It's You
Animal Collective - Vashti Bunyan Lyrics

The lyrics of Animal Collective's song It's You are incredibly simple and repetitive, yet they are also strikingly effective at conveying a sense of persistent, relentless movement. The repeated phrases "Stay, stand, still, going" emphasize that even as time passes and circumstances change, there is a constant forward momentum that underlies all of life. This is emphasized by the repeated refrain "still going on," which suggests that no matter what happens, the world keeps turning and the future continues to unfold.

The repetition of the line "What's going on" highlights the sense of confusion and uncertainty that can arise in the face of this relentless forward movement, suggesting that even as people try to make sense of their lives, there are always deeper mysteries and uncertainties that remain just out of reach. This is echoed in the final lines of the song, which repeatedly affirm the presence of an unnamed "you" -- a presence that is simultaneously reassuring and enigmatic, conveying a sense of deep connection and intimacy while also acknowledging the vast gulf that separates individuals from one another.