NO ONE'S HOME | Beholder 3 Rap Feat. McGwire!

Everything is fine. The State knows best, the Ministry sees all. Life is good. Sure, luxuries are few. Sure, laws are strict. Sure, people disappear. But you keep your head down, stay in line. Everything is fine.
But everything is not fine for Frank Schwarz. Framed for a crime he didn't commit, dragged from his job at the Ministry and placed as 'Property Manager' for a State run housing block. How far will you make Frank go? When the Ministry come to call, seeking 'information' on your residents? Who will you protect? Frank's family? Or the families of tenants under Frank's care? Where does your allegiance lie...?
Well of course I did the evil option. You all know me by now.
Fresh off the back of the mammoth project that was 'The Toybox', here's a slightly simpler project! There was a point in time I was working on both this AND the Toybox at the same, uncertain which would release first. Well Poppy Playtime Chapter 2 got released earlier than I anticipated so this went back on the shelf for a little while!
A huge thanks to the incredible McGwire for their hook vocals. I tried doing this chorus myself and I just could not get it sounding good. I ask McGwire? And within half an hour he's sent me these incredible vocals that blew any of my attempts out of the water. If you aren't familiar with his music, go check him out! You will not be disappointed!
Another big thanks to Lizzy who made her directorial debut on this project! I am notoriously bad at relinquishing creative control on my videos, but Liz did fantastic work organising and planning this shoot.
And for course, thanks to all of my fantastic Patrons for making this video possible!
#Beholder3 #Beholder
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Lyrics and vocals by The Stupendium
Hook vocals by @McGwireMusic
Video by The Stupendium & Lizzy CJ
Video directed by Lizzy CJ
Beat produced by @DansonnBeats
Mixing by @OxygenBeats
The Beholder series, its world and characters are the property of Warm Lamp Games, Paintbucket Games and Alawar Entertainment.
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Drop me a tweet? @TheStupendium
The Stupendium is a musician, animator and content creator, creating weird, wonderful and usually incredibly nerdy songs and animations. Join them on their journey to obscure, niche internet stardom! They have some pretty decent videos, wonderful facial hair and a great sense of discomfort describing themselves in the third person.

[@TheStupendium]

LYRICS: VERSE 1: It’s my pleasure to welcome you To your new home in apartment two With one bedroom and a splendid view Just don’t forget when the rent is due We expect all residents to Abide by tenancy rules Keep quiet, keep clean, keep telling the truth Present evidence of any elements who Have better to do than to comply With our societal requirements Those who stay in line Might just survive until retirement Pay no mind as I enquire just Why the other night you went To the laundry room to hide An item in the dryer, friend? This block is state-provided And you’d be wise to be grateful Side with every regulation and you’ll find food on the table It’s not a state, provided You find decadence is wasteful It’s been perfect since the state decided What décor is tasteful As property manager my job is sorting the utilities Disposal of the garbage and the laundering facilities Why would I compile a full report on your activities? I’m just a standard landlord… Glory to the Ministry CHORUS: Lock the doors and close the curtains, hold your breath lest you should speak your sins But you can’t keep a secret from the building that you keep it in Befriend your fellow tenants, show a smile and keep it pleasant But know everyone’s a friend until you need to turn some people in It’s the breathing on the phone hiding just beneath the tone It’s the things that shift when no one’s home Well, you may be on your own but you’ll never be alone Yes, we all live here, but it’s no one’s home VERSE 2: To get through the day, It behoves you to play by the rules and behave Do the state preapprove all the tunes that you play? When alone in a room, well to whom do you pray? Assume that your neighbours are moving away When the black van comes in the night And you’re numb to the sight Of another one fumbling for somewhere to hide As their wife just runs for their life ‘Fore the ones with the guns can arrive And they’re gone ‘fore the sun can arise To a government provided bunker for some realignment It’s just fine, you can trust it’s a wonderful time Just go about your business normally No one’s following, I’m not recording Your paranoia is awfully boring According to all of your friends that talk to me Most importantly please speak clear when you’re broadcasting Your honest thoughts on the law or economy My provided mics are tiny And I can’t transcribe properly Should you ever behold Me with my peepers pressed to a keyhole You can trust I’m just checking the tumblers for rust I’m a custodian not a Ministry mole Settle in for a night on the couch No questioning what that red light is about Now bleeping on your ceiling since the time you went out It’s just a little gaslighting, put aside any doubts You’re fine in your house so confide to your spouse any crimes carried out Any tiny amount of new ideas found just a mite out of bounds ‘Cause I’m writing them down in a timestamped account What’s it matter, every night or two? If I sneak in, have a rifle through But depending what I find well you’ll Be faced with another kind of rifle too Privacy is the cry of the Defiant to compliancy But grease my palm and I might not see Those books they banned from the libraries What do you mean that that’s not yours? It appeared one night in your cabinet drawers? I have to report it, I regret But of course, I could forget Societal ideals are reliably pliable So the rise of a tyrant becomes entirely viable You’ll find that the spying is really quite justifiable Why are you crying when it’s your blind eye that’s liable? Handy landlord here to fix your ventilation whistling Too many questions and it’s not the air that needs conditioning That telephone’s not tampered with Of course it isn’t listening But were it, it prefers the words: ‘Glory to the Ministry’ CHORUS: Lock the doors and close the curtains, hold your breath lest you should speak your sins But you can’t keep a secret from the building that you keep it in Befriend your fellow tenants, show a smile and keep it pleasant But know everyone’s a friend until you need to turn some people in It’s the breathing on the phone hiding just beneath the tone It’s the things that shift when no one’s home Well, you may be on your own but you’ll never be alone Yes, we all live here, but it’s no one’s home

[@dr-amethyst-77]

A new song!! Always amazing to hear from you!

[@seventyfour8256]

You re just the best.

[@JustSomeArtistjpeg]

i thought the black van line in verse 2 said black man. made me second guess my life choices

[@tyldafox1902]

It felt like welcome to the game2 rap at the start. BUT GOD DAME the lyrics are good.

[@sighmylifesigh3834]

I didn't even watch it yet and I already know it's going to be great

[@Cfactr98]

I've realized there may be a third meaning that people aren't picking up on. Many comments have been made praising the flip of the phrase "No One's Home", but no one notes the other truth to it. It's not Frank's either, despite being the landlord. He's forced to walk the same razors edge as his tenants. He's not safe here, either. It's not his home, either.

