"The King Beetle on the Coconut Estate" by mewithoutYou

[bertoxx11]

I think this song is a perfect song to explain the supernatural / transcendent, as we cannot sense it with the 5 natural senses, but need an ability to see without seeing.

[Erieskies]

anyone else just get chills?

[wilsmusiclist]

It's still after twe years a great song.

[judahben05]

@trevjf1 metaphorically or literally turned into fire? if you mean a literal book burning, i'd disagree. but if you mean in the sense that metal is placed in a fire to purify, burning away all that is dross, then let's do it!

[0RussianThunder0]

Of the tens or hundreds of thousands of songs I've heard over the course of my young life, this is the most auspicious and beautiful song I've ever come across.

[HeliWolf420]

@0RussianThunder0 mewithoutYou tend to do that a lot for me.

[comedywhacked]

Pretty certain that Aaron has his own messages and uses a variety of sources to convey them and his philosophy is obviously not consistent with any of his sources and part of his message is that which is consistent with most music nowadays which is that many things have many interpretations.

Although, i know it's very fun to think you're right I am sorry, you're not.

[IlluminatourRS]

I can't stop listening to this song.

[pupusafacecris]

had to listen to it 3 times to comprehend the symbolic meaning...i love it!!!!!!

[CrazyTanto]

I love this song... the first time I heard this I cried...

[Deminion66]

Also you lyrics are very wrong

[judahben05]

@Deminion66 how so?

[Deminion66]

This song is based off a Sri Lankan spiritualists teachings. you people need to learn before you decide what other people sing about.

[judahben05]

@Deminion66 it's also based of a teaching from the desert fathers (Christian)

you need to learn before you decide what other people sing about

[nathananderson100]

@judahben05 Aaron Weiss was raised in a Sufi household. It's based of a poem by Sufi mystic Bawa Muhaiyaddeen.

[judahben05]

@nathananderson100 I don't deny that it has a Sufi base, but it also has a Christian base. Aaron wasn't just raised Sufi; he had Christian and Jewish influences as well. He is well-read in all three and incorporates a blending of these influences.

[judahben05]

@Deminion66 Abbot Lot came to Abbot Joseph and said: “Father, to the limit of my ability, I keep my little rule, my little fast, my prayer, meditation and contemplative silence; and to the limit of my ability, I work to cleanse my heart of thoughts; what more should I do?” The elder rose up in reply, and stretched out his hands to heaven, and his fingers became like ten lamps of fire. He said: “Why not be utterly changed into fire?”

—Saying of the Desert Fathers

[fishfry1991]

@Deminion66

Based on the fact that Mewithoutyou is a Christian band, and the fact that they say themselves that they sing about Christianity, not to mention the fact that the lyrics are undoubtedly Christian themed, I'm assuming that you "need to learn before you decide" that you can conform someone's songs to your own worldview

[IlluminatourRS]

Why not be utterly changed into fire?

[Smilehpants]

I want some macaroni!

[drummer4uva72894]

This song is the definiton of EPIC

[OneLastBreath777]

this song is so powerful... it's amazing how symbolic mwy is

[wowzabowza123]

I feel like if this were blasted from atop every building and mountain and tree everything in the world would be alright

[BrothersFreedive]

I'm surprised this has relatively few views. This was my favorite mwy album and this, my favorite song from it.

[Erieskies]

The fire represents the Holy Spirit in my humble opinion

[hisloveizwild]

I've cried every time I've listened to this....

[SpazzleCakes]

seriously moving.



[Phooball]

This song is a stealth Sufi Islamic parable. Prove me wrong!

[1991JDiaz]

@Phooball it's not stealth if the songwriter tells people that's what it is.

[kingson75]

...please excuse me while i continue to listen to every song mewithoutyou has ever made...

[fishfry1991]

it has deeper meaning every time i listen

[fucko5]

I think this song is more about having the bravery to accept God.

[scottarant12]

The flowery language is like explaining where you are going to go after death, it can't be completely explained, only thought of.

[btbraden08]

@scottarant12 not only that but maybe also when people try to explain what God is in an entirely when we really do not know exactly, and nor will we know until we are "utterly changed into fire"-or consumed by God's grace after we die.

[jimdawg185]

@btbraden08 Or before we die. Eternity starts eight now.

[CrazyTanto]

But when the beetle professor returned, he crawled on all six as his wings had been burned... that line right there gives me goosebumps...

[ay04]

The biggest problem people have understanding with MeWithoutYou is that these metaphors can be applied to your life even if you aren't religious. I go through struggles morally just as my christian/muslim/jewish peers. Aarons lyrics fit that personal struggle so well. To judge it for being religious is just ignorant. This song is beautiful.

