Bees
Animal Collective Lyrics

The lyrics of Animal Collective's song "Bees" are open to interpretation, but there could be different ways to approach their meaning. One possible reading is that the "bees" serve as a metaphor for a sudden, overwhelming, and potentially dangerous force that disrupts the singer's sense of control or stability. The bees are described as coming suddenly, violently, slyly, widely, and crying, which suggests their power and unpredictability. The repetition of the phrase "I take my time" could reflect the singer's attempt to stay composed and patient in the face of the bees' onslaught, while also acknowledging that time might be running out. The lines "And if you need us/ Or if you need/ The bees" could imply a surrender to the bees' supremacy, perhaps even a plea for their intervention or protection, as if there is no other option but to accept their dominance.

Another way to approach the lyrics is to see them as a meditation on nature and its cycles. Bees are known for their role in pollination and honey-making, but their hives also have a complex social structure and communication system that has fascinated humans for centuries. By invoking the image of the bees, Animal Collective might be celebrating their richness and diversity as part of the natural world. The bees' arrival could then be seen as a reminder that nature is not always predictable or controllable, but that it also has its own wisdom and pace. The repeated phrases "I take my time" and "You take your time" could be an invitation to slow down, listen, and attune oneself to the rhythms of the world, including the buzzing of the bees.

Overall, Animal Collective's "Bees" is a cryptic and poetic song that invites multiple interpretations. Its imagery of bees, with all their associations of industriousness, sweetness, danger, and complexity, makes for a memorable and evocative listening experience.