[@The_downside]

Bro that's genius

[@NicknameDS]

Bros favorite word is either

[@judithpowell1888]

BUT THATS'S JUST A THEORY

[@Dude-xb3xh]

@@judithpowell1888a stupendium theory

[@Shadow6OO]

I mean, you can see that being outright shown in the video at 4:08. Maybe people didn't specifically comment about it because...it's obvious?

[@Liex59]

"Your paranoia's awfully boring, at least according to all of your friends that talk to me" is an underrated line. That would trigger a tin foil hat wearer to line their whole house lmao

[@emmanuelukwandu]

What does that lyric mean?

[@Liex59]

@@emmanuelukwandu it implies the people you've been venting to about how paranoid you are over the idea of being spied on, are telling the very people you think you're being spied on by about your paranoia. Which is a terrifying concept to somebody who's already paranoid they're being spied on.

[@thepanzerofthelake732]

To both Emmanuel Ukwandu and Liex: It's basically saying "You were right I have been spying on you but honestly putting cameras in your apartment is so cliche all I did was ask your best of friends who you thought would never betray you"

[@Liex59]

@@thepanzerofthelake732 that's another interesting reading of the line. It fits too tbh

[@doboom7948]

I mean yeah, paranoia is all about not knowing who or what to trust, so finding out that your friends are talking bad about you behind your back is not a good thing to be told lol

[@IceTooth_101]

"Privacy is the cry of the defiant to compliancy" I absolutely love this line, it really gives that totalitarian vibe of using "If you've nothing to hide, you've nothing to fear" as a justification for breaching any and all boundaries for the sake of "preserving order". Wonderful job as always, Stupes, Glory to the Ministry.

[@Adowrath]

I absolutely love how they deliver the line as well. The pronounciation is so succinct, so pointed, to the beat, I don't think there's another line I've rewinded to as much before.

[@haybalehavoc3709]

Dude I love your pfp

[@IceTooth_101]

@@haybalehavoc3709 Ah, I see you're a man of culture.

[@dromankass8655]

'Those people with nothing to Hide have nothing to Fear.' - Joseph Goebbels, Nazi Minister for Propaganda . 'Actually people had quite a lot to fear, usually from the kind of people who say things like that' - Terry Pratchett, British author.

[@savvythedivineyethuggable7493]

@@dromankass8655 And also had reason to fear... *that* guy.

[@gamertames349]

Something about this one just drips atmosphere. It's dark, slimy and underhanded. The landlord is just as at risk from the ministry as the rest of them, yet revels in his duty to decide which "traitors" live and die. He feels like he's finally in a position is power and loves it. Not to mention how effective McGwire is, creating a picture of the humanity being terrorized under the ministry. But regardless, this song was an absolute banger!

[@Alexander_the_Greatest]

I love that part of it, the reminders that as powerful as the landlord seems, he is just a low-level bureaucrat, easily replaceable.

[@thedbdentity2102]

Although if he gets hands on anything that’s contraband he could just planted because he has controls of the cameras so who are they going to state call out if they say some thing they’ll get under investigation

[@girlpower1925]

@@Alexander_the_Greatest yep.... 🙂

[@girlpower1925]

@@thedbdentity2102 maybe.... 😶

[@awesomeon1800]

Well it is from the Video game Beholder series, I've played both first games, they were amazing to my opinion

[@waiora158]

I don’t know if there’s a “Sinister, well-dressed, businessman” genre but if there is you’ve mastered it

[@justinsmith5870]

"Corperate distopia" is what I've been calling it but "sinister businessman" has a nice ring too. He does it wonderfully whatever it is.

[@kittenchopper4646]

True

[@TheStupendium]

I've been calling it Bureaucro-Hop. ;)

[@blakksheep736]

@@TheStupendium 😄

[@ninolloydbandiola5581]

He sure mastered the one living in a dumpster

[@confusedcabal342]

I’ve been advised by the local authorities to say that this song is an absolute bop and should be shared indiscriminately.

[@ninjamask2174]

I've been strongly advised to add "Glory to the ministry"

[@logic9680]

Agreed comrade

[@YouShouldYourselfNow]

8888888888 d8nt li88en t8 th88! D8nt listen to then ministry!!! P88ase n88er s8y glory to the ministry!!!!!

[@thedbdentity2102]

Please be aware ignore the black trucks driving to any houses that have song haters

[@antagonisticalex401]

The Authorities aren't lying.

[@herrbrain6700]

"Thanks for watching. We'll be returning the favor." Glory to the Ministry.

[@xyddum2918]

"Assume that your neighbors ore moving away when the black van comes in the night, and you're numb to the sight of another one fumbling for somewhere to hide as their wife just, runs for their life 'fore the ones with the guns can arrive and their gone 'fore the sun can arise to a government provided bunker for some realignment." This verse is blatantly magnificent. It has so much world building and tone setting, all in these few words and how their used. Like how he says "And you're numb to the sight." That line implies that this is a regular occurrence, and the line "Assume your neighbors are moving away" implies that you just ignore it because there is no other choice. 999/10

[@idontknoq4813]

9999/10*

[@spacexdemo8254]

"But you can’t keep a secret from the building that you keep it in" is just such a cool line

[@elfroodle]

finally someone noticed how badass that line is

[@amitdeopa]

Agreed

[@girlpower1925]

@@elfroodle yep.... 🙂

[@MaskedMon]

Yes

[@300IQPrower]

"Societal ideals are reliably pliable , so the rise of a tyrant becomes entirely viable" "Hold your breath lest you should speak your sins , but you can’t keep a secret from the building that you keep it in" I swear sometimes these songs will take my breath away with just one line. I'm also going to take this as a cue that those 2 Beholder games that I had presumed were just random indies I picked up on sale deserve to be pushed up quite a bit in my backlog's priority.

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much! I was particularly proud of those 2 lines. :P I hope you enjoy the games!

[@vincentburlingame8646]

Yes, I will say you might want a guide for the harder endings(going against the ministry) because it's extremely hard in the first game to figure out how to help certain people

[@MrMoron-qn5rx]

@@vincentburlingame8646 why would you go against the ministry? they provide you the house you keep venting in. though if it were listening to you vent it'd think you should say "glory to the ministry" a bit more often.

[@vincentburlingame8646]

@@MrMoron-qn5rx ah yes comrade

[@wanderbread8821]

@@TheStupendium Multiple times I've drawn inspiration from specific lines from songs like this, in particular yours, for a DnD campaign I run, and I can tell you "You can't keep a secret from the building you keep it in." Isn't just going to make it in, it's gonna be the entire plot of an upcoming arc section.

[@theministry4007]

The Ministry would like to remind everyone that the viewing of this video is mandatory. Any attempts to violate this mandate will result in arrest, prosecution, and re-education. The Ministry would also like to commend the Stupendium for his amazing talent in pushing the interests of the Ministry. Glory To The Ministry.

[@mubassirzaman7202]

GLORY TO ARSTOTSZKA

[@goodguy3164]

Glory, glory to old Ireland

[@thegamecinema444]

I have done what’s required of me. Glory to the Ministry.

[@The_Galaxy_Knight]

What does The Ministry do?

[@JrLeatherface8867]

Glory to the ministry

[@arthurpugh4799]

Stupendium's acting here is so good. The flip from the shady landlord character we are terrified of to someone who himself is being watched by the ministry puts the entire song into another context. Especially as the 'They're here' lines set this twist up so nicely.

[@user-mg4cn6wm1u]

I love how this flip shows that the landlords corruption is tacitly tolerated. They know he has banned books, uses them to frame tenants, and that he accepts bribes to not report things, and yet the men don't come in the night for him.

[@Lazarultos]

@@user-mg4cn6wm1u Goes to show that the Ministry tolerates a bit of corruption from their agents as long as the cost is not greater than the benefits they reap from having someone in this position. Makes the dystopian nightmare even worse than it already is.

[@nemraps]

The collab we deserved. Well done

[@TheStupendium]

Thanks, man! Glad you liked it!

[@mcmogg_incmogg2080]

Nem! First time I heard of you was one the hitman 3 song. You do amazing work too.

[@KainYusanagi]

I'm sure you'd have done a glorious job too, Nem. Maybe next collab can be yours if you ask? :D Would love to hear how you two work together!

[@nievesassassin]

@@KainYusanagi I second that

[@TheStupendium]

We've already worked together! Check my Hitman 3 song 'The Apex'! Nem has the guest verse! :)

[@McGwireMusic]

This came out so wonderfully! I’m glad we got to work together again!

[@TheStupendium]

Here's to many more! Thank you for taking part in this one! :D

[@ClownyBoii]

I love this song so much! Why is it so amazing?

[@mstarOnYT]

Everyone involved in the production of this song and video did an outstanding job. Nothing more I can say

[@margaretwilson8736]

Your voices complement one another very well. Excellent collaboration!

[@kell_checks_in]

Well done, gents!

[@n1thecaptain965]

"Thank you for watching. We'll be returning the favour" I like how you stay in character even after the song's already over

[@exceptionalanimations1508]

200th like B)

[@n1thecaptain965]

@@exceptionalanimations1508 Ok

[@adilrahman6881]

"It's just a little gaslighting, put aside any doubts." Ok, man is pulling out all the stops. I like the dystopian, 1984 vibes that is being present here. 100% amazing! And as always...glory to the ministry.

[@thedbdentity2102]

Meanwhile your neighbor is “moving out”

[@brendenhawley2225]

Why are you so panicked over the Co2 detector and fire alarm, do you not want to be safe.

[@LetruneInedil]

@@brendenhawley2225 It only records your vitals, don't worry. The Ministry keeps good care of it's citizens.

[@girlpower1925]

@@thedbdentity2102 yep.... 🙂

[@Anonymous-hx3pu]

Me: I WANT FREEDOM!!! Officers arrive. Me: Did I say I want freedom, I meant to say glory to the ministry.

[@danbull]

What a sight to ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... see!

[@TheStupendium]

I behold what you did there!

[@OxygenBeats]

That's ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... true!

[@l3g0b0y6]

You monster! You ruined it!

[@milk-nz6uv]

i dont get it

[@justagamer6792]

@@milk-nz6uv behold is interchangable with the word seeing he is making a pun

[@kaardbord8199]

This song is so clean! It gives off vibes of the hitman songs, whilst doing its own thing. Truly a beautiful song, and the flip on "no one's home" is just some top tier writing.

[@EGRJ]

"It gives off vibes of the hitman songs," It's the tie.

[@theyofmanynames]

I'll be thinking about that flip for a real long time!

[@MUI_Noam12]

@@EGRJ also the red

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

Also the chorus. Reminds me of The Second in particular.

[@rexroyulada6267]

Evil corporate is now a genre that is dominated solely by The Stupendium

[@raymondwiggins354]

And now evil government too since this song is based on a government and not really just a company.

[@MyPiez]

@@raymondwiggins354 What is a government if not a highly successful business?

[@girlpower1925]

@@raymondwiggins354 maybe.... 😶

[@girlpower1925]

@@MyPiez eh, big brain time.... 🙂

[@oliverg1797]

@@MyPiez Damn..

[@tammywhitson4164]

The Ministry has added No One's Home to the approved tracks. Citizens are encouraged to listen to this and all other approved tracks from The Stupendium. Glory to the Ministry.

[@dheusta]

BRO!!! THIS FREAKIN SLAPS!!! That 2nd verse just hits different. So awesome

[@triggerhappy4199]

Fr

[@mchsprod]

Ad Infinitum 2

[@EHKOS]

Took me awhile to remember what it reminded me of but if you want to hear a similar flow check out JL B Hood's verse on the Strangeulation 2 cypher

[@Sticky-Starz]

I love u

[@triggerhappy4199]

@@Sticky-Starz they also have good music

[@blackspy025]

Not just air that needs conditioning, the flip with "no one's home," using literal gas lighting as cover for gaslighting- Yet again, Stupendium, you've managed to get me so, so, so into a song about a game I've literally never heard of before with super catchy music and some of the best wordplay on KZbin.

[@OndrejS_CZ]

Another amazing banger! I'm glad that I can finally support you financially after a few years of watching you :} Keep up your outstanding content! 🙌🏻

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you so much for the support, friend! :D

[@Eyebagdude]

@@TheStupendium :D

[@y.t.d.7912]

@@TheStupendium Are you a James Lee fan?