[octopanzer]

2 People were professors and lieutenants.

[fanfav]

this song perfectly depicts the relationship between theology and GOD... we can only use flowery language at best to describe the divine

[BlackWoodArpeggio129]

One of my favorite songs ever :)

[kerchowthedrummer]

Aaron is a true beast, his swag must never turn off. This guy makes writing songs look like making breakfast cereal; delicious, and full of goo. Favourite band ever <3

[octopanzer]

This song is art. It is truly beautiful and has helped me through hard times. This song is not about christianity; but it is about god. I am agnostic, and this song makes perfect sense to me. Few songs make me feel the way this one does.

[RandomMale93]

Good song.

[elcochon]

Just type "The Divine Luminous Wisdom That Dispels Darkness" on google books. Open it. Then type Beetle King or Beetle. Pages 38, 39, 40. Read the story. Just after that please comment. Its so sad to read all of the stuff people has been putting up here.

In my personal opinion, this song is extremely well accomplished. Even though it is based on a previous story, it is a completely original for me.

[EXTOL246]

your going to hell with out GOD why cant ppl see that its heard to not belive in GOD he is every where oh yeah we came from a big bang bull give him your life!!!!!

[DonZaloog88]

@EXTOL246 Friend, relax. It's human nature to question higher 'authority'. To deny it, is ignorance. To accept it BLINDLY, is somewhat worse than ignorance in its highest form. I'm not an atheist, but an agnostic. I question that which I cannot [yet] understand, or I want to find out more about. I don't take God's existence for granted, neither do I deny it. We lack the proof to evidently KNOW for SURE that this "God'' exists, or doesn't exist. Believe what you want, but don't do so BLINDLY. Don

[LitttleJane]

I love how Aaron Weiss sings with so much passion.

[N8wood1]

beautiful.

[Erieskies]

about giving up for Him and His will. Flower and fragrance are seperate things that are part of a beautiful bond. the fragrance can't become a flower. It's a part of it.

[ilciclone]

"Guys, guys, God is real... So I'm going to burn myself to death."

This song taught me to avoid music recommended by people in art class.

[judahben05]

@ilciclone lol. it's fun to see people who think simplistically. fire is symbolic; fire consumes. being burned in the fire represents being consumed (becoming one with) God.

[ilciclone]

@judahben05 "Guys, guys, God is real... So I'm going to burn myself to death. But don't worry, it's symbolic!"

[judahben05]

@ilciclone I'm glad you understand. Many Americans are too narrow minded

[Mischthief]

@judahben05 Whoa now bro. American thing is totally unnecessary. Can't blame me for being born here. I'm not even Christian and I get it. Always loved these guys, since A-B. :( Don't have to be so mean.

[Jaystreetwalker]

@judahben05 Your narrow minded for thinking that only Americans are narrow minded.

[littlebean21289]

@ilciclone isn't that a main element of art, symbolism? I get when people say they dont like his voice and things like that (thats just prefrence) but this is an actual story thats been told before mewithoutyou made a song about it and it has morals and a point. Idk why your qouting your own sarcastic thoughts.

[ritalate]

@ilciclone I don't think it has to do with being burned by the fire. It's symbolic for becoming the fire itself. What's consumed by the fire is not fire. The fire is that which consumes not that which is consumed. The King Beetle became the fire and anything that would be left, as an ash, is no longer the Beetle's identity because he has been "utterly changed into fire." The fire is his new identity. He has become a part of the great mystery.

[octopanzer]

@ritalate Very True. Such a beautiful song.

[TacoNinja18]

@ilciclone Symbolic in the sense that he's not literally burning himself to death. It's a shame this even needs to be explained.

[TheKenTerry]

@ilciclone It's called a parable friend.

[btbraden08]

@ilciclone symbolic meaning representation of, the beetle king being consumed by fire represents when we give ourselves to God and he consumes us. no one is literally setting themselves on fire because God Exists.

[xsnokex]

@btbraden08 oh, i do...

[Sivart1231]

@judahben05 also fire is cleansing used more then once in the bible used symbolically as purification

[ZeroToNowhere]

@ilciclone trollolololololol Or if it is a legit statement, I actually got this song recomended as having "more meaning in it's little pinky than All Along the Watchtowers"

[TheGemmaster22]

" if you believe in god you should know the you body is God's temple and to kill your self is to defile the temple of God "

btw Y would you listen to people in school it's just a place for kids to practice there pranks

[jaquiasciquias]

i refuse to belive this song has religous overtones it ruins the song for me

[judahben05]

@jaquiasciquias then what is all the "true Dad" talk?

