Animal Collective is a musical group which formed in Baltimore, Maryland, U… Read Full Bio ↴Animal Collective is a musical group which formed in Baltimore, Maryland, United States in 1999. The band consists of Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Avey Tare (David Portner), Deakin (Josh Dibb) and Geologist (Brian Weitz). Records released under the name Animal Collective may include contributions from any or all of these members; the lineup is not uniform.

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.

I Think I Can
Animal Collective Lyrics

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What's in the way? And
What's nice about staying on the same pace?
Want to, want to get on and stay on. But I
Guess I'm just doing what makes me feel good.

So

And I don't want, and I don't want

To keep myself from moving on anyways
And I know how too many tough times
Can ruin the day from good ways
(If I wanna, when I need to
You know I could just
Come back to it anyhow)

And I don't want, and I won't have
To keep myself from moving on anyways
And I know how too many tough times
Can ruin the day from good ways
(If I wanna, when I need to
You know I could just
Come back to it anyhow)
Can ruin the day from good ways

Will I get to move on soon?

(I try to stay in tune with what's happening)

I think I can, I think I can, I think I

Overall Meaning

can

In "I Think I Can" by Animal Collective, the singer is reflecting on their own obstacles and challenges that prevent them from moving forward. They question what is holding them back and why they continue to stay on the same pace. They express their desire to move on, but also acknowledge that they are doing what makes them feel good, even if it isn't necessarily the most productive or beneficial path. The refrain of "I think I can" is a nod to the famous children's book "The Little Engine That Could," which teaches perseverance and determination in the face of obstacles.

The lyrics also touch on the idea that too many tough times can ruin a good day. The singer acknowledges the importance of not letting challenges and setbacks completely derail them, but also recognizes the potential impact those tough times can have on their mood and well-being. The repetition of the phrase "If I wanna, when I need to, you know I could just come back to it anyhow" suggests that the singer is trying to maintain a sense of control and agency in their own life, even if their progress may be slow or uncertain.

Overall, "I Think I Can" explores the complexities of motivation, perseverance, and the emotional toll that obstacles can have on individuals. The song encourages listeners to stay focused on their goals and maintain a positive mindset, while also acknowledging that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the process.

Line by Line Meaning

What's in the way? And
What obstacles am I facing, and

What's nice about staying on the same pace?
What benefits are there to sticking to my current routine?

Want to, want to get on and stay on. But I
I have a desire to progress and keep moving forward, but

Guess I'm just doing what makes me feel good.
I'm primarily driven by my own immediate satisfaction.

And I don't want, and I don't want
I don't want to hold myself back, and

To keep myself from moving on anyways
prevent myself from progressing anyway

And I know how too many tough times
I'm aware that too many difficult experiences

Can ruin the day from good ways
can negatively impact an otherwise positive day.

(If I wanna, when I need to
(But if I decide to, or when I need to

You know I could just
I could easily

Come back to it anyhow)
return to it regardless)