[@Kokot_Pes]

to jsi ty z instagaramu :D

[@OndrejS_CZ]

@@Kokot_Pes Nevím koho myslíš, ale jestli máš na mysli toho cápka, který na svůj profil sdílí převážně své arty, tak máš pravdu :}

[@green_creeper288]

I feel like not many people are talking about how the landlord knows that everyone knows about him. While he keeps insisting that he's not a spy or mole there's always a mocking air to it. And certain lines give it away such as how he basically admits to listening in on their conversations It's so subtle but you can tell he's just toying with his tenants and pretending to be oblivious just to flaunt his authority over them. Well done Stupendium.

[@FreshyKanal]

you still keep blowing my mind

[@TheStupendium]

Thanks, man!

[@raphaelbarroso2949]

@@TheStupendium yo,i think this also Fits for beholder 1, don't you think?

[@TheOGThalia]

you guys should Collab, Stanly parable narrator vs Battleblock Theater narrator (or perhaps Stanly himself?)

[@WWpl4y3r]

@@raphaelbarroso2949 My thoughts, exactly! I was thinking I was knee deep into spoilers here but Beholder 1 also fits into the whole song. I even recommended it to a friend.

[@jclindsay007]

@@TheOGThalia they have a couple times. Stupes voiced Count Olaf, and Ebeneezer Scrooge in Kanal's rap battles.

[@five_times_avy]

The line "I'm just a standard landlord - *Glory to the ministry* " with its menacing and slightly threatening undertone still me chills every time.

[@pratumvulpes6217]

The Ministry would like to remind all citizens of the State that "No One's Home" has officially been added to the list of State-Approved Musical Compositions. Citizens are encouraged to listen to this and other approved musical compositions during periods of leisure activities as a means of showing their support and loyalty to the State. Glory to the Ministry.

[@thedbdentity2102]

Another message from the ministry. It has been attention that summer citizens have been destroying at tapes of no one‘s home so you’ll be visited by regular inspections to make sure that your ministry provided copy of this song is intact. If not you’ll get a free “vacation” Glory to the Ministry.

[@eggriceggrnesto23]

With all this "Glory To The Ministry" now I want to know what happens in the game Xd

[@hansmercredi3636]

@@eggriceggrnesto23 Totalitarian government that is lead by The Great Leader and the tool to enact his will is the Ministry Long live The Great Leader, Glory to the Ministry!

[@blakksheep736]

@@eggriceggrnesto23 Synopsis of the game: You're living under a totalitarian regime and was recently forced into becoming the landlord for a block of flats after the last one was dragged to jail for failing and inspection. You must find a compromise between being a good person and earning enough to take care of your family and not being dragged off to jail yourself while also experiencing the lives of your tenants and the outer world. Basically it's Papers Please if you were made a landlord instead of a border control officer.

[@eggriceggrnesto23]

@@hansmercredi3636 I imagined it, thanks

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

"yes we all live here but it's no one's home" a very good line, glory to the ministry.

[@Akajaro]

"For possession of an incredible singing voice, held without licence" I feel like that's a top tier shoutout personally.

[@thomasfoster4370]

my god, this is a british dystopia.

[@Sleepy-yp4wx]

@@thomasfoster4370 You got a licence for this comment?

[@thomasfoster4370]

@@Sleepy-yp4wx um.........uhhhhh......... *shanks and legs it*

[@Sleepy-yp4wx]

@@thomasfoster4370 OI BIT ROOD TO PUT THAT KNIFE IN ME CHEST INNIT

[@onlyherebecausewhynot321]

@@thomasfoster4370 Am British, can confirm.

[@maaxorus]

- "You can't keep a secret from the building that you keep it in." - The flip on "No one's home" - The quite frankly fantastic flow of the slower segments in both verses. - "To many questions and it's not the air that needs conditioning." Yup, I think we're looking at a certified stupes banger over here.

[@dolphinloser6546]

This video's over a year old, so I'm not expecting this to be seen at all, but I grew up in a cult in which members generally lived in compounds or buildings owned by the organization, and I'm both surprised and impressed by how excellently this song captures the specific type of tension and unease that I and many other ex-members felt during the years spent in those places. We weren't even being listened to half the time, but not knowing when we WERE meant we self-governed even at times when we really were alone. Fantastic stuff, Stupes

[@bipbap300]

Yikes

[@blakksheep736]

I'm so sorry.

[@The_Galaxy_Knight]

Wait what?! Were you forced in the cult or something else?

[@blakksheep736]

@@The_Galaxy_Knight presumably they were born into it.

[@dolphinloser6546]

@@The_Galaxy_Knight I was born into it, my parents were part of it first. They weren't forced to move there in the traditional sense (they weren't kidnapped at gunpoint or anything), they were victims of extreme manipulation - some would say brainwashing. Cults usually work slowly when bringing new members in. They lure you in with simple stuff (helping out with money or babysitting or emotional support or whatever else you need) and slowly cut off external support and build up the emotional or financial pressure until you feel like dedicating everything to them is the only thing you CAN do. They often target people in vulnerable positions - grieving a recent death, struggling with mental illrss, struggling financially, maybe recently moved towns and therefore feeling more lonely than usual, that sort of thing - because when you're in that state you're easier to manipulate. Then they force dependency, by slowly cutting you off any family members or friends who aren't in the cult, or maybe by loaning money and insisting you return it, or a combination of other things. Often the people in the compound I grew up in only moved there after months or years of manipulation. When you join a cult or donate to them or work for them or move house to their location, you are convinced it's because it's what you want to do and what is right for you. You aren't given the freedom to question anything, so you don't. If you're interested in learning more about how these sorts of things happen, I'd recommend: -The Ted-Ed video "Why do people join cults?" for a 5 minute summary -Emma Thorne's video "The Truth About Scientology", which is an interview with a former member of the Scientology cult. (I wasn't in Scientology growing up, it was a different one, but the video still explains cults really well imo.)

[@user-bk4wf7ow6r]

Stupendium is literally incapable of producing a song that isn’t an absolute banger. He’s almost a menace. Edited to add that his “Glory to the Ministry.” sends shivers up my spine, and that there is at least one line in every Stupendium song that just annihilates me.

[@Silverias_IR]

For some reason, every single time you take up a slick, sterile, menacing aesthetic representing distant overlords, things just seem to hit perfectly. Nice job.

[@TheInvisibleActor]

Stupendium: *Say it's a simpler project.* Also Stupendium: *Proceeds to make god-tier stylistic visuals in the first five seconds of the video.*

[@TheStupendium]

These days 'simple' or not is just whether I build a set or stand on a green screen. This one admittedly was a mix of both! I clearly like to suffer. xD

[@a_skeleton_appears]

"Assume that your neighbours are moving away When the black van comes in the night" As a Hungarian this two lines are so relatable. But in a sad way. Hungary in 1945-1989 were invaded by the Communist Russians. We were treated not in a good Russian citizens, we were treated like prisoners in our own country. If anyone said anything bad about the Russians, a black car would appear at your house at night. They would break into your house, beat you and your family up, and then they would take you with them. No one would ever see you again. The people who had this happened to them just disappeared.

[@rat-craftedeggsalad4598]

Your country got occupied alot in the past,hadn't it. Between Russians during the cold war,Germans at the end of ww2,Austrians for hundreds of years,the Ottomans,it's kind of tragic.

[@rat-craftedeggsalad4598]

In fact I often wonder how your people survived all of that,how did they avoid being erased from the face of the earth,it's rather impressive.

[@a_skeleton_appears]

@@rat-craftedeggsalad4598 A true Hungarian never gives up

[@motherfuckingenterprises7436]

@@a_skeleton_appears Amen.

[@rat-craftedeggsalad4598]

@@a_skeleton_appears I can respect that,that is very inspiring.

[@mephistopheles9117]

I realized “Handy landlord here, to fix the ventilation whistling” could refer to a whistle blower

[@prossnip42]

The Stupendium - Singlehandedly increasing the popularity of niche obscure games, one song at a time

[@castowhere]

As a big fan in a small fanbase, God I hope you're right 😭😭 we need more people

[@scootermcpeanuts6699]

@@castowhere We beholder fans can finally get some recognition, all four of us.

[@lindylou538]

@@scootermcpeanuts6699 Oy It's five

[@WXLTED.C0RE]

@@lindylou538 nah it's like six

[@velvetbutterfly]

I remember him saying a while ago now, like a year or two, that he didn't want to do obscure titles because no one would watch but these are some of the most intriguing

[@jonathanharsh7434]

Welp, add this to the ever-expanding Stupendium list of “Bangers to Quell Dissenters and Flex Vocabulary To” I’m not even sure what the gameplay of Beholder is, but this still makes me want to buy it. Also took me a hot second to register that the feature is the same guy that started the whole “Aloha to the Alola” trend over in Cam Steady land, and now I’m genuinely curious who took lead on the lyrics for the chorus. “You can’t keep a secret from the building you keep it in” is an incredible line.

[@TheStupendium]

Glad you liked it! I wrote the hook, McGwire's vocals took it to the next level though!

[@luigiboi4244]

Alola there.

[@TheRealFrozenFire]

Hey another Cam fan!

[@kacperdrabikowski5074]

I didn't play the game, but I am casually familiar with the previous games in the series. You play as a building manager of the housing block in a totalitarian state and your tasks involve, besides general economical stuff, watching monitoring, listening to tapped phones and sometimes outright peeping/spying to find any potential revolutionaries. It's a bit like Papers, Please in the tone and mood, but gameplay is of spying and dealing with it, rather than stamping passports.

[@CloneAaron8672]

Easily best comment.

[@justabirb5956]

"Well you may be on your own but you'll never be alone" is such an amazing line

[@667link5]

2:40 to the end flows so unbelievably well, I am out of words to complement how incredible you are at verse-writing

[@KillBill13531]

Stupendium never ceases to amaze - that has always been a fact. However, if I may say so myself: The flow you showed in this was superb. It went along beautifully with the beat. Also, let's not forget McGwire's amazing vocals. Absolutely astonished and so glad to get to see this.

[@remixgamer6113]

Also, that how stupendium in the song looks like James Lee with the glasses. Still a really cool song Stupes.

[@smaffa2335]

"Why are you crying when it’s your blind eye that’s liable?" Oof, that line's gonna live rent-free in my head for a long time. Damn good song, sir! Thanks for sharing it!

[@MrMoron-qn5rx]

could you explain?

[@tobiasarboe5753]

@@MrMoron-qn5rx it's a reference to the phrase "turning a blind eye" I believe, which means intentionally ignoring/overlooking something

[@ScareFire]

For some reason I fully understand it , can someone explain the few significations of the line ?

[@Xehanort107]

​It's Stupendium. A clever line like that has several meanings in a bundle. I'm only listing the possible thoughts running through my mind. They are opinions. Take them with a grain assault :P For one, you can't prove or disprove what you didn't witness, so the shadows planting evidence makes them look guilty for denying it's in their possession. Another idea is that the poor souls who venture into the hotel (or whatever that thing is) didn't have the foresight to see through the facade, so their blind eye that couldn't see the danger, is held liable for all the trouble that affects them. Finally, he's also making a joke, saying why are you the one crying, it was the eye of the camera that was blinded (i.e. the fault of the landlord) but he smiles to say that he won't be caught.

[@jeromai_9098]

1) Directed to other residents: Crying implies guilt, best to turn a blind eye to everything going on, don't feel or express anything or you may be next 2) Directed at the landlord, literally: His eye through the blinds is responsible; is he feeling any sympathy or crying for those he turned in? 3) More meta, at the landlord: He's going to get in trouble with higher authorities when he starts getting corrupt and becoming his little own apartment mini-tyrant. He takes bribes to turn a blind eye; why cry when he eventually gets caught? 4) Even more meta, at us viewers and beholders, players and bystanders figuratively: When we pretend evil/something disturbing doesn't exist, and thus allow it to thrive unseen, not sure why we're crying about it when we're also kinda implicitly responsible. (Specifically in this case, spying, privacy violations, blindly shrugging about being observed are all real world issues these days too.) 1 and 4 are a little loosely implied and more symbolic, 2 and 3 are more straight readings, imo. Stupes is the master of multiple implied deep meanings. One can go down such a rabbit hole with just one line. It's awesome.

[@calciummother]

"Why are you crying when it's your blind eye that's liable?" is SO SATISFYING AMAZING DELIVERY AS USUAL

[@breedcrumbs]

McGwire's lines are so well sung they are my favorite part of the song! good job guys

[@Wrath-uy8wj]

Glory to the Ministry! ... I am now convinced that Stuart Pendium is a Siren as all his music is simply enchanting. Good thing hes also got a license for that.

[@Eliza-hb1nc]

?

[@Andrew-pr9xv]

About half of the songs Stupes makes are about games I've never been interested in and yet, somehow, this lyrical master keeps me absolutely riveted by them. Stupendium is an absolute genius of his craft. I remember when he was earnestly celebrating reaching 10,000 subscribers. Oh from humble beginnings...

[@triggerhappy4199]

Can’t wait for the 1 mil celebration stupes needs it yt

[@MeNormalDefMe]

No one talks about the Chorus, It's absolutely perfect and awesome, it just fits this theme so damn good

[@ScarMoonYT]

The glowing glasses reminds me of James Lee. Great video and song!

[@TheMan5510]

It's really good that stupendium creates videos rarely. It's better to post rare, but good songs, than for example per week. The amount of effort that's put in those videos is just amazing. Even when If didn't play the game and I don't know any in-game content, the song still truly amazes me. Remember to not give yourself too much work and stay creative, nice song.Good job Greg!

[@minespatch]

I'm shocked how soon this was released after Toy Box. That music video had a ton of set design.

[@ArtoriaZz2137]

dont you throw shade on JT music, they release songs weekly and they are on consistently good quality, music videos are perfectly cut and they are perfectly capable of releasing absolute bangers back to back, from Elden Ring to Hades are all bangers and really well written, maybe not as well as Stupes but that's why he's exceptional, they still are well, well above the mean

[@TheMan5510]

@@ArtoriaZz2137 Although, Stupes has suit and whole scenography and even animation, JT music has only some gameplay footage. Gregory's songs are clearly more worked on. Although I still really like JT music.

[@breakinggreens]

When I first played Beholder, it felt like no one else had played it. In fact according to a trophy site, I'm in the first 40 people to get all the achievements. Happy to see the games got so much more popular, and it's even more vidicating when your favourite nerdcore artist makes a song about it.

[@aidendennis610]

Everyone’s talking about the flip on “no one’s home” but I don’t hear anyone talking about the lyrical masterpiece that is 2:30 and the “it’s just a little gaslighting put aside any doubts” line. (I might have looked too deep into it but I interpret the verse as “it’s not a camera that’s flashing that red light, it’s just a gas detector” or something along those lines, and how the landlord is gaslighting you into thinking nothings wrong)

[@valiantknight6364]

I think that's what it was supposed to be too and I love it a lot

[@Josephine.T.Rogers]

"it's not the air that needs conditioning" is the best line personally, i love when little psychological terms (i study Sociology and Psychology) are sneaked in and make so much sense Love from Wales

[@Thelongestshrimp]

and love from washington

[@gonzalorosciolesi6502]

The direction and ambience in this one was great. Despite being "simpler" than the Toybox it still is incredibly good and obviously made with lots of love

[@SomeSortOfSpark]

This reminds me of The Fine Print, but this gives an darker aura. Every villain song you do, every time you also do so much more. McGwire also did an INCREDIBLE job on those vocals during the segments they had. Even the outros are getting a little more creative which I love. Both of you did a indescribable good job on this! 👏

[@colinvoorneveld]

This isn't the villain it is the hero in the literal sense kinda at least of the first of third games

[@DocTIM-VoidLogic]

Something you get so incredibly well about dystopian settings is the disinterested boredom of it. People who cry 1984 because twitter banned them over making a racist tweet think that dystopians are scary, but people who have actually read the book understand that the dread of Orwell's society comes from the boredom and adaptation to life within the society in question. It's not doom...gloom..or fear, it's every day life. It sucks, a lot. But it is what it is. The monotone execution and semi unassuming nature of the landlord really drives this point home so well. Glory to the Ministry Stupes. Keep the hits rollin.

[@oranbluethorn3956]

Im not saying that Stupendium plays an evil businessman in a fancy suit extremely well, but i am saying if i ever find out some kind of super shady business he's running is actually totally evil, id take one look at songs like this and absolutely believe it. Another great song as usual!

[@Cortal_Gaming]

Welp, no matter the role, no matter the tone. No matter the game, he doesn't falter. Can anything bring the Stupendium down? Nah, his creativity, wording and expertise on playing the role he has set is just inspiring to me! I always seem to gain story ideas for the world I am creating from people like Stups... This song is not an exception. Keep up the great work! If this is the simplier stuff, then you are becoming god-like, my friend.

[@usernotfound-jw7xs]

it would be interesting to see him playing a good character

[@chasethemaster3440]

I sung the first part of this comment

[@blakksheep736]

@@usernotfound-jw7xs There's the Blather's song.

[@jeishiikanzaki]

The scene "I might forget" with the grin and the hand motion was just perfectly edited. This is another fantastic production. It's so sad to hear about McGwire being taken in. That's what he gets for having such a fantastic singing voice.

[@thedbdentity2102]

Oh I forgot what I was going to say to the ministry but I found some money

[@girlpower1925]

@@thedbdentity2102 lol.... 😂😂😂

[@foxxygradius7858]

(SPOILERS) And then at the end it's revealed that the landlord is being watched just as closely as you are, so they probably know he's taking bribes and it's eventually going to come down on his head.

[@Nate-do2kf]

holy SHIT the jumping of pronunciation and flow from 1:50 is so bloody good..

[@thisisntmedicine4004]

YOU ARE A MUSICAL GENIOUS!!!! I CANNOT DESCRIBE HOW JELOUS I AM! Every song you make is just PERFECT, oh my god it's so good!

[@thisisntmedicine4004]

Oh I got a heart nice, thank you

[@DavidCruickshank]

"Societal ideals are reliably pliable , so the rise of a tyrant becomes entirely viable" boy does that line hit home a little too well. Amazing work as always!

[@aldiascholarofthefirstsin1051]

Let me guess, you are one of those people who think Trump is the next Hitler.