And the father explained, "You've been somewhat deceived

You've all called me your dad, but your true Dad's not me

...

And just as a flower and its fragrance are one

So must each of you and your Father become"

refusing to believe obvious truth is not wise

[sgtOOX]

@jaquiasciquias all of mewithoutyou has religious overtones, they are devout Christians and make beautiful music glorifying the beauty and intricacy of life as viewed from the perspective of it being created by and all powerful but caring God

[littlebean21289]

@sgtOOX i dont think there christian you should do a little research about that one

[sgtOOX]

@littlebean21289 um......mewithoutoyu is one of the most blatantly Christian bands out there, i would in fact suggest you research ie. just google their band name to see ther error in your ways

[littlebean21289]

@sgtOOX "The Weiss brothers were raised in a Sufi Muslim household—their mother had converted from the Episcopal church, and their father from Judaism.[2] Due to the Christian imagery in some of Aaron Weiss' lyrics, they have been categorized as a Christian band, although in interview, A. Weiss has stated he doesn't think they are a Christian band.[2] Their lyrics reflect a personal relationship with God, and are not evangelistic" taken off from there wiki

[littlebean21289]

@sgtOOX and when i saw them preform he was wearing one of those caps not sure what they are called but it definetly was not a turbin (and definetly not a yamaka)

[metallicacdc]

@sgtOOX If the song Allah, Allah, Allah isn't obvious enough, as well as simply talking to the guys, you'll see that they've got a more broadly-categorized religious affiliation than simply Christian.

[SoupPresto]

@jaquiasciquias I feel the same, I just like to believe it's just a song about beetles getting all confused about fire :D

[BigJarrhead777]

@jaquiasciquias .... then i guess its a ruined song haha

[MultiDURP]

Incredible song, mewithoutYou never seems to disappoint

Pure genius.. 

[AWESOMEMAN2000]

Allah is Arabic for God so this whole conversation is pointless. Just listen to this song and get the literary simile already.

[TheGir96]

okay dont make fun of me but i dont fully understand it?

[aotli]

epic song. Thanks for the upload

[garrettwars578]

you know do write this song you have to be very talented or god gave him this gift to write this good of music even if his voice is bad it doesnt matter his writing music is a awesome gift

[00Angry00Kitten00]

This song is so intense. Why not be utterly changed into fire?

[Racsojuno]

very good song. wish people could just appreciate it instead of debating religion and stuff. people have been doing that for thousands of years, what makes you think anything has changed =P just enjoy the music!

[sixdaywarstories]

@Racsojuno I think you just answered your own comment. It will never change because people are driven by passions. Passions to write music, seek answers, and even, maybe in your case, believe that it is impossible to actually find an answer. By leaving this comment you have, in a way, joined in all of this with your own beliefs in this whole "religious debate." Make sense?

[soufang]

so its about a beetle king who wants too get his men to get fire but they keep coming back burnt

[lewazzup123]

Even if you dont believe in what Aaron is saying, you cant help but respect him and his work.

[Sumoson]

nice story, plenty of space for interpretation and that apocalytic/suicidal note at the end.

why not utterly change into fire!

[coyho88j]

mike from this band is actually my music teacher he says this is the song he is most proud of being a part of writing

[JonnyBulletProofVest]

Liar.

[jcrumbliss1]

@coyho88j did he say what they meant in this song?

[coyho88j]

@jcrumbliss1 it's based on a fable i cant remeber wat the name of it was

[halobeast0]

Also it's not just about a beetle its about the Christian god who I beleive from personal experience is completly real and is the true god. But beleive what u want

[halobeast0]

Judah Ben actually Muslims beleive that the Christian god is a messanger for who they call Allah instead of god. Ps I'm Christian

[judahben05]

@halobeast0 I'm not sure what this was in response to, or how to take it. When you say "Christian [G]od" I assume you mean Jesus, being a messenger for Allah. However, "Allah" is the Arabic term for "god" regardless of Islam. Therefore, referring to God in Arabic, one would use Allah, although He is not what Islam describes. (The use of "El" and "Elohim" in the OT are the same way, terms of the language, like "god/God" - we distinguish by capitalizing but it is the exact same word.)

