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.
Recycling
Animal Collective Lyrics
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Don't know if a lesson matters less than what's to eat
While you got it you figure why not launch off of the very highest rope
Not trying to be shore side scoping breaks to score a ride
More like causing fractures from the deep that ripple out
Who needs slicker tools to build a portrait out of place
Not trying to be sneaky when it's wanting face to face
Don't care if a lesion's clotting up or ceases to bleed
Don't know if a lesson is a pleasure or a need
While you're huffing you figure why not soak up all the craze instead of cope
The lyrics of Animal Collective's song "Recycling" seem to touch on themes of indifference, consumption, and seeking pleasure in the face of uncertainty. The opening lines, "Don't care whether this ship sails or sinks into the meat, Don't know if a lesson matters less than what's to eat," suggest a lack of concern for the outcome or consequences of actions. The focus is on immediate gratification and satisfying basic needs rather than learning or growing.
The next lines, "While you got it you figure why not launch off of the very highest rope, Not trying to be shore side scoping breaks to score a ride," convey a sense of taking risks and seizing opportunities, even if it means pushing boundaries. It reflects a mindset of taking advantage of the moment and exploring new possibilities.
The following verse continues this theme, asserting that one doesn't need sophisticated tools or strategies to create something meaningful or impactful. It suggests that one can make a mark by being direct and confrontational, rather than manipulative or cunning. The line, "When you're rotten you figure why not stick up for the very finest dope," implies that even in a state of decay or moral ambiguity, one can still strive to attain the best or most pleasurable experiences.
Overall, the lyrics of "Recycling" appear to highlight a mindset of immediate gratification, indifference to consequences, and a tendency to prioritize pleasure over growth or responsibility.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't care whether this ship sails or sinks into the meat
I'm indifferent to whether this endeavor succeeds or fails miserably
Don't know if a lesson matters less than what's to eat
I'm unsure if acquiring knowledge is less important than satisfying immediate desires
While you got it you figure why not launch off of the very highest rope
When you have the opportunity, why not take a bold risk and aim for the highest achievement
Not trying to be shore side scoping breaks to score a ride
I'm not attempting to strategically plan opportune moments to benefit myself
More like causing fractures from the deep that ripple out
Instead, I aim to create disruptions that originate from deep within, generating widespread effects
Who needs slicker tools to build a portrait out of place
Why rely on fancy tools to create a unique and unconventional masterpiece
Not trying to be sneaky when it's wanting face to face
I'm not attempting to be deceptive when honesty and directness are desired
When you're rotten you figure why not stick up for the very finest dope
When you're feeling morally bankrupt, why not defend the most exquisite indulgence
Don't care if a lesion's clotting up or ceases to bleed
I don't care if a wound is healing or stopping its bleeding
Don't know if a lesson is a pleasure or a need
I'm uncertain whether acquiring knowledge brings joy or fulfills a necessity
While you're huffing you figure why not soak up all the craze instead of cope
When you're feeling intoxicated or overwhelmed, why not fully immerse yourself in the excitement rather than trying to manage it
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: NOAH BENJAMIN LENNOX, DAVID MICHAEL PORTNER, BRIAN ROSS WEITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind