Hibou Anemone and Bear
Soft Machine Lyrics
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Summertime, I like to sit upon the grass
Autumn nights I go to parties with my friends
Winter time is when I think about the past
But of course I do all those things all year 'round
I mean, all the good things are there to be found
It's all here, pick-a-back and get to work
If you don't, your life will surely go berserk
Or indeed be bored to death, which is worse?
If something's not worth saying
Not worth saying
Not worth saying
Say it
The lyrics of Soft Machine's song "Hibou Anemone and Bear" are an intriguing look into the cyclic nature of life and the different activities that appeal to us depending on the season. In the spring, our thoughts turn towards sex and finding ways to achieve our goals. The summer, on the other hand, is a time for relaxation, where we can sit outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.
In the fall, we begin to socialize more, attending parties with friends and enjoying the autumnal festivals. The winter season, however, is a time for introspection and reflection, where we think back on the past and contemplate our choices. But the artist emphasizes the fact that these activities are not restricted to specific seasons, and we can experience them all year round. The good things in life are always there for us to enjoy, no matter the time of year.
The artist exhorts us to pick ourselves up and get to work, or risk losing control of our lives and becoming bored to death. He urges us to speak our minds and not be afraid to express ourselves. In summary, the song is a reminder that life is a continuous cycle of experiences and emotions, and we should strive to enjoy every moment, regardless of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
In the spring, I think of sex and means to ends
As the season of new beginnings, Spring makes me contemplate on both pleasure and productivity.
Summertime, I like to sit upon the grass
The warmth of the Summer season invites me to relax and contemplate nature.
Autumn nights I go to parties with my friends
During the season of transition, I enjoy socializing and having fun with my companions.
Winter time is when I think about the past
The coldness of Winter brings me back to the memories of my past and the lessons I've learned.
But of course I do all those things all year 'round
Despite the changing seasons, I still engage in all of those activities throughout the year.
I mean, all the good things are there to be found
Every season has its own pleasures and opportunities to seize.
It's all here, pick-a-back and get to work
All the resources and blessings are already available, so make use of them and put in the effort to succeed.
If you don't, your life will surely go berserk
If you fail to take advantage of what's offered, you'll end up losing control and facing chaos.
Or indeed be bored to death, which is worse?
Alternatively, boredom can kill your spirit and potential, which is even more tragic.
If something's not worth saying
If a thought or opinion is not significant or valuable,
Not worth saying
Then it's better to keep silent,
Not worth saying
Then it's not worth expressing at all.
Say it
Unless it's something that should be shared and heard for the benefit of ourselves and others.
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL ROLAND RATLEDGE, ROBERT WYATT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Graveyard Poet
My favorite Soft Machine song. Robert Wyatt's ode to the changing of the seasons.
P. Pijpers
Oh my god, this is the first time since 1969 that I hear this, how marvellous this is, goddam!
Tony Mostrom
Yes !
Pasquale Muzzupappa
Such a long time! Can I ask you why?
Rudolf Kerbosch
Oh God of us all, this is the first time I can sing Robert's words syllable by syllable.
Not worth saying? I sing it.
Lusoverse
Love Robert Wyatt's vocals in this. Great as it sounds, it comes through even better when you're stoned: the whole album seems to last forever........
Rudolf Kerbosch
pffffffffff
Lusoverse
@Rudolf Kerbosch pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
Rudolf Kerbosch
@Lusoverse Inhale as never before <peace, man>
M
On Shrooms too, best experience of my life with Volume Two