Bear's Den have released four studio albums: Islands (2014), Red Earth & Pouring Rain (22 July 2016), So that you might hear me (26 April 2019), and Blue Hours (13 May 2022). Islands peaked at number forty-nine on the UK Albums Chart. The band has also issued six EPs: Agape (2013), Without/Within (2013), Only Son of the Falling Snow (2019), Christmas, Hopefully (2020), The Quiet Winter Light (2022), and First Loves (2023).
The band has been nominated for several music awards throughout their career, with "Above the Clouds of Pompeii" earning the band a nomination for the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 2015. The band received two nominations at the UK Americana Awards in 2016, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Agape".
Napoleon
Bear's Den Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A tall glass of Napoleon and an off white leather chair
Trying to sink tomorrow
What′s so important today?
You said the same shit yesterday
The tired lies that you recite
You don't really mean them, do you?
A whole life just scattered and strewn
Across the bathroom floor
And I′ll draw the blinds and lock the doors
We need some help
I can only help you hurt yourself
I threw it all down the wishing well
Don't throw it all down the wishing well
You always say that we're gonna get there
Show me where
Show me where
Don′t just say that we′re gonna get there
I wanna know where
I wanna know where
It's not too late to mend
We′ve only got one shot now Napoleon
No, it's not too late to mend
It′s not too late to mend what we've broken
It′s not too late to mend
We've only got one shot now Napoleon
No, it's not too late to mend
It′s not too late to mend what we′ve broken
You always say that we're gonna get there
Show me where
Show me where
Don′t just say that we're gonna get there
I wanna know where
I wanna know where
It′s not too late to mend
We've only got one shot now Napoleon
No, it′s not too late to mend
It's not too late to mend what we've broken
It′s not too late to mend
We′ve only got one shot now Napoleon
No, it's not too late to mend
It′s not too late to mend what we've broken
The lyrics of Bear's Den's song "Napoleon" tell a story of a person who is struggling with addiction and self-destructive behavior. The images evoke a sense of despair and emptiness that are often associated with such struggles. The metaphor of a "tall glass of Napoleon and an off white leather chair" suggests a sense of indulgence and luxury that the person is using to escape reality. The repetition of the phrase "What's so important today?" suggests a sense of helplessness and the futility of trying to find meaning in a life that seems to be going nowhere. The person is stuck in a cycle of "tired lies" and self-destruction, and the singer of the song is trying to help by drawing the blinds and locking the doors, but he knows that he can only do so much. The chorus of the song repeats the idea that it's not too late to change and mend what has been broken, but it's clear that the struggle is ongoing.
The use of Napoleon as a metaphor in the song is interesting. Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military leader and emperor who is often associated with ambition, power, and conquest. However, he also suffered from addiction and mental illness, which ultimately led to his downfall. By using Napoleon as a symbol, the song suggests that even those who appear to be powerful and invincible can be brought down by their demons. The use of the name Napoleon also adds a sense of irony to the song, as the person in the lyrics is the opposite of what we might expect from someone named after a great conqueror.
Overall, Bear's Den's "Napoleon" is a powerful and emotionally charged song that deals with issues of addiction and self-destruction. The lyrics are haunting and thought-provoking, and the use of metaphors and imagery adds depth and complexity to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I still see you there
The memory of you still lingers on in my mind.
A tall glass of Napoleon and an off white leather chair
I picture you sitting in a luxurious chair with a drink in your hand.
Trying to sink tomorrow
You're drowning your sorrows to forget about the future.
What's so important today?
You're avoiding the present by focusing on the past or future.
You said the same shit yesterday
You're stuck in a cycle of repeating the same lies and excuses.
The tired lies that you recite
Your words are hollow and meaningless because you don't believe them yourself.
You don't really mean them, do you?
You're not being honest with yourself or others.
Another broken afternoon
Another day wasted in sadness and despair.
A whole life just scattered and strewn
Your life is a mess with no clear direction or purpose.
Across the bathroom floor
Your problems have spilled over into all aspects of your life.
And I'll draw the blinds and lock the doors
I'll shut out the world and try to hide from my problems.
We need some help
We can't do this alone, we need someone to lean on.
I can only help you hurt yourself
My attempts to help you only make things worse.
I threw it all down the wishing well
I gave up on my hopes and dreams and threw them away.
Don't throw it all down the wishing well
Don't give up on your goals and aspirations, keep fighting for them.
You always say that we're gonna get there
You express optimism but don't back it up with action or direction.
Show me where
Give me a concrete plan and direction to follow.
Don't just say that we're gonna get there
Words aren't enough, actions must follow.
It's not too late to mend
We still have a chance to fix our mistakes and make things right.
We've only got one shot now Napoleon
We must act decisively and with purpose to achieve our goals.
It's not too late to mend what we've broken
We can still repair and improve our lives and relationships.
Writer(s): Andrew Davie, Kevin Jones, Johannes Refsdal
Contributed by Chase G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kimerincowley
One of those gigs I'll be forever grateful to have attended. Unforgettable. Beyond special.
@paulfrith4155
For me too!
@laurenk637
I had the pleasure of watching this live. Breath taking. What a wonderful night. Thank you Bear's Den.
@JenSimzz
I love all versions of Napoleon. Beautiful music. I wake up and go to bed to this awesome masterpiece! It’s getting me through some tough times. Thank you!
@AA_Dandelion_Days
It would be a huge injustice to say that everything you touch turns to gold, because gold is flat, dull and lifeless compared to the beauty you and those who work with you create. Absolutely stunning once again, and these YouTube drops just ramp up the excitement for the new album. Can't wait for it to drop at my door and for the chance to be back in the same room as you guys, listening live!! Thanks for everything 🙂
@paulfrith4155
Thank you - really hoping to be able to do this live again soon!
@joelalich2645
Paul Frith Insanely beautiful. Thank you. Just thank you.
@francesrivers8397
Absolutely Beautiful Strings Arrangement 😮 Sooo impressed with the Sound Quality. Too 😢😍
@AlanHaire
Takes you to a place in your 'bucket list' that you can't quite explain. Astonishingly great song. A band certainly worth your time, before you die! ❤
@PhoebeSmurf
The talent among all the people in this video absolutely astounds me. Thank you for bringing such sweet sounds into our world.