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.
Alligator
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The shriek becomes ever clear
A bear's teeth
Extra sharp that'll cut you in the heart
Yet a dog's really quick
Try and fight it with a stick
There's no use, give it up
You are my alligator
You are my alligator
The lyrics of Grizzly Bear's song "Alligator" seem to be about the fear of something that's lurking or approaching, that is as dangerous as a bear's sharp teeth. It is emphasized that even fighting it with a stick like one would against a dog, would be futile. This something could possibly be a feeling, as the song also talks about love being a part of life. The lyrics may suggest that love is like an alligator, something to be feared and respected, but also a powerful and essential part of life.
The metaphor of the alligator as a representation of love is interesting as alligators are known to be aggressive and dangerous creatures, while love is often seen as harmless and affectionate. This unconventional comparison may suggest that love, like an alligator, can be unpredictable and even dangerous at times. The lines "You are my alligator, You are my alligator," suggest the singer’s love interest as the alligator, which is he is willing to accept regardless of its danger.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a fear, it is near
The fear is imminent and constantly present
The shriek becomes ever clear
The warning becomes increasingly urgent and impossible to ignore
A bear's teeth
The sharp and dangerous weapon of a powerful predator
Extra sharp that'll cut you in the heart
Capable of causing deep emotional pain and trauma
Yet a dog's really quick
Smaller threats can be just as agile and fast as larger ones
Try and fight it with a stick
Attempting to resist or confront a dangerous situation with inadequate means
There's no use, give it up
Accepting the reality and inevitability of the situation
This is life and this is love
Acknowledging the unpredictable and sometimes painful nature of existence and relationships
You are my alligator
Comparing a loved one to a force to be reckoned with, but also an object of affection
You are my alligator
Reiterating the comparison and expressing the depth of feelings towards the loved one
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Edward Droste
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@piyushpal3832
It's a fear, it is near
The shriek becomes ever clear
A bear's teeth
Extra sharp that'll cut you in the heart
Yet a dog's really quick
Try and fight it with a stick
There's no use, give it up
This is life and this is love
You are my alligator
You are my alligator
@piyushpal3832
It's a fear, it is near
The shriek becomes ever clear
A bear's teeth
Extra sharp that'll cut you in the heart
Yet a dog's really quick
Try and fight it with a stick
There's no use, give it up
This is life and this is love
You are my alligator
You are my alligator
@bluenotebook489
The shape becomes ever clear*
It bares teeth*
It attacks really quick*
@lukasfetzko899
it BARES teeth
@Roboconnect
I strongly believe that Grizzly Bear has an understanding to things that the average person just does not see. [amongst a lot of great musicians.]
@z_rock8391
A love story is still a love story even when you don’t end up with that person forever
@pinkThund3r
i love this song a lot. i had heard it years ago, and recently saw Blue Valentine and thought what a prefect ending song. It's so sad but that's life sometimes and now i'm here.
@jordythellamaloverer
My favorite album of theirs. ♥
@Imstillkindacool
I CONNECT WITH THIS SHIT ON SO MANY LEVELS. Back when I used to robotrip all the time, I would listen to Horn of Plenty over and over again. Now whenever I listen to them sober, it makes me want to get back into robotripping. I might do it once and listen to their whole discography (including Shields), just for old time's sake.
@paulohenss
Comparing life and love to an alligator. Trying to fight heartbreak, but life is dangerous and it hurts sometimes. Anyway, we have to face it. Beaultiful song.
@jacobzembower4754
+thewestdream You walk along the beautiful water, knowing at any time that that alligator could jump from beneath the surface and viciously pull you under and tear you to shreds. But the risk is worth it, because the walk is just so gorgeous and perfect.