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.
So Long
Fruit Bats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She couldn't sing but for a sigh
They all said slip out on the side if you like
There's no way that you ain't earned the right
She was always up before the light
So she could gather herself before then
Besides things were so much quieter at that time
She should dance if she wants to dance
She considers the rising of the sun
She considers what may happen should she run
Would the world fall apart as we know it
Would she really be able to make a go of it
She just wanted to have her own song
Just to leave just to go, say so long
She should dance if she wants to dance
The lyrics of Fruit Bats' song "So Long" explores the concept of personal freedom and the individual's desire to break free from societal norms and expectations. In the first stanza, the singer is described as someone who cannot dance or sing. However, despite her lack of talent, people tell her to go ahead and do what she wants because she has earned the right to do so. This suggests that sometimes, it is not about talent or ability, but rather the will and determination to pursue what one desires.
In the second stanza, the singer contemplates the consequences of leaving her current life behind and pursuing her dreams. She is aware that there may be challenges and risks involved, but the desire for personal fulfillment and self-expression is too great to ignore. She just wants to have her own song and leave everything behind, saying "so long."
Overall, "So Long" touches upon the themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of happiness, even if it means going against the norm and breaking free from societal constraints. It encourages listeners to follow their dreams, regardless of what others may think or say.
Line by Line Meaning
She couldn't dance but she wanted to
Despite lacking skill in dancing, she had a strong desire to do it
She couldn't sing but for a sigh
Although she didn't have a good singing voice, she could release a breathy sound
They all said slip out on the side if you like
Others suggested she leave discreetly if she didn't want to embarrass herself
There's no way that you ain't earned the right
They believed she deserved the opportunity to try dancing regardless of her ability
She was always up before the light
She woke up early before the sun rose
So she could gather herself before then
To give herself time to prepare for the day ahead
Besides things were so much quieter at that time
She appreciated the peace and quiet of the early morning
Before the hum and the buzz and the whine
Before the noise and commotion of the day began
She should dance if she wants to dance
Encouragement to pursue one's desires despite any perceived obstacles
She considers the rising of the sun
She contemplates the start of a new day
She considers what may happen should she run
She thinks about the consequences of leaving
Would the world fall apart as we know it
Wondering if her departure would have a significant impact on the world
Would she really be able to make a go of it
Questioning whether she would be successful if she left
She just wanted to have her own song
She desired to have her own unique voice
Just to leave just to go, say so long
She wanted to leave and say goodbye
She should dance if she wants to dance
Reiterated encouragement to pursue one's desires despite any perceived obstacles
Contributed by Austin C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DukeMac4
Really like this album!!!
Crystal Burch-Ford
Ethereal blessings floating through my earholes 🖤🖤🖤🖤
ChibbyAribidy Wroyp
perfect music for running through a tall grass field slow motion eligently, haha, or driving in the fall starring at all the trees :P no homo
kurtleiber
Thank you Blackcherry!
ronnyboy1988
mmmmm blurry