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.
Spilling Guts
Animal Collective Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Takes some time to waste a guy
Must be mad
Okay, a smoldering burn
Must be bad
Cut deep and festering day by day
No one wants a free for all
A break, a lift to climb
On a back
Tough luck a pebble short of quit
Only those that get into the way, way back
Way way back before the thumb
Was a way
A path, a reckoning
Like a catch
Sewn deep and gesturing day by day
Take a guy, an every man
Must be glad
Well off, a gentle ease
Underneath
A film that's cracking bit by bit
Only those that get into the way
That's that
Or maybe keep in mind
Take the hit or take the fall
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
Fall back
The lyrics to Animal Collective's song "Spilling Guts" suggest a message of perseverance and determination despite internal struggles. The repetition of "spilling guts" possibly represents the act of exposing one's true self and confronting one's insecurities. The line "takes some time to waste a guy" could imply that it takes a while to break someone down, while "cut deep and festering day by day" hints at the persistent impact that these internal struggles can have on an individual.
The song then shifts to talking about the idea of moving forward, yet recognizes that success is not purely based on individual merit, but also dependent on opportunities and chances. The line "no one wants a free for all, just a chance" acknowledges the importance of gaining a foothold and finding a path to success. The chorus, "only those that get into the way, way back" promotes the idea of looking back to one's roots and upbringing to find strength and clarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Spilling guts, spilling, guts, spilling guts, spilling guts, spilling guts
The act of sharing one's deepest and most personal thoughts and feelings; repeating this action multiple times to emphasize its importance.
Takes some time to waste a guy
It takes time and energy to break someone's spirit.
Must be mad
The person causing harm must be mentally unwell or irrational.
Okay, a smoldering burn
The hurt inflicted is not immediate or easily noticeable, but instead slowly simmers and intensifies over time.
Must be bad
The situation is dire and unpleasant.
Cut deep and festering day by day
The emotional pain inflicted runs deep and is left to worsen over time, leading to negative consequences.
No one wants a free for all
People do not want chaos or a situation without rules or structure.
Just a chance
All someone may need is an opportunity or possibility to improve their situation.
A break, a lift to climb
An opportunity or chance to get ahead or progress upward.
On a back
Depending on someone else for support or assistance.
Tough luck a pebble short of quit
One is very close to giving up or quitting, but is still pushing through despite significant hardships.
Only those that get into the way, way back
Only those who have gone through the most difficult or extreme experiences will understand.
Way way back before the thumb
Referring to a time before modern technology, when life was simpler and potentially more peaceful.
Was a way
Life was navigated through different means and methods.
A path, a reckoning
Navigating life was a process that involved making choices and facing consequences.
Like a catch
Life was a game that required skill and strategy to succeed.
Sewn deep and gesturing day by day
The actions and choices made in life are deeply ingrained and constantly reinforced over time.
Take a guy, an every man
Referring to a generic or typical individual.
Must be glad
The person is content or satisfied with their situation.
Well off, a gentle ease
The person is financially comfortable and has a relaxed or easy-going lifestyle.
Underneath
Despite initial appearances, there is something unsettling or problematic beneath the surface.
A film that's cracking bit by bit
The façade or image that the person has constructed is starting to fall apart or reveal its true nature.
That's that
The situation is resolved or completed.
Or maybe keep in mind
Alternatively, one might want to consider or remember something.
Take the hit or take the fall
Accept the consequences of one's actions, whether positive or negative.
Fall back
Either resign oneself to a negative outcome, or retreat from a difficult situation.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Fall back
Repeating this statement for emphasis.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: NOAH BENJAMIN LENNOX, DAVID MICHAEL PORTNER, BRIAN ROSS WEITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind