Royal and Desire
Animal Collective Lyrics

The opening lines of the song, "Do you fall before the sun? And in the face of each trial, Are you sure that it's down down?" can be interpreted as questioning the listener's attitude towards challenges and difficulties in life. The phrase "fall before the sun" could imply surrendering or giving in to hardships, while "down, down" suggests a negative or defeated outlook. The artist is asking if the listener is certain that the only response to these trials is to feel down and defeated.

The next verse introduces the concept of a lie that the listener has placed before the birth of their own reality. It could be seen as a reference to self-deception or holding onto beliefs or illusions that prevent personal growth. The artist encourages the listener to start living in the present moment, to let go of the lie and embrace the now.

The chorus, "Decide I'm one and I sing, Inside I'm still as I move, Now forget all that down, down" suggests the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself. The artist urges the listener to embrace their individuality and inner voice, emphasizing that they should not dwell on negative thoughts or experiences.

The following verse, "Now I'm washed in Bywater rain, These water oaks and the train, And that song singing loud, loud" evokes a sense of being immersed in a natural setting, specifically in a place called Bywater. The mention of rain and water oaks could symbolize purification and growth. The song that sings loud may represent the artist's own expression or a metaphor for an uplifting experience.

The third verse seems to be about the struggle to maintain a childlike perspective on love and life. The artist reflects on the difficulty of consistently approaching life and relationships with the wonder and innocence of a child, always pursuing and never being deterred by obstacles. However, the phrase "But it never holds how, how?" implies a sense of disappointment or the realization that this childlike view is not always sustainable.

The refrain, "Don't hold too long, Or think you feign insane for sane's sake, Don't break for song, Don't break your name" serves as a reminder to the listener to not cling too tightly to their own identity or ideas. It suggests that holding on too tightly to one's beliefs or reputation can lead to a loss of authenticity. The phrase "feign insane for sane's sake" implies that pretending to be something you're not just to conform to societal expectations is not worth sacrificing your own sanity.

The closing lines express gratitude towards someone who has taught the artist to stand strong, even in the face of adversity. The reference to splinters rising suggests that even when things break or fall apart, there is always the potential for growth and renewal. The repetition of "round 'round" at the end emphasizes a cyclical nature of life and suggests that no matter what challenges arise, we will always find our way back to where we started.