Originally part of short-lived Chicago group I Rowboat, Johnson and two of his fellow Rowboat members, guitarist Dan Strack and drummer Brian Belval, created Fruit Bats as a side-project. When I Rowboat split up, Fruit Bats became Johnson's main focus. Spurred on by Califone/Perishable Records honchos Tim Rutili and Ben Massarella, the group recorded their first album, Echolocation, released in 2001.
After tours with Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, Modest Mouse and The Shins, Fruit Bats signed with Sub Pop in late summer 2002, recording their second album, 2003's Mouthfuls, which included new bandmate Gillian Lisee.
After relocating to Seattle, the group released their third album, Spelled in Bones, in 2005. Afterward, Eric D. Johnson played with The Shins and Vetiver. In 2008, the Fruit Bats began working together again, with revised membership of Johnson, Christopher Sherman, Ron Lewis, Graeme Gibson, and Sam Wagster. In 2009, they released The Ruminant Band and in 2011 came Tripper.
In November 2013, Eric D. Johnson announced he would be dissolving Fruit Bats. That month they played what was to be their farewell show at a sold out Aladdin Theatre in Portland, OR. The following year Johnson released an album under the name EDJ.
Reforming in 2015, Fruit Bats released their sixth official full-length LP, Absolute Loser, in 2016 via newly formed Los Angeles-based label Easy Sound.
Fruit Bats signed to North Carolina-based independent label Merge Records in 2018. Also in 2018, Johnson formed the folk group Bonny Light Horseman with Josh Kaufman and Anais Mitchell.
In 2019 Fruit Bats’ Merge debut "Gold Past Life" was released.
Fruit Bats’ 2020 album The Pet Parade was produced by Johnson's Bonny Light Horseman bandmate Josh Kaufman.
In 2021, Fruit Bats released a full-album cover of Smashing Pumpkins' 1993 record Siamese Dream.
The Fruit Bats’ double-disc, 20-year career retrospective "Sometimes A Cloud Is Just a Cloud: Slow Growers, Sleeper Hits and Lost Songs" was released in 2022.
Don't You Know That
Fruit Bats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Things aren't getting any simpler
And the world will still turn without us
The sun will still shine
Don't you know that? Don't you know that?
Let's take it easy on our boy
His skin's not getting any thicker
He'll slide by on the charm
Don't you know that? Don't you know that?
But take it easy on yourself
You're not getting any younger
And the moon will still pull
The tides without you
The stars will still shine
Don't you know that? Don't you know that?
Don't you know that?
The lyrics of "Don't You Know That" by Fruit Bats convey a message of reassurance and a plea to self-care. The song encourages taking it easy on oneself and not getting caught up in the complexities of life. It reminds us that despite our worries and struggles, the world will continue to function and move forward. The lines "Things aren't getting any simpler" and "The world will still turn without us" remind the listener that it's important to not take everything too seriously and to let go of unnecessary burdens.
In the second verse, the lyrics shift towards addressing someone else, possibly a younger person. The phrase "Let's take it easy on our boy" suggests a parental or protective tone. The song acknowledges that this person, "our boy," may face challenges and setbacks, but reassures that he will be alright. The line "He'll slide by on the charm" suggests that charisma or personal qualities will help him through obstacles.
The chorus is a repetition of the title phrase, "Don't you know that?" It is a rhetorical question that serves as a reminder to both the listener and the person being addressed in the song. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that life will go on, and we should not allow ourselves to be consumed by worry or stress. The mention of the moon, tides, and stars further emphasizes that there are larger forces at play, and we should try to find peace within ourselves.
Overall, "Don't You Know That" encourages a gentle approach to life and serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and not get overwhelmed by the complexities of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's take it easy on ourselves
Let's be kind and gentle towards ourselves
Things aren't getting any simpler
The complexities of life continue to persist
And the world will still turn without us
The world will keep moving forward regardless of our actions
The sun will still shine
The sun will continue to radiate light and warmth
Don't you know that? Don't you know that?
Do you not understand or realize this?
Let's take it easy on our boy
Let's not be too harsh or demanding towards our child
His skin's not getting any thicker
He is still sensitive and vulnerable
He'll be fine, off the fall when it's time
He will recover and be okay when he faces challenges
He'll slide by on the charm
He will succeed by relying on his charm or charisma
But take it easy on yourself
Be gentle and forgiving towards yourself
You're not getting any younger
You are growing older with time
And the moon will still pull the tides without you
The moon's gravitational force affects the tides regardless of your presence
The stars will still shine
The stars will continue to twinkle and illuminate the night sky
Don't you know that? Don't you know that?
Do you not understand or realize this?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ANDERS WOLLBECK, BILLY MANN, MATTIAS LINDBLOM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Wanderboy
[Verse 1]
Let's take it easy on ourselves
Things aren't getting any simpler
And the world will still turn without us
The sun will still shine
Don't you know that?
Don't you know that?
[Verse 2]
Let's take it easy on our boy
His skin's not getting any thicker
He'll be fine, off the fall when it's time
He'll slide by on the charm
Don't you know that?
Don't you know that?
[Verse 3]
But take it easy on yourself
You're not getting any younger
And the moon will still pull the tides without you
The stars will still shine
Don't you know that?
Don't you know that?
Don't you know that?
Vicki Reed
Just beautiful.
Matt Palumbo
I'll listen again while I watch Albert listen.