Flobots in energetic live performance, highlighting the band behind the thought-provoking lyrics including "I can guide a missile by satellite" from their acclaimed song "Handlebars"
Receiving the new Flobots album, “Fight With Tools,” was a genuine moment of excitement. This band, despite some recent mixed press, holds a unique appeal. It’s clear from the first listen that Flobots are not just making music; they’re sparking conversations. And perhaps no song ignites discussion more than “Handlebars,” particularly its potent line about the capability to “guide a missile by satellite.”
One critique of “Handlebars” seemed to completely miss the song’s core message, focusing on perceived bragging instead of the deeper narrative. The reviewer honed in on lyrics about childhood achievements, seemingly taking them at face value as boastful claims. However, this interpretation overlooks the song’s nuanced exploration of potential and responsibility.
The beauty of “Handlebars” lies in its contrasting verses. It opens with the innocent declaration, “I can ride my bike with no handlebars,” immediately establishing a tone of childlike wonder and limitless possibility. This initial verse, and those that follow, paint a picture of boundless potential: designing innovative engines, creating life-saving antibiotics. These are images of constructive power, the kind of potential we all possess.
But the song doesn’t remain in this utopian space. It takes a darker turn, revealing how this very potential can be corrupted and misdirected. This is where the line “I can guide a missile by satellite” becomes chillingly relevant. It’s not a boast of personal power, but a stark recognition of the destructive capabilities that humanity, with all its potential, has developed. The lyrics aren’t about personal agency to cause global destruction, but rather a commentary on societal structures and the concentration of power that allows for such acts.
The final stanza underscores this point with unflinching clarity: “My reach is global / My tower secure / My cause is noble / My power is pure.” These lines, culminating in the repetition of “I can guide a missile by satellite,” expose the dangerous rhetoric of power. It’s a commentary on those who wield control, those who can guide a missile by satellite, and the weighty responsibility – often squandered – that comes with such capability. The song forces us to confront the reality that the same ingenuity that can create vaccines can also be used to develop weapons of mass destruction.
Beyond “Handlebars,” the entire “Fight With Tools” album showcases Flobots’ distinctive musicality. Their fusion of hip-hop with live instrumentation – a tight rhythm section, violins, and trumpets – is remarkably effective. The production quality is undeniably polished, creating a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. While comparisons to Rage Against The Machine might be inevitable, Flobots carve their own path. They offer something vital: a sense of change and a spark of hope, precisely what impactful music should strive to deliver.
Tracks like “There’s a War Going On For Your Mind,” the album’s intro, immediately set a thought-provoking atmosphere. “Mayday!!!” is a high-energy track that demonstrates the band’s ability to create complex soundscapes without losing clarity. And, of course, “Handlebars” remains a standout track, prompting listeners to consider the weight of lyrics like “guide a missile by satellite.”
In conclusion, Flobots’ “Fight With Tools” is an album that deserves attention and repeated listens. It’s not just musically engaging but also intellectually stimulating. By prompting us to think about everything from childhood potential to the unsettling reality of guiding missiles by satellite, Flobots offer a powerful and relevant voice in contemporary music.
Listen. Engage. Support.
Listen: Flobots – There’s A War Going On For Your Mind
Listen: Flobots – Mayday!!!
Listen: Flobots – Handlebars