[Racsojuno]

@judahben05 basically he means many christians think of jesus as god rather than gods son, wheras muslims think of jesus as just a prophet preaching the word of god (regardless of what you think gods name is)

[dustinstruthers]

@judahben05 The Christian G-d is not Jesus, it is G-d. Sure, Jesus is G-d, but G-d is His own man, so to speak. If I'm not mistaken, Jesus is the one who will return at the end of the world according to the Islamic faith. I do not intend on saying that we worship the same G-d, or perhaps we did until Abraham somewhat sacrificed Isaac as opposed to Ishmael (althought Islam claims it was Ishmael that was supposed to be sacrificed). Jesus have mercy on us.

[judahben05]

@dustinstruthers oh the doctrine of the Trinity... if only we could understand and explain it.

[judahben05]

@dustinstruthers of course, the doctrine of the Trinity wasn't formalized until the 3rd century and many early Christians struggled with how to understand Jesus' role and viewed him as 2nd under God

[j1b2k3r4]

@judahben05 you cant cause God is one fully and completely. Romans 1:20 shows that the Godhead is easy to understand. the idea of the trinity isnt there. God is one and His name is Jesus!! (duet. 6:4, matt. 28:19, is. 43:11...just a few verses to look at)

not trying to argue, just showing what the truth is, not through my words, but scripture.

[judahben05]

@halobeast0 I know Muslims believe Jesus was only a messenger; I attended a Christian college that taught about Islam. But hopefully people don't just debate religion; instead, let's seek truth.

[skepticsightsten]

Maybe it's really just about a beetle.

[halobeast0]

I like this song it's a good way to explain god in my opinion

[TheLightinAllThatUC]

how can you leave your loved ones for something for something you dont even fully understand. the beetles were wrong about the "great mystery" so whos to say we arent wrong about this god guy. the thing is if we are wrong, we are just flying into a fire that the day-help created, not some higher power.

[judahben05]

maybe someday you will see with the eyes of faith. pray it comes soon

[Sumoson]

@judahben05

And just like the beetle couldnt help himself but to fly into the bright light, all these christian posters cant help themselves but to interpret everything as the third ball of christ. comon guys this is 2010, wake up you're flowery words are no better that his. they dindt ask what it seems like they asked what it is!

but you don't know! you havent turned utterly into fire, youre still here hoping for a third ball to grow.

[khonigwolf180]

@Sumoson You are intolerant.

[ZinfinityX]

@TheLightinAllThatUC In what respect is "whos to say" appropriate to question?

(By your grammar) Could it not also be interpreted as that if we are wrong, then we ARE flying into some higher power?

How could any notion of right or wrong be in association with our discontinued existence?

What is your concern regarding mortality when it comes to Christ?

[DrPercussionist]

@TheLightinAllThatUC

"I would rather believe God exists and find out he doesn't than believe that God doesn't exist and find out that he does" - unknown

Besides, there are so many amazing principals that we can learn from having a relationship with God that improve our quality of life!

Sometimes people get it wrong and use 'religion' to achieve their own selfish goals, and hurt others... But let's not judge God by the example of people. After all, "all fall short of the glory of God".

[Gelcap90]

@DrPercussionist Pascal said that.

[TylertheAllen]

@TheLightinAllThatUC haha you totally missed the point man

[ShaneTism]

So we as Children of God must be willing to give up everything we hold dear in a seconds notice (our wives, children, parents, all loved ones) and fly directly toward the flame, turning into fire, i.e. becoming one with Christ and loving and following him for eternity. Amen.

[ShaneTism]

for their father (does all the things listed in the song, gives them food, fill ponds from emptying skies, etc) then when he gave the things that meant "most" money and his throne etc he gave everything up family and all and flew directly into the fire not dying but giving up everything for the great mystery (Jesus Christ)

[ShaneTism]

Guys the beetle went to see the blazing mystery which was fire (maybe symbolic through a bonfire, but was in the end Jesus Christ our Lord).. The beetle came back told the king of it and the king was upset. Eventually gave up his wife and explained to his children he is their earthly father but not really their father

[OMGx3itsjessica]

my favorite off of its all crazy album

[mew2cool4u]

I wish I could approve of the comment by the author in response.

[judahben05]

the author being me (for posting this video) or something the band mewithoutYou said?

[daltondoyou4]

i cant say i get it, somone explain it to me

[judahben05]

it's about learning who God is. we can try and describe Him, but it's always about Him and not Him Himself. the part about being utterly changed into fire is about become one in a relationship with God, experiencing God fully

[OpenEyes00]

the beetle king sent men to see what the great mystery was. ( the sun) two men went but came back burned and defeated. the king in anger of not knowing, decided to go to find out for himself, despite the warning of how dangerous and incredible the mystery was. he was utterly changed into fire.

