The band has released fourteen albums: "Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished" (2000), "Danse Manatee" (2001), "Campfire Songs" (2003), "Here Comes the Indian" (2003), "Sung Tongs" (2004), "Feels" (2005), "Strawberry Jam" (2007), "Merriweather Post Pavilion" (2009), "Centipede Hz" (2012), "Painting With" (2016), "Tangerine Reef" (2018), "Crestone" (2021), "Time Skiffs" (2022), and "Isn't It Now?" (2023). They also composed and performed the soundtrack for the 2022 film, The Inspection, directed by Elegance Bratton and produced by A24.
Prior to "Here Comes the Indian", the group's albums were not credited to the band name "Animal Collective" but instead to "Avey Tare & Panda Bear" (for "Spirit"), "Avey Tare, Panda Bear & Geologist" (for "Danse") and "Campfire Songs" (for "Campfire Songs").
The band members met in school and started recording together in various forms of collaboration from a young age. Although the band is often classified as psych folk or noise rock, it is hard to define the Animal Collective sound as they often experiment with diverse styles and ideas from album to album. The group also runs the record label Paw Tracks on which they have released their own material as well as material by artists such as Ariel Pink, Terrestrial Tones, and The Peppermints. Paw Tracks' latest signee is Tickley Feather, with whom the band recently toured.
Applesauce
Animal Collective Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I was young I thought fruit was an infinite thing
I'd be sad to wake up and find all of my cherries are charred or they're rotted to ruin
Oh pink lady your days so distinguished are a movement so fluid
So smooth against my palm
Reminisce of the days when they all praised your sweet red delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (when you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I want fruit I can find it wherever I please
What if I should wake up and find dudes on the street waiting in lines or scrounging for berries?
I'm losing things so fast
One day maybe I'll have a cool kid with a granny but I don't have a pose for applesauce on clothes
Reminisce of the days when my mom made it all seem delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (when you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
Why should I rush, rush to blow upon the fire
Why do I rush, rush to blow upon the fire
One the eagle
Two the Nobel
Three the lizard
Four the sole
The lyrics of "Applesauce" by Animal Collective suggest a metaphorical relationship between fruit and life, most likely inspired by the seemingly endless variety of flavors and textures in fruit. The opening lines refer to eating mango and starfruit, and feeling like "a little honey can roll," both of which are expressions suggesting that the consumption of these fruits is pure pleasure. The ambiguous phrase "Tart but not total" could be interpreted as a comment on life as a mixed bag of experiences - not everything is sweet and perfect, but that doesn't mean it's bad. The line "When I was young I thought fruit was an infinite thing" suggests a loss of innocence, as the singer has grown up and learned that nothing lasts forever.
As the song continues, it becomes clear that the lyrics are not only about the joys and disappointments of life but also about the cycle of production and consumption represented by farming, cooking, and eating. The lines "When a farmer picks a good thing/then a kid he picks a good thing/then a chef she makes a good thing/then a mayor eats a good thing" suggest that every stage of this process is equally important and has a role to play in sustaining life.
The chorus of "Applesauce" encourages us to embrace the ripe and whole parts of ourselves, suggesting that we are all part of nature's cycles and that we must respect and honor that connection. Ultimately, the song seems to be about appreciating the fleeting nature of life and finding comfort in the little things that make it sweet.
Line by Line Meaning
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
I feel sweet and satisfied after eating a mango
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Even simple pleasures like eating a star fruit can make me feel content
How could I feel so so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Why should I ever feel sad when there are so many simple things that can bring me joy
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Even when something is a little sour or bitter, it can still be enjoyable
When I was young I thought fruit was an infinite thing
As a child, I thought that the world was full of endless possibilities and pleasures
I'd be sad to wake up and find all of my cherries are charred or they're rotted to ruin
I would be devastated to realize that my favorite things have been destroyed or are no longer available
It seems we all can't last
Nothing in this world is eternal, and eventually everything will come to an end
Oh pink lady your days so distinguished are a movement so fluid
The beauty and grace of a pink lady apple is like a flowing dance
So smooth against my palm
The texture of the apple is soft and pleasing
Reminisce of the days when they all praised your sweet red delicious
I remember the time when everyone loved the sweet and juicy red delicious apple
When a farmer picks a good thing (when you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
When someone creates or cultivates something, they don't know what the future will bring
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Even a child can recognize and appreciate something that is good, even if they don't appreciate its full implications
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
A chef can take something simple and turn it into an amazing creation, without knowing what the end result will be
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Even someone powerful and influential can't predict the effects that a simple pleasure like eating a good thing might have
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
We can find happiness and fulfillment outside of ourselves by enjoying simple pleasures
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
I want to capture the beauty of nature and its abundance of fruits and wonders
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Even when we enjoy something small or insignificant, it can contribute to a greater sense of joy and purpose
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Sometimes it's best to let go of complicated or unnecessary things and simplify our lives
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I need comfort and rest after a long and difficult struggle
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
Both of us are passionate and dynamic, but we express it in different ways
Why should I rush, rush to blow upon the fire
Why do I rush, rush to blow upon the fire
Why do I feel compelled to act impulsively, even when it might not be the best course of action
When I want fruit I can find it wherever I please
There is an abundance of good things in the world, and I can find them if I look for them
What if I should wake up and find dudes on the street waiting in lines or scrounging for berries?
