Little Brother
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He always had his quiet corner.
Pride of my countrymen, my little brother will be born again.
Just give us back our quiet corner.
Now go back to the other side of my bed.
I'll go back to the place where you get started.
And I'll sleep, just put the pillows under my head.
The opening lines of Grizzly Bear's song "Little Brother" set the tone for an emotional portrayal of sibling relationships. The singer describes his younger sibling as being "wide-eyed and up in arms," suggesting that he might be easily excited or riled up about something. However, the next line befits his introverted nature, the little brother "always had his quiet corner," indicating that he preferred to keep to himself.
The song goes on to suggest that the little brother could be something of a national treasure - "pride of my countrymen" - and hints that he might have passed away, but that there is hope for his eventual rebirth. The singer appears to be pleading with someone to return a sense of quietness and peace to his life, represented here by his "quiet corner."
Ultimately, the song paints a poignant picture of a person struggling with loss and grief, perhaps hoping that the return of some sense of normalcy can help him cope. Overall, it's a touching expression of love and longing for someone who may not be with us anymore.
Line by Line Meaning
Wide eyed and up in arms, my little brother was a solemn one.
My little brother was always observant and ready to defend himself.
He always had his quiet corner.
He was an introvert and preferred to be alone most of the time.
Pride of my countrymen, my little brother will be born again.
My brother was loved and respected by everyone around him, and even though he is gone, he will be remembered fondly.
Just give us back our quiet corner.
I wish to have my memories back when my brother and I were together, enjoying each other's company in our peaceful and quiet corner.
Now go back to the other side of my bed.
I wish for my brother to go back to his place in my heart, where he always belonged.
I'll go back to the place where you get started.
I will remember the place where my brother first started his journey and where he was happiest.
And I'll sleep, just put the pillows under my head.
I will rest now that I have said what I needed to and honor my brother with silence.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DUFFTON TAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hunters215
Of all the songs I've tried to teach myself on guitar, this is hands down the hardest of them all. Grizzly Bear's guitarist on this album is insanely skilled to compose and play this so well.
@thrivedru
Daniel Rossen, my friend. Check out his KEXP live solo performance....
@TumbleWeed411
Agreed 100%
@Ceereeal
I have no brothers, but this song makes me feel like I’m mourning the loss of one
@MrMissGlorious
How can you dislike this song? :'(
@dogschosenpeople
Bet it’s got something to do with the ad at the “end”of the song.
@LsjLewis
wow, never heard the second half of this...it's like you turned the corner and walking towards the light of the album picture
@malapropter
Wide eyed, and up in arms.
@icic5
all this superior sound art, I legit use this for mindfulness meditation. GOAT
@metametang7628
I am melting into the furniture.