ANIMA!’s debut album Not At This Time is out on Friday January 13, 2023. Also available in immersive Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, the three lead up singles feature their powerful female vocal, uplifting beats and their signature colorful sound world that they have become most celebrated for.
Streaks
ANIMA! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every page is a perfect design
You can decide on the colors that you like
As long as you stay in the lines
Tell me what did you learn
At school today
Did they show you what you're worth
You could read every word
You could solve every equation a hundred times
Just to wonder what comes next, so
All these years of filling out papers
Building a future
Keeping your head down
Tryin' to keep a head on your shoulders
Keep it creative
Make it your own somehow
Cause It's all a piece of the plan
It's something You'll understand
When you're older
Ah-ah
Something you understand
The day that you leave
And it's all before your feet
You've heard all the tips and the tricks
So you hum to a tune
Singing you'll figure it out soon
You're a smart kid, tough kid
But you're still a kid that grew (but you're still a kid that grew)
But you're still a kid that grew (but you're still a kid that grew)
But you're still a kid that grew (but you're still a kid that grew)
But you're still a kid that grew (but you're still a kid that grew)
But you're still a kid that grew (but you're still a kid that grew)
Throw 'em in the water
They will sink or float
If you don't then
You will never know
Throw 'em in the water
Let 'em sink or float
But unless you let it happen
You will never know
Throw 'em in the water
Let 'em sink or float
Give 'em what they need to move on
Then you let them go
Throw 'em in the water
They will sink or float
All these years of filling out papers
Building a future
Keeping your head down
Tryin' to keep a head on your shoulders
Keep it creative
Make it your own somehow
Cause It's all a piece of the plan
It's something You'll understand
When you're older
Let 'em sink or float
The song "Streaks" by ANIMA! opens with a nostalgic glimpse into childhood, where the innocence and simplicity of life is captured through the use of a brand-new coloring book. The emphasis is on being able to stay within the lines and choosing colors that you like, which is a reflection of how, as children, we are allowed to express ourselves without any inhibitions or restrictions. As the song progresses, it shifts to a more introspective tone, asking what it is that we truly learn in school - is it just about numbers and signs? Are we just filling out papers and building a future, without really knowing what comes next? The use of repetition in the chorus emphasizes the idea that we are still just kids growing up, trying to figure things out.
The second verse continues with the theme of building a future, and trying to keep a head on our shoulders while still being creative and making things our own. The tone here is slightly more melancholic, as the idea of fitting into a larger plan is acknowledged - something that we might only understand when we are older. The repetition of "throw 'em in the water" in the bridge serves as a metaphor for taking risks and not being afraid to let things sink or float. As much as we try to control our lives and the outcome of our decisions, sometimes we just have to let things happen and see where they take us.
Overall, "Streaks" is a contemplative song that touches on themes of growing up, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of life. It encourages listeners to not be afraid to take risks and make things their own, even if it means deviating from the path others have set for them.
Line by Line Meaning
Seven years old with a brand-new coloring book
A child, just starting out in life, is given a fresh start with their imagination and creativity, represented by a new coloring book.
Every page is a perfect design
Each page of the coloring book is blank, awaiting the child's input, allowing them to create their own perfect design.
You can decide on the colors that you like
The child is given the freedom to make their own choices and express themselves through their color choices.
As long as you stay in the lines
There are boundaries and guidelines to follow, but the child is still allowed to be creative within them.
Tell me what did you learn At school today
Asking the child about their daily education and experiences, with a focus on their personal growth.
Did they show you what you're worth In numbers and signs
Questioning the teaching methods of schools that solely focus on grades and academic numbers instead of the child's personal worth and potential.
You could read every word
The child has the ability to absorb and learn vast amounts of information.
You could solve every equation a hundred times
The child has a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills.
Just to wonder what comes next, so
Despite their abilities, the child still wonders about their future and what lies ahead.
All these years of filling out papers
Many years of the education system require repetitive paperwork completion in order to progress and move towards a future career.
Building a future
The constant emphasis on the future in education, and how it is necessary to prepare for it constantly.
Keeping your head down
Advice to keep focused, avoid distractions, and stay on the path towards building a future.
Tryin' to keep a head on your shoulders
Making calculated decisions and being mindful of the consequences at all times in order to stay on the right path.
Keep it creative
Despite the emphasis on building a future through academics, creativity is important and should not be forgotten in the journey.
Make it your own somehow
Tying back to the idea of the coloring book, it is important to make one's own unique mark on the world and stand out from the rest.
Cause It's all a piece of the plan
Everything experienced and learned along the way is leading towards a greater plan or purpose in life.
It's something You'll understand When you're older
The big picture or purpose behind everything may not be clear in the moment, but with time and maturity, it will become more obvious.
The day that you leave And it's all before your feet
The day a person leaves their current life and begins a new journey with endless possibilities.
You've heard all the tips and the tricks
Advice has been given throughout life to prepare for what is to come.
So you hum to a tune Singing you'll figure it out soon
Despite the advice and tips received, there is still an element of uncertainty and figuring things out as they come.
You're a smart kid, tough kid
Acknowledging the potential and resilience of the individual.
But you're still a kid that grew
Despite strengths and maturity, everyone is still growing and learning throughout life.
Throw 'em in the water They will sink or float
Taking risks and letting individuals make their own choices, with the possibility of succeeding or failing.
If you don't then You will never know
If risks are never taken, there will never be an opportunity to learn from experiences.
Give 'em what they need to move on Then you let them go
Providing support and guidance to individuals preparing to move on to the next phase of life, but ultimately letting them make their own choices and move forward independently.
Let 'em sink or float
Emphasizing the importance of learning from experiences, whether they are successful or not.
Contributed by Chase M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.