[@Lawsonomy1]

I would like it to be known that this song is enjoyable, and in compliance with regulations for your entertainment allocation. You will ignore the smell of burnt plastic, you will ignore the sense of sinking dread, you will ignore the feeling that there is someone standing behind you. You are alone in this room. Everything is fine.

[@veselinnedkov643]

Another banger. People may moan how the tons and tons of garbage uploaded on YT daily spell the fall of society, but as long as artists like you have a platform to share their consistently amazing content with us, I say it's all worth it.

[@Edmund-od7mv]

Damn, the McGwire cam. Ministry-approved invention.

[@glassperegrine]

I haven’t heard of this game before but I might check it out! This song as absolutely amazing (as usual)!

[@JDMdev925]

I've seen them on steam and eshop before but I've just overlooked them. Now I'm intrigued though so gonna go back and check them out.

[@arsh9402]

This game is one of the hardest games I've ever played. I personally could never do it right. Even with cheats it's still hard.

[@castowhere]

Please do! The whole series is worth a play if you can 🙏 you can play the 3rd without playing 1 or 2, but I recommend playing 1 and 2 in order 😊

[@galaxytoaster9679]

I've got a serious question, stupes, and it may be dumb but here goes: With how intensely lyrical you are and how much your songs just go together and flow so cleanly, it makes me wonder how you record these. Do you record your lines all in one go? Or do you split up different stanzas and record them separately until you sing them exactly the way you want?

[@TheStupendium]

It varies by song, but I generally record in short sections, multiple takes of each part, and stitch together the best takes. :)

[@ttd0000]

@@TheStupendium That makes me feel so much better about myself.

[@velvetbutterfly]

@@TheStupendium I lowkey want a song about how you make songs now

[@galaxytoaster9679]

@@TheStupendium Thanks for the reply, sir! I do have another question, if you don't mind. When recording "Ad Infinitum", when you sang the lines leading up to "Hoochie Mama, what a mouthful!", did you sing that all in one go?

[@JD-xh4yf]

I've got a q for Stupendium, and I'm quite sorry if it comes out dumb. Your lyrical theory is clearly empirical, do you record all at once, or as more of a serial? Well it all depends on the song, of course, but generally I don't go on and on. I go over small parts of it on repeat, picking out all that's right and what clearly sounds wrong. It's a process - like anything - and I'll admit that some days can feel short while others can be long, But once its in the can and sent out online, I normally feel that the work ended strong.

[@mr.brother5939]

That extra man back there I tip my hat.so pleasing hearing two gracious voices

[@PragmaticProsecutor]

GOD that chorus slaps so hard and I love the double meaning in the "no one's home" lines... ahh puns Also that reveal at the end where the landlord is being watched too, I love that "always a bigger fish" kind of twist

[@PragmaticProsecutor]

On second thought I was laughing at the puns but man the rest of the lyrics deserve a closer look too, like "You can't keep a secret from the building that you keep it in", man that's chilling, like from the perspective of the tenants it's like the walls themselves have eyes and ears and nowhere is safe, not even "home"

[@michaelgarcia1508]

Mcgwire is really talented but not a lot of people have heard of him glad to see him on your channel

[@EpicJosh84]

I'm getting heavy James Lee vibes from the glowing glasses and deliberate movements, it goes stellarly with the always crazy production quality. I get the feeling this is gonna be another bop on my playlist, awesome job as always Stupes!

[@tibodeclerck3331]

I was so hyped thinking james lee did a collab with stupendium, as he recently made a song with charlie

[@thatonesaltygerman5163]

I though the same at first yet i am still amazed by it

[@irons2506]

I knew I wasn’t the only one getting James Lee vibes! I love that man’s vids, and would love to see the two of them work together.

[@wolfbyte3171]

I was pretty sure this was a collab considering the cameo in the credits 4:26

[@TheCarterSauce]

AHHH! This was fantastic! Some of the best rapping from you yet, and McGwire absolutely killed it too

[@TheStupendium]

Thank you! :D

[@AlexanderAzarov]

And the music goes harder than it has any right to.

[@rockgirl6786]

"A splendid view" The view: Wall

[@TheJokerPrime]

I shall be listening on repeat for a few days. Truly an excellent song.

[@garagara4849]

I see, you are a commentor of culture as well ...which in this case means I'm also putting this song on repeat

[@Someone-dy5ui]

@@garagara4849 get it? Commentor 🥁🥁📀

[@gogeta5303]

The Ministry approves.

[@markdisalvi1487]

As a student of 20th century history, this is terrifyingly accurate. Didn't think you could create a period-appropriate rap for both the Soviet Union and North Korea, but boy did you ever. Oh, and I'm probably buying this game now. Never even heard of it before now, but if it's good enough to get a song like this it's more than good enough for a playthrough. EDIT: Why do you sound self-conscious about this being "simpler?" It still looks great and, most importantly, is still an absolute banger.

[@awesomeon1800]

This is from the Video game series Beholder by warm lamp games, incase you didn't know

[@CreativelyChaoticTM]

Oooo! I love this! The ending showing Stupes being watched by someone else too really adds to the layer of "How far down does this go?" because even those who think they're on top have someone above them. "It's the things that shift when no one's home" is lovely because it implies that the ministry search for anything they deem improper without you knowing. "Yes, we all live here, but it's no one's home" is another one I adore because yeah, I can imagine that living in such a place is never your "home" it's a living space but you'd move away the second you can. "Privacy is the cry of the defiant to compliancy" aka; police interrogationsTM. "What do you mean, that's not yours? It appeared one night in your cabinet drawers? I have to report it, I regret But, of course, I could forget" God this is my favourite one though, using the fear and dictator ship to further their own gain. And it's a real thing too! *It's called corruption lmao*-. (There's so much more but imma not put all that in a comment-)

[@alu2901]

Another thing that I noticed is that, if I heard it right, you can periodocally hear sonar pings in the song.

[@Thelongestshrimp]

also, it's not the landlord's home either. they've got to walk the same tightrope as their tenants.

[@verasmiles3913]

The hook vocals, the hook vocals, THE HOOK VOCALS. AAAAAAAAAAA I LOVE IT, best song ever and always remember; Glory to The Ministry.

[@ALookInto587]

Glad they finally took McGwire into custody. He has been consistently terrorising me with catchy songs for months now.

