Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt

DJ Shadow's track "Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" is a profound exploration of the artist's relationship with music and the creative process. The song opens with a reflective monologue, where DJ Shadow discusses his self-taught journey in music production. He acknowledges his mistakes and emphasizes his dual role as both a student and a teacher of the drums. This duality highlights the continuous learning and teaching cycle inherent in the artistic process, suggesting that mastery is an ongoing journey rather than a final destination.

The lyrics then delve into a metaphorical exploration of cancer and the moon's influence on human fluids, drawing a parallel to the creative process. Just as the moon governs the tides and the body's inner juices, music flows through DJ Shadow, assimilating and distributing his experiences and influences. This metaphor suggests that creativity is an organic, almost mystical process that slowly integrates various elements until they become a part of the artist's identity.

The song also touches on the idea of music as a conduit for expression. DJ Shadow expresses a desire to let the music inside him come out, emphasizing that the music is not just a product of his efforts but something that flows through him. This notion aligns with the idea of the artist as a medium through which creativity manifests, rather than the sole creator. The imagery of flying through strange lands and the description of black satin starry eyes and a brown smiling face evoke a sense of wonder and exploration, further underscoring the transformative power of music.

"Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt" is a testament to DJ Shadow's introspective and philosophical approach to music. It encapsulates the essence of the creative journey, the interplay between learning and teaching, and the mystical nature of artistic expression.