Meaning of "The Grasshopper Unit (Keep Movin')" by Beastie Boys

"The Grasshopper Unit (Keep Movin')" is an upbeat and confident track by the Beastie Boys that asserts their artistic prowess and determination to keep pushing forward in the face of doubters. The song starts with a shoutout to Alex and Marilyn, possibly friends or fans, before introducing the "grasshopper unit" as a symbol of their creativity and energy. The band playfully references figures such as Thurston (potentially Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth fame) and Rufus, while also mentioning Walt Disney and his frozen legacy. These references show the band's familiarity with and affinity for various pop culture icons.

The lyrics also mention Hornblower's lederhosen, likely a play on words referencing fictional character Horatio Hornblower and traditional German clothing. This line could be interpreted as a dismissal of those who are complacent or lack ambition. The Beastie Boys position themselves as the ones who are actively "prowlin'" and making music that stands out.

Throughout the song, the Beastie Boys assert their talent and prowess as musicians by referencing their mic skills, name plate medallion, and their ability to "joust" with their words. The mention of the Hal 9000 references the sentient computer from Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, suggesting a distrust of artificial intelligence and a preference for human creativity and intuition.

The lyrics then shift to a call for unity and non-violence, with a plea to rise up against oppression and not judge others based on the color of their skin. This highlights the Beastie Boys' commitment to social justice and equality. The mention of vegetarian sharks fin and keeping life non-violent further emphasizes their ethical stance.

The song ends with a declaration of the band's determination to keep moving forward, even if they're a "long way from where [they've] been." They are unapologetically themselves, confident in their skills and their ability to evolve as artists.

Overall, "The Grasshopper Unit (Keep Movin')" showcases the Beastie Boys' playful and witty lyricism, their love for pop culture, and their commitment to staying true to themselves while pushing the boundaries of their art.