[OHyougotpimpslapped]

the literal story is that people were burning some dried leaves to clean up the area, and a civilization of beetles were curious about it. when they learned that it was dangerous and deadly, they didn't question it, they just accepted that it was a natural thing for them to die, and the kind explains to his children and subjects that although God has sent them tragedy, he's provided them with every happiness they've ever known, and that they shouldn't think of it as a bad thing but as a reunion

[OHyougotpimpslapped]

with their true father, or being "changed into fire"

[rustedsatellites]

the entire second half of this song gives me chills every single time i hear it.

[YouDidntHeDid]

this is truly epic, possibly the best song i've ever listened to.

[LifeReborn7]

..and just as the flower and its fragrance are one, so must each of you and your Father become.

[zoecarnate]

mwY is deeply influenced by Sufi spirituality, but equally so by the best of mystical Christian cosmology. This song is at least half-based on an ancient Christian parable, based on the fourth century desert mothers and fathers, found in the comment below.

Shalom, Salaam, and Pax Christi. : )

[zoecarnate]

"Abba Lot went to see Abba Joseph and said to him, 'Abba, as far as I can I say my little office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace and as far as I can, I purify my thoughts. What else can I do?'

Then the old man stood up and stretched his hands towards heaven. His fingers became like ten lamps of fire and he said to him, 'If you will, you can become all flame.'"

[whalesoundervish]

Beautiful song! I need too pick up some of your albums. I found out about this music through the Bawa Muhaiyaddeen connection and this really resonates with me.

[ZackVitus]

This is extremely epic, and really brilliant. Lyrically and musically. Everything. Words could explain it, but I can't think of many, it's just such a beautiful, empowering collision of building strings, especially towards the end.

[nerifish2]

brilliant

[LifeReborn7]

really? Mewithoutyou are Messianic Jews ^^

[judahben05]

They also are well read, and I think their mother is Sufi (converted from the Episcopal church, and their father is Jewisht). I would not be surprised if it is Islamic. However, Islam has some truth (otherwise it would not be believable), and a good Christian exegete can recognize and appreciate truth wherever it is found.

[judahben05]

Also, "The title of [their newest] album is taken from parable 518 in the book 'The Golden Words of a Sufi Sheikh' by Bawa Muhaiyaddeen." However, mentioning 'forgiveness' in a song titled "Allah, Allah, Allah" clearly shows that it is not about Islam.

[LifeReborn7]

yup ^^

[FourtyNinerFan89]

He is very much Jewish, but he can quote the new testament like the back of his hand; I don't exactly understand Aaron, but I'm glad he gives great music.

[Boredpersons55]

@judahben05

"Allah.." simply means "the one true God," in arabic....I believe they are christians with a knowledge of the Hebrew Language, or Arabic Language at least.

[Dredawg42]

I don't know what consensus you came to here, but i think "A Stick..." makes it pretty clear that they are christian.

[LifeReborn7]

I might be wrong about the Messianic Jew thing, but Messianic Jews just mean Christian Jews. Messiah Jews if you will lol.

[siekertr21]

Aaron Weiss is CLEARLY Christian. He does have a varying range of knowledge though. Just talk to the guy once and you'll understand. He pretty much gives speeches at any of his shows.

[Dredawg42]

oh I see what you're saying. okay. you might be right about that. i know aaron's household was "sufi", but i don't know what that refers to.

[EmmaDeanRocks]

You should read Ephesians 3, and then listen to the words of this song again.

this is amazing!

[ZombieDalmations]

wow.

i hope you all realize what this song is about.

all of these people talking about the Theory of Evolution, the Big Bang. when they're really not sure about it all.

this song is about coming to Christ despite what they all say. it's almost like a warning. heed it.

[AdrianTepes21]

no it is about a bug zapper lol

[robmorick]

I disagree. I think this song is more about realizing that science and faith are mutually explainable, depending on cosmic perspective - but in the end, it doesn't matter what we could explain, we realize that we are all one cosmic being of which God is the identity. Christ is also an identity with God, however this song seems to be based on a Sufi children's story by Bawa Muhaiyadeen. It's a tale of submission, not fear.

p.s. AdrianTepes21: Haha

[FourtyNinerFan89]

And this is why Aarons's words fall to deaf ears.

[broswifmartin]

this song is beautiful!!!!!!!!

*MCR* And Mewithoutyou LOVER!!!!!!!

[thesoundofgreen]

Great upload!

[mtcw2790]

thanks for uploading this, i've been looking everywhere for it

[cousincheeto]

Yipee! Ben posted something on Youtube!!!!! 5/5 stars!