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.
You're Too Weird
Fruit Bats Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say that I'm not supposed to be in love with you
They say that you're too weird for me
And you'll leave eventually
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
Somebody tell me what I'm looking to face
Everyone's saying that I'm just a part of your phase
As soon as the going's no good
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
Somebody tell me who else I coulda had
I don't love much but I love you pretty bad
They say that you won't treat me right
That you're gonna up and bolt in the night
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
So I guess I'll ask you if I will
Are you gonna run for the hills?
I'm the only one who ever believed in you.
I'm the only one who ever believed in you.
I'm the only one who will ever believe in you
In Fruit Bats’s song “You’re Too Weird,” the singer is grappling with the opinions of others as they pertain to their relationship with a partner whom they deeply love. They are being told that their partner is “too weird” for them, that they are just in a “phase”, and that they will ultimately leave. Despite all of these claims, the singer is the only person who still believes in their partner. They are feeling vulnerable and uncertain of what to do, seeking guidance and clarity from others. However, it seems that no one else truly understands the depth of their connection and the faith they have in their partner.
The lyrics are a poignant expression of the common human desire for acceptance and validation. The singer is struggling with the pressure to conform to society’s norms and expectations, feeling as though their love is somehow wrong or misplaced because of the judgments of others. However, despite the doubts of everyone around them, the singer remains steadfast in their belief in their partner.
The song’s profound lyrics are set to a catchy, upbeat melody, creating a beautifully bittersweet juxtaposition between the music and the message. “You’re Too Weird” is a beautiful testament to the power of love and the importance of trusting in oneself, even in the face of opposition and criticism.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody needs to tell me what I'm supposed to do
I'm confused and need guidance on how to proceed
They say that I'm not supposed to be in love with you
Others believe that it's not right for me to love you
They say that you're too weird for me
People think that you don't fit in with me and my life
And you'll leave eventually
Others think that you will not stay with me for long
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
I think differently and I am the only one who has faith in you
Somebody tell me what I'm looking to face
I am uncertain about the challenges that lie ahead
Everyone's saying that I'm just a part of your phase
Others think that I am a temporary part of your life
They say you'll leave me if you could
Others believe that you'll leave me as soon as you get the chance
As soon as the going's no good
You'll leave me when things start to get difficult
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
Despite what others say, I still have faith in you
Somebody tell me who else I coulda had
I wonder if there were any other options for me
I don't love much but I love you pretty bad
I don't fall in love easily, but I am deeply in love with you
They say that you won't treat me right
Others think that you will not treat me well
That you're gonna up and bolt in the night
They believe that you'll suddenly leave me without warning
So I guess I'll ask you if I will
I need to ask you directly about your intentions
Are you gonna run for the hills?
Will you leave me without warning?
I'm the only one who ever believed in you.
Despite what others say, I still have faith in you.
I'm the only one who will ever believe in you
I will always have faith in you, even if others don't.
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@iamanightmarewalking
Somebody needs to tell me what I'm supposed to do
They say that I'm not supposed to be in love with you
They say that you're too weird for me
And you'll leave eventually
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
Somebody tell me what I'm looking to face
Everyone's saying that I'm just a part of your phase
They say you'll leave me if you could
As soon as the going's no good
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
Somebody tell me who else I coulda had
I don't love much but I love you pretty bad
They say that you won't treat me right
That you're gonna up and bolt in the night
But then I'm the only one who ever believed in you
So I guess I'll ask you if I will
Are you gonna run for the hills?
I'm the only one who ever believed in you.
I'm the only one who ever believed in you.
I'm the only one who will ever believe in you
@MeganRonalee
Everything about this video/song experience is solid gold.
@Markwestinghouse
I love in when the lead guitarist looks into the camera when he is doing the solo. he just knows
@headphonetribe
This was a free song on Amazon. So I snagged it up. I didn't like much at first and let it slip from my mind. Then, one day I just hit play on my personal music catalog. It was so unlike any of my other music it stood out. Big fan ever since. Love this song.
@emseewagz
honestly, one of the best songs out there. I honestly get chills every time. every. single. time. THANK YOU
@Markwestinghouse
fucking love this song I love cruising in my car to this song on a sunny day nothing better, its the little joys in life that make me happy
@mbrombert
I can't... It's too good.
@faymantaray
mmmmmmmmmmm
@JoshuaTorresBerrocal
Love this song. That feeling "What was I listening before this?"
@maremaloo4784
if you can not see this video correctly, move on to another. EJ is a gem. Promise.
@gailfreckles
These guys are amazing, seriously, I usually listen to old music, 60's, 70's and 80's stuff. But once in awhile I find a band from today that is just awesome. Maybe there is hope for our generation, musically I mean!!