What if the world suddenly became a place where good things were scarce and people had to compete for them
I'm losing things so fast
It feels like everything in my life is slipping away or disappearing
One day maybe I'll have a cool kid with a granny but I don't have a pose for applesauce on clothes
I don't know what the future holds, but I don't feel like I fit into the traditional narratives or expectations of adulthood
Reminisce of the days when my mom made it all seem delicious
I remember the time when my mother made everything in life taste good and simple
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
By enjoying the simple pleasures of life, we can transcend our own narrow concerns and become part of something greater
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
I want to capture the beauty and magic of the natural world, and share it with others
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Even small things can contribute to a greater and more harmonious whole
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
When things seem overwhelming or complicated, the best solution may be to simplify and focus on what really matters
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I need comfort and rest after going through difficult times and struggles
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: BRIAN ROSS WEITZ, DAVID MICHAEL PORTNER, JOSHUA CALEB DIBB, NOAH BENJAMIN LENNOX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Night Hawk
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so-so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I was young I thought fruit was an infinite thing
I'd be sad to wake up and find all of my cherries are charred or they're rotted to ruin
It seems we all can't last
Oh Pink Lady your days so distinguished are a movement so fluid
So smooth against my palm
Reminisce of the days when they all praised your sweet Red Delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so-so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I want fruit I can find it wherever I please
What if I crack my eyes and find dudes on the street waiting in lines or scrounging for berries?
I'm losing things so fast
One day maybe I'll have a cool kid with a Granny but I don't have a pose for applesauce on clothes
Reminisce of the days when my mom made it all seem delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling, dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me, comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
Why should I rush?
Rush to blow upon the fire
Why do I rush?
Rush to blow upon the fire
One the eagle
Two the noble
Three the lizard
Four the soul
Domino Recording Co.
‘Tangerine Reef’, Animal Collective’s audiovisual collaboration with Coral Morphologic, is out now. Watch the entire film here: http://smarturl.it/TangerineReefYT
More from Animal Collective on YouTube: http://smarturl.it/BestAnimalCollective
Raoul's Music Den
This whole album is so underrated...
Iamhereblossom
Honestly, over time I think it's among their best for me. Maybe top 3 for me. I think of the songs on this album more than any other.
Christian Woolsey
For anyone wondering, the fruit slices with the black seeds are dragonfruit. It's basically tastes like kiwi with the watery-ness of watermelon.
Salamander676
That’s a perfect description
MagicTurtle643
Actually this album is incredibly through composed. Moonjock, Mercury Man, Rosie Oh, Amanita and kind of New Town Burnout are all songs that have distinct sections that repeat within themselves then move on to something else.
JΞrry Maįn
Love that track its so freakin' freak
cedarsever
After a few times through the album, this is definitely my favorite new track. Honestly one of the things I love about this band is their diversity; I was both hoping and terrified they would just release another MPP.
solidsnake2085
This is my favorite track of Centipede Hz, I really wish this was the video for it. I love Animal Collective, they are my favorite band of all time.
Night Hawk
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so-so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I was young I thought fruit was an infinite thing
I'd be sad to wake up and find all of my cherries are charred or they're rotted to ruin
It seems we all can't last
Oh Pink Lady your days so distinguished are a movement so fluid
So smooth against my palm
Reminisce of the days when they all praised your sweet Red Delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
I eat a mango and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Star fruit so simple and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
How could I feel so-so when I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
Tart but not total and I'm feeling like a little honey can roll
When I want fruit I can find it wherever I please
What if I crack my eyes and find dudes on the street waiting in lines or scrounging for berries?
I'm losing things so fast
One day maybe I'll have a cool kid with a Granny but I don't have a pose for applesauce on clothes
Reminisce of the days when my mom made it all seem delicious
When a farmer picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a kid he picks a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a chef she makes a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Then a mayor eats a good thing (When you think you don't know you don't know what comes next)
Ripe and whole we can move outside us
Take for me take for me pictures of valleys with lemons hung
Dangling, dangling they will be released every little piece does make a one
Brown on the ground can you show me a way I can simplify
Comfort me, comfort me after the battles and sleepless nights
I'm just a rush
Rush to blow upon the fire
You're just a rush
Rush to blow open my mind
Why should I rush?
Rush to blow upon the fire
Why do I rush?
Rush to blow upon the fire
One the eagle
Two the noble
Three the lizard
Four the soul