In 2004, the group graduated from college and moved into an apartment in Brooklyn with an aggressive, hirsute landlord named Baki. Shortly thereafter, Daniel joined the group Grizzly Bear and began playing guitar and singing with them (he went on to write a goodly portion of their sophomore album, Yellow House). Fred tried to escape his boring magazine job by going on tour opening up for the band Subtle, but the tour was cancelled when Subtle's bus crashed, tragically injuring keyboardist Dax Pierson. DOE was on something of a hiatus. Then in 2005, a British label re-released their debut album in Europe under a different title, and the group began working on new material. This time around, the music featured little-to-no electronic embellishments and was inspired by Randy Newman, Van Dyke Parks, Paul Williams, and Paul McCartney. On October 7, 2008 they released their follow-up, In Ear Park, on 4AD.
Daniel plays guitar, bass, piano, drums, cello, and sings. He majored in Linguistics. His grandfather, Robert Rossen, directed the critically acclaimed movies All the Kings Men and The Hustler. Fred plays drums and various random instruments. He majored in Art History. His father, Martin Nicolaus, wrote the definitive translation of Karl Marx's Gundrisse.
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Department of Eagles went on to join Grizzly Bear with their recording of 2009 LP 'Veckatimist'
Teenagers
Department of Eagles Lyrics
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You want to leave me but you don't know how to say it
Try to tell me other ways, didn't do any good
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Something's bubbling up inside my head
I want to stay here but I don't know how
In the morning, morning
Maybe we should back it together
But I don't know if it'd be much better, oh
Teenagers, teenagers, teenagers
Teenagers, teenagers, teenagers
Something's tumbling down inside your holy head
I know you're hiding when you drive by with your hood on
Gone, you'll be gone, with all that we should be done
In the morning, morning
(morning, morning)
Teenagers, teenagers, teenagers
Teenagers, teenagers, teenagers
In "Teenagers," Department of Eagles explores the idea of young love, and the confusion and uncertainty that come with it. The song speaks to the bubbling emotions that arise, and the struggle to communicate them effectively. The lyrics suggest that both parties are struggling with the decision to end things, but are unsure how to do so.
The repeated phrase "teenagers, teenagers" highlights the idea that despite the challenges of trying to navigate complex emotions, the characters in the song are still in the early stages of life and love. The idea of not knowing how to move on or express oneself is a common experience for many young people.
The use of the line "something's bubbling up inside your holy head" suggests that the emotions felt by the characters are overwhelming and confusing. The use of the word "holy" could imply a religious or spiritual dimension to the character's thoughts and feelings, adding to the sense of complexity and confusion.
Overall, "Teenagers" is a poignant exploration of the challenges that can arise in young love, and the struggle to communicate and navigate complex emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Something's bubbling up inside your holy head
You are feeling some strong emotions and it is reflected in your facial expressions
You want to leave me but you don't know how to say it
You are unsure how to break the news to me that you no longer want to be with me
Try to tell me other ways, didn't do any good
You've attempted to communicate your thoughts on this matter in different ways, but it has not been effective
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
This could be an expression of frustration or hopelessness
Something's bubbling up inside my head
I am also feeling some strong emotions and it is causing me inner turmoil
I want to stay here but I don't know how
Despite the issues at hand, I still desire to remain in this current situation
Gone, you'll be gone, with all that we should be gone
You will leave and take with you everything we could have had together
In the morning, morning
This could be a reference to feeling regret or sadness after a night of contemplation
Maybe we should back it together
Perhaps we could try to reconcile and work through our issues
But I don't know if it'd be much better, oh
I am uncertain if attempting to fix our relationship would actually improve our situation
Something's tumbling down inside your holy head
Your mental state is worsening and you are struggling with your emotions
I know you're hiding when you drive by with your hood on
You are intentionally avoiding me and it is evident by the fact that you go out of your way to conceal yourself
Gone, you'll be gone, with all that we should be done
You will disappear and all of the potential for our relationship to flourish will be lost as well
(morning, morning)
This repetition could be reinforcing the idea that the singer is feeling regret or sadness
Teenagers, teenagers, teenagers
This repetition could be highlighting the idea that despite age, we can still experience similar emotions and struggles
Contributed by Eliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.