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.
Hey Light
Animal Collective Lyrics
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In the curtain, in the room, in a well-made bed for two, I'm walking
Hey Light
I'd forgotten work today, 'cause you should work all day, they're walking
Hey Light, the colors will arise, keep it deep inside, we are also working
I can wear my moccasins
You have made me smile again
There ain't nothin' like you
The song Hey Light by Animal Collective has a surreal and dreamlike quality to its lyrics. It seems to be from the perspective of someone laying in bed, perhaps with a partner. The first two lines set the scene of a curtain in the room and a well-made bed for two. The repetition of the phrase "Hey Light" seems to be a call for attention, almost as if the person is asking for the light to come into the room. The next line mentions forgetting work, indicating a sense of release or escape, and the line "they're walking" suggests that the person may feel as though they are missing out on something.
The next line "Hey Light, the colors will arise" is open to interpretation. It could be interpreted as a reference to the way colors can change and become more vibrant in different lighting. However, it's more likely to be a metaphorical reference to feelings or emotions that will awaken. Keeping the colors "deep inside" is like keeping emotions hidden, but acknowledging them. The final line brings the focus back to the relationship and the joy it brings - "There ain't nothin' like you."
Overall, the song conveys a sense of intimacy, comfort, and release. The repetition of "Hey Light" gives it a hypnotic feeling, and the surreal lyrics almost feel like a dream. It's a beautiful and evocative song that leaves a lot open to interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Light
In the curtain, in the room, in a well-made bed for two, I'm walking
Addressing the light, the singer describes their surroundings and how they are walking around in a room with a neatly made bed for two people, likely feeling comfort and safety.
Hey Light
I'd forgotten work today, 'cause you should work all day, they're walking
The singer forgot about their job for the day due to the distractions and happiness brought by the presence of the light. They acknowledge the societal norm of working constantly, but choose to prioritize their own enjoyment in the moment.
Hey Light, the colors will arise, keep it deep inside, we are also working
The singer notes how the light affects the world around them, bringing out new colors and beauty. They encourage keeping the positive influence of the light within oneself and recognize the inherent value in simply existing and experiencing life as work.
Hey Light
I can wear my moccasins
You have made me smile again
There ain't nothin' like you
The artist expresses gratitude towards the light for bringing joy and contentment into their life, and compares the unique happiness it brings to nothing else. They feel comfortable and free to be themselves, symbolized by wearing their comfortable moccasins.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: DAVID PORTNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind