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.
For Reverend Green
Animal Collective Lyrics
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Reading in the papers to know what's best
Sometimes you don't know yourself
Eating lots of vitamins for your health
From one moment to the next
Red negativity in the street
Maybe it's the dirt, maybe it's the heat
A baby on the bus might have needs so easy
Now I think it's alright we're together
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's the best you've ever played it
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's alright to feel inhuman
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's alright to sing together
Now I think that's alright yeah
A running child's bloody with burning knees
A kid that stabs mommy flew in the trees
A camping child's happy with winter's freeze
A lucky child don't know how lucky she is
From one moment to the next
A thousand wasted bookmarkers all depressed
The ins and outs of something's chest
He'll only be a friend if he touches your breast
From one moment to the next
Shifting in the plates of what you ingest
From sugar teas to honey best
Bulimic vegetarian wins a contest
Now I think it's alright we're together
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's the best we've ever played it
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's alright to feel inhuman
Now I think that's alright yeah
Now I think it's alright to sing together
Now I think that's alright yeah
A running child's bloody with burning knees
A kid that stabs mommy flew in the trees
A camping child's happy with winter's freeze
A lucky child don't know how lucky he is
For Reverend Green
Animal Collective's song "For Reverend Green" seems to be a commentary on the human experience and the day-to-day struggles that people face. The lyrics describe the constant need to seek guidance and direction, whether it be from newspapers or vitamins, as well as the chaos and violence that can be present in society, portrayed through images of a running child with burning knees and a kid that stabs their mother. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "Now I think it's alright," suggests a sense of acceptance and even optimism in the face of these struggles, acknowledging that it's okay to feel inhuman or imperfect and that singing together can bring a sense of togetherness and community.
The song's repeated imagery of children also seems to point to a sense of innocence and purity that can be lost as people grow up and encounter the darker aspects of the world. The final lines about a lucky child who doesn't know how lucky they are also suggest a recognition of the privilege and advantages some people have, while others are left to struggle and suffer.
Overall, "For Reverend Green" paints a vivid picture of the complexities of human existence, highlighting the constant need for guidance and support, the challenges of navigating a sometimes violent and chaotic world, and the importance of finding connection and meaning through music.
Line by Line Meaning
From one moment to the next
Life is an unpredictable journey full of different moments and experiences that shape our lives continuously.
Reading in the papers to know what's best
People tend to seek advice from different sources to make better decisions and live their lives to the fullest.
Sometimes you don't know yourself
It's okay to be uncertain or unaware of oneself at times as that helps in self-discovery and personal growth.
Eating lots of vitamins for your health
Taking care of one's physical health by consuming nutritious food is essential for overall well-being.
Red negativity in the street
The world can be a harsh and pessimistic place, and one should try to remain hopeful and optimistic despite the negativity.
Maybe it's the dirt, maybe it's the heat
The overwhelming situation can make one feel lost or hopeless, but it's crucial to learn to cope with them and find a way forward.
A baby on the bus might have needs so easy
Children are innocent, and the most basic things can make them happy. It's essential to enjoy simple pleasures in life and find joy in the little things.
Now I think it's alright we're together
Being in the company of people who support and care for us is essential to stay mentally and emotionally strong.
Now I think that's alright yeah
Feeling content and satisfied with one's life is crucial for inner peace and happiness.
Now I think it's the best you've ever played it
Learning to appreciate the hard work and dedication of oneself and others is essential for building strong relationships and self-esteem.
Now I think that's alright yeah
Feeling positive and accepting of oneself and others is crucial for personal and interpersonal growth.
Now I think it's alright to feel inhuman
Feeling emotionally detached or desensitized is normal, and one should not feel guilty or ashamed of it.
Now I think it's alright yeah
It's essential to learn to accept and love oneself despite one's imperfections and flaws.
Now I think it's alright to sing together
Music has healing power, and singing together with loved ones can help to build strong bonds and alleviate stress and anxiety.
A running child's bloody with burning knees
Life is full of challenges and hardships, but children have a remarkable resilience and can overcome them.
A kid that stabs mommy flew in the trees
Childhood traumas can have life-long effects, and it's essential to seek help and support to deal with them.
A camping child's happy with winters freeze
Nature has a calming effect on the mind and soul, and it's essential to spend time outdoors and enjoy its beauty.
A lucky child don't know how lucky she is
People often take things for granted and fail to appreciate the blessings and privileges they have. It's essential to practice gratitude and acknowledge them.
From one moment to the next
Life is continuously changing, and one needs to learn to adapt and find joy in the present moment.
A thousand wasted bookmarkers all depressed
People often avoid dealing with unpleasant emotions or confronting their problems by indulging in distractions and time pass activities.
The ins and outs of something's chest
Understanding one's emotions and their causes is crucial for personal growth and healing.
He'll only be a friend if he touches your breast
People often have ulterior motives and hidden agendas, and it's important to surround oneself with genuine and trustworthy individuals.
Shifting in the plates of what you ingest
One's diet and lifestyle choices have a significant impact on one's health and well-being, and it's essential to make healthy changes to improve one's quality of life.
From sugar teas to honey best
Making healthier choices, even when it comes to small things like tea, can have significant effects on one's physical and emotional health.
Bulimic vegetarian wins a contest
One should prioritize one's health over societal expectations or outward appearances.
For Reverend Green
The title of the song that refers to a person, but the lyrics do not provide any specific information to make any connection or interpretation.
Lyrics ยฉ ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING
Written by: BRIAN ROSS WEITZ, DAVID MICHAEL PORTNER, NOAH BENJAMIN LENNOX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind