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.

Summing The Wretch
Animal Collective Lyrics

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Watch it watch you watching wretch
Plugged into a people patch
Watch as bonds that illustrate
Also start to complicate

Catches in a net of type
Absence makes the sense go dark
All of the intended dart

None of the extended soul

Getting screwed not much to do
When no one's watching
No one's looking
Can you see, see, see, see, see, see, see, see it

Feel a surge and make a steal
No one round to see the deed
Surge so strong it's tough to tame
Urges lead with none to blame

Things go up that must come down
Those so down don't want to drop
Every one so keen to glow
Bubble up from down below

Wicked moves with none to lose
When no one's looking
No one's watching
Can you be, be, be, be, be, be, be, be it

So
Don't get caught lost

So
Don't get caught watching
Don't get caught lost

Don't get caught watching
Don't get caught lost

Overall Meaning

In Animal Collective's song "Summing The Wretch," the lyrics explore themes of surveillance, self-awareness, and the consequences of our actions when no one is watching. The song presents a complex narrative about the human inclination to hide behind a façade and engage in questionable behavior when we believe there are no consequences.

The opening lines, "Watch it watch you watching wretch / Plugged into a people patch," set the tone for the song. It suggests that the wretch is being observed, possibly by a larger entity or society. The wretch is hooked up to this "people patch," which could refer to social media or a system of surveillance. As the wretch continues to be observed, the bonds that illustrate their actions also begin to complicate, hinting at the complexities of human behavior and the consequences that arise from our actions.

The lyrics further explore the notion of absence and the darkness that ensues when sense disappears. This absence could refer to the lack of moral guidance or the absence of someone's watchful eye. It suggests that without consequences or accountability, people may succumb to their less noble urges. The line "Surge so strong it's tough to tame / Urges lead with none to blame" reflects this idea, highlighting the unrestrained behavior that emerges when individuals believe they can act without consequence.

In the latter half of the song, the lyrics emphasize the cyclical nature of human behavior. The line "Things go up that must come down" speaks to the inevitable consequences that follow our actions. Additionally, the lyrics acknowledge the desire to maintain a positive external image, as everyone is "so keen to glow" and bubble up from below. This could be interpreted as the longing for recognition and validation from others.

Overall, "Summing The Wretch" delves into the human psyche, showcasing the dynamic between surveillance, self-awareness, and the consequences of unchecked behavior.

Line by Line Meaning

Watch it watch you watching wretch
Observe how the wretched creature scrutinizes your every move

Plugged into a people patch
Connected to a network of individuals

Watch as bonds that illustrate
Witness how relationships that depict closeness

Also start to complicate
Gradually become convoluted

Catches in a net of type
Caught within a web of categorization

Absence makes the sense go dark
When absent, understanding becomes obscured

All of the intended dart
Every intentional jab

None of the extended soul
Yet lacks any genuine depth

Getting screwed not much to do
In a disadvantageous position with limited options

When no one's watching
While no one pays attention

No one's looking
When no one is actively seeking