April and the Phantom
Avey Tare and Panda Bear Lyrics

When April passes by, she thinks of saying bye
April is contemplating death

She tells her mother, I am not afraid
April is trying to reassure her mother that she is not afraid to die

Of dying in the bath, or swinging from up here
April is imagining different ways she could die

She asks her mother if she slept with strangers
April has questions about her mother's past

Phantom was the bright way out
The idea of a phantom represents a way out of the suffering April is experiencing

Of all the things her mother said
April is trying to make sense of her mother's past and present behavior

A whisper to her scream
The phantom represents a calming presence to April's anxiety

An Autumn in my green
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to how April is feeling in a given moment

December, hello frost
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to a change in season, mood, or atmosphere

Her mother would say "dad
April's mother is remembering a past relationship

I don't know where April went"
April's mother has lost touch with her daughter

She ran out in nature
April goes outside to find solace

I found the Phantom would go
The singer discovers the phantom's path

Across the river and hide from all the suffering
The phantom finds a way to escape pain and hardship

Like the shades of trees
The phantom moves discreetly, like a shadow

Take off my dress and flow into the stuff we're in
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to a metamorphosis or a spiritual transformation

Everybody wants it!
The artist is frustrated with the way things are and the lack of control over situations

Aah, can't you see me waste it?
The singer feels like they are wasting their life away

We've gotta buy our land
The singer wants to take control and have ownership of their life

When they go out and take all the stuff we're in
The artist feels like external forces are taking away their sense of identity

We've got neither reachin' for the stars
The artist is not aiming high enough and is settling for less than they deserve

And beg and keep us sufferin'
The artist sees a cycle of suffering and wants to break free from it

I finally see a baby girl
The singer is having a realization about the future

I'm sorry April, but you'll be fine ‘til then
The artist is addressing April and trying to reassure her

I'm the Phantom
The singer identifies with the phantom figure

When I sleep around, and you're on top
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to a sexual scenario or power dynamics

A frenzy April, then we ride again
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to an emotional or psychic ride

And in the end, your mother knows
The artist acknowledges the role of April's mother in relation to their relationship

I'm sorry April, but a child grows
The artist is addressing April and acknowledging the passage of time

Watch me as I lead the way
The singer is taking charge of their destiny

Phantom, please put on my make-up!
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to an act of transformation or going incognito

I am breathin', I'll keep callin'
The artist is trying to keep their focus and composure

Phantom, you're all white and naked!
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to the purity and vulnerability of the phantom image

Have your baby, I'll keep callin'
The artist is reminding April that they are there for her

I'm not right, I'm not fakin'!
The singer rejects the notion that they are pretending or lying about their true self

I am burnin', and I'm shakin'
The artist is experiencing intense emotions

April, no, it's just a spirit!
The singer is trying to soothe April's fears and doubts

I am there, end is nearin'
The singer reflects on the impermanence of existence

April and the Phantom
The song's central relationship dynamic

They were just like lovers
The artist draws parallels between April and the phantom and a romantic couple

Always sneakin' kisses for the weekend
This line is obscure and could have various interpretations, possibly referring to intimacy, secrecy, and transgression

Everything's just okay with me
The singer is trying to stay positive and optimistic

Until they buried Phantom by the road
The story takes a darker turn as the phantom dies

Kid has got no friends
The song ends on a somber note, suggesting isolation and loneliness

Kid has got no friends at all
The final line emphasizes the theme of social alienation and disconnection