was really a wolf in disguise. This could also be a reference to his friend associating as a victim of addiction along the way, while simultaneously being a dealer of the same drug. This often happens with people who get into cocaine, pills, heroin, etc.. because the habit is so expensive, the best way to support it is to have it all the time, and be able to sell it to others suffering from the same addiction. It seems here that he believes not only has his friend's health taken a dive for the worse, but his actual soul, energy, and mental state has as well. Transforming him from an innocent, lost animal being chased by wolves, into the very wolf who preys on the innocent, and lost. Meanwhile, Atmosphere tried to see the best in his friend, as we often do, and because of this remained blind to the fact until it was too late. He takes on a bit of the blame himself by ending with "I was so worried that you'd become the game, that I forgot to worry about what you became." Regardless of the fact that his friend chose his own road, there will always be a small part of him that feels to blame for not acting, for not reading the signs correctly, for waking up too late, which is where the song begins. Perhaps if he woke up sooner, he could have saved his friend. And though he seems to have a solid grasp on the fact that his friend chose his own fate, and he had to leave him in the dark in order to save himself, he can't help but feel a hurt within that perhaps some of the responsibility for his friend's situation lies on him. I have experienced this quite a bit in recent years. You know someone, and love them, but they are travelling a road you cannot follow. You want to save them, but they can only save themselves, and sometimes all you can do is leave them to their own devices and hope they make it out of the woods. You can only follow them so far into the darkness before you must return home. It's sad to see friends go, and it's hard to know how to deal with the pain that comes from watching them destroy themselves. It makes you thankful to be on the right path, but at the same time, it leaves you to wonder if there is something more you could have done. It leaves you to wonder if you are selfish for wanting them to be who you know they could be, when clearly the road they chose reflects a much different set of personal ambitions. You can try to mop it up in your mind, and tell yourself they made their own choices, and so did you, but that never really helps much. No matter how many times you run through it, it makes no sense, and would often times be easier to believe that they were swallowed.

[@BaileysPeople]

Who else isn't here from Lonely Mailbox and was hoping to talk about the song but it seems people only care about fucking lonely mailbox?

[@Marshcar]

BaileysPeople +1

[@LocalGunsmith]

who is this mailbox

[@imtalkingtoyou1841]

I have no idea about this lonely mailbox. It also seems like it is clearly about one of his kids, but who knows.

[@djin4095]

BaileysPeople Me.

[@joshuarocha5262]

I bought this album the day it came out. Thank you brother...