[@thedbdentity2102]

He has been released under the condition that he keeps on playing these songs. His songs including no one‘s home have been added to the ministry approved songs and have been automatically given out “randomly“ to lucky civilians. Glory to the Ministry.

[@idontknoq4813]

Well, this is my first time hearing about this dastardly criminal!

[@LillardLaserLizards]

Ahhhh yes, a new edition to “evil business characters with cool suits that Stupes plays”

[@garagara4849]

If I had a nickel every time The Stupendium played the role of an evil business man from a video game series, I'd have... wait that's too many nickels it doesn't fit the format!

[@lindylou538]

BUSINESS! What are you talking about we only have our glorious ministry

[@vannyblutea]

i listened to this once and its alredy living in my head rent free

[@arseniyarsenicum7518]

My favorite line by far is: "Your paranoia's awfully boring, at least according to all of your friends that talk to me."... Even on it's own it sounds like a beginning of the book, akin to “The building was on fire, and it wasn’t my fault.”... It packs so much information about both characters dispositions... You can sense, even visualize, the scene... Definitely hits close... to home...

[@garagara4849]

Ok... This has to be one of your heaviest and nastiest (the good one) beats I have heard from you! Also... is it just me or do you keep improving your wordplay and general speech clarity here! It's getting so good I have to rewind every half second just to take in a third of the twists and turns hidden in every layer... Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised: it's another masterpiece! Also great job McGwire for the vocals here, they turned out fantastic! And judging by the final product I'd say Lizzy did a great job as well! Oh and the mixing is always on point, I gotta say this tune is unique, refreshing and fits really well with the (justified) paranoia that the themes convey, so great job Dansonn Beats and oo oxygen I mean... at this point I could've just said "everyone did a great job" but... too late now! Just... amazing ^^

[@melltenfys]

Beautiful as always, someone on Broadway should just give you infinite resources to make a "society is fucked up" musical. Really no way to express how much I appreciate your music and your videos, just thank you for making life a little more pleasant.

[@blakksheep736]

Capitalist Technocratic Dystopia the Dance Remix.

[@NemoVonFish]

What’s it matter, every night or two If I sneak in, have a rifle through But depending what I find well you’ll Be faced with another kind of rifle too Privacy is the cry of the Defiant to compliancy God DAMN the flow on these parts is FLAWLESS. You are an inspiration!

[@watkinstocarruncho2850]

You know I just realized how weird the breathing on the phone conspiracies are. Because if they're true. Then why do the government receivers need both the listening and talking part? It's weird because they just need to know what's being said by the people that they are spying on.

[@user-ky4zv1kf2x]

This video in no way represents current state of affairs in our glorious Motherland. It's a matter of pure fiction, brilliant as it is. Thank you, the Stupendium, for showing us how horrible it is to live in fear of state surveillance and swift and harsh repressions. Glory to the Ministry!

[@Dude12Dude2]

Haven't heard of this game but the atmosphere of paranoia and the aesthetic of light and shadows here gripped me straight away! That last shoot at end as well, brilliant touch. Great work stups!

[@TealAirro]

10/10 resisting the urge to watching it over and over again.

[@radiocoffee7700]

2:09 as someone who memorizes your lyrics, this verse is definitely one of my favorites, and this song is probably my favorite of yours in general!

[@Flizz0]

Same !!

[@Corey697]

"Handy landlord here to fix your ventilation whistling, to many questions and it's not the air that needs conditioning" BRO THAT LINE IS PURE 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🤯🤯

[@Mason-sl1ti]

He's holding the wrench from bioshock!

[@norathemediocre]

I’ve never heard of this game before this, but this song is so good that I’m immediately interested. Amazing work as always!

[@Splunkster]

Try out the first one. Third one seems a lot like it.

[@sra4245]

Player role is not so evil, as Stupendium sings. Check out BEHOLDER. Official Short Film.

[@castowhere]

The series is amazing, you can play the 3rd without playing 1 or 2, but you should play them in order if you wanna get the full experience :D

[@zwykynerd3272]

same

[@nickwen2881]

It's not just is music video. His intro and outro are individually crafted for each musical and theatrical work he puts out. They are all different in their own unique way. It's like you're entering and sitting in a theater with the way the intro and outros are made.

[@tommyfox854]

This is giving me major V for Vendetta vibes here, and I freaking *LOVE* it!! =D

[@jonah7704]

Great movie

[@tommyfox854]

@@jonah7704 I agree, it is a great movie; here's what I find the most disturbing about it, it gets more and more relevant each passing year, espectually in the 2020s, so you know it's a good film when its message gets stronger as it ages, even if the solution it suggests is rather violent.

[@GardenVarietea]

Due to ministry regulations, I am advised to praise this song endlessly. Fortunately, I was planning on doing that anyways! Good job Stupendium on yet another banger of a track!

[@reddsyoutuberaffle]

Is no one gonna talk about how threatening the context behind "Ask to many questions It wont just be the air that needs conditioning" implying if you simply ask the wrong thing you would be "conditioned". banger line.

[@AAAAAA-nw1tx]

Game developers should pay you to make these videos, they're absolutely amazing advertising! I've never heard of this game before seeing this, but now I really want to play it!

[@HaganeNoGijutsushi]

Dystopian setting game: _exists_ The Stupendium: "It's free real estate!"

[@triggerhappy4199]

Any game about capitalistic companies or corrupt companies/societies: it’s free real estate

[@orangejuiceislife9910]

Idk if we watched the same video but the real estate here was definitely not free

[@dvotion5819]

It’s like what Darnell Bradley says, “Even if you don’t have a clue what the game he is singing about, after you hear his song, raps, whatever you get a good idea of what the game is about!

[@astralastrid4150]

Always a delight to watch the video with unsettling atmpspheres! Keep up the amazing work!

[@torazely]

I'm gonna admit, it took me q while to understand that "gas lighting" line. Now that I do, i love it more. By far my favorite Stupendium song.

[@Gavin-hl8bg]

What does it mean?

[@torazely]

@@Gavin-hl8bg gaslighting. It's a way to control individuals my using mental manipulation to make them think things they know are false or didn't happen. In this song it plays the roll of having a double meaning, the secondary one being a literal light to detect gas.