Grizzly Bear was originally the solo project of Edward Droste (vocals/guitar), who recorded his debut album Horn of Plenty at home. The record was originally meant for his friends, but it eventually circulated and got a proper release in 2004, this time with the help of Christopher Bear (drums/vocals). A re-release with a bonus disc of remixes was issued in 2005.
2005 also saw the addition of the two other band members, Chris Taylor (woodwinds/electronics/engineering/production) and Daniel Rossen (vocals/guitar). Playing as a four piece allowed the complexity of sound that was recorded on Horn of Plenty to be played live. The band toured throughout the year, playing songs off the first album as well as some of the new songs they were collectively writing that would make up Yellow House.
An album of Droste's early demo recordings, Sorry for the Delay, was released in 2006. Later that year they signed to Warp to release Yellow House on September 4th, 2006, to great acclaim.
In 2007, the band released Friend EP, which features outtakes, alternate versions, and covers done by CSS, Band of Horses, and Atlas Sound. In addition, members of the Dirty Projectors and Beirut collaborated with the band on "Alligator" and the EP's hidden track.
The band released their third full length album, Veckatimest, on May 26, 2009. After extensive touring, the band took a six month hiatus and then reconvened to record in Marfa, Texas and Cape Cod and released their fourth full length album, Shields, on September 18, 2012.
A Leader Always Carries a Stick
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh a leader makes the most of what he can, of what he can
Oh a leader flaunts his strength
Oh a leader takes command of what he can, of what he can.
But he always carries a stick
Oh a leader fills the bags
Oh a leader takes good aim
Oh a leader plays the game when he can, when he can
But he always carries a stick
But he always carries a stick
The lyrics of Grizzly Bear's "A Leader Always Carries a Stick" convey a message about leadership and power. The song suggests that a true leader must have strength, force, and the willingness to exert their authority over others. The "stick" in the lyrics symbolizes the leader's power and the fact that they are always ready to use it to maintain their position. The song seems to imply that a leader who doesn't have a stick, or who is not willing to use it, is not a true leader.
The lyrics also suggest that a true leader must be strategic and make the most of their resources. They must be able to fill their bags, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for accumulating wealth, resources, or followers. The phrase "joins the ranks" implies that a leader must be able to work with others and collaborate when necessary. However, they must also be able to take good aim and play the game, meaning that they must be able to navigate the complexities of leadership and steer their followers in the direction that they want.
Overall, the lyrics of "A Leader Always Carries a Stick" deliver a message about the nature of power and leadership. The song suggests that true leaders must have strength, force, and the willingness to use it when necessary. They must also be strategic and able to work with others while still maintaining their authority and commanding respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh a leader walks with force
A leader exudes confidence and power when they walk.
Oh a leader makes the most of what he can, of what he can
A leader uses their resources wisely and efficiently to accomplish their goals.
Oh a leader flaunts his strength
A leader displays their abilities and power to those who follow them.
Oh a leader takes command of what he can, of what he can.
A leader is proactive in taking control of the situations and opportunities that they can.
But he always carries a stick
Despite his confidence and power, a leader is always prepared to defend himself.
Oh a leader fills the bags
A leader ensures that their followers have the resources they need in order to be successful.
Oh a leader joins the ranks when he can, when he can
A leader participates in the work alongside their followers and is not above tackling menial tasks.
Oh a leader takes good aim
A leader is focused and strategic in their decision-making and actions.
Oh a leader plays the game when he can, when he can
A leader knows when to take action and when to wait for the right opportunity to arise.
But he always carries a stick
Despite being a strategic leader, they are constantly aware of the potential for danger or conflict and are prepared to defend themselves and their followers.
Contributed by Carter A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.