Cheerleader
Grizzly Bear Lyrics


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Mention a name, we know (we know)
Appear tame, it shows (it shows)
Please don't feign, the ropes (the ropes)
Always the same, I know (I know)

(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Go on, let it go, it doesn't mean a thing
(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Chance is on nothing changing

There's no time, to go (to go)
Through the designs, we know (we know)
Never mind, although (although)
Maybe this time, we'll grow (we'll grow)

(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)

(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Go on, let it go, it doesn't mean a thing
(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Chance is on nothing changing

(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Go on, let it go, it doesn't mean a thing




(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
Chance is on nothing changing

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Grizzly Bear's song Cheerleader can be interpreted in a few different ways, but one way to understand them is to view them as an introspective reflection on the singer's own life, actions, and self-worth. The first stanza seems to suggest that the singer is aware of certain patterns in their behavior, such as always taking the same paths or following the same routines. The lines "Appear tame, it shows / Please don't feign, the ropes" could be interpreted as a warning not to pretend to be something they're not or to get "caught up" in their habitual ways. The repetition of the line "I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter" throughout the song serves to emphasize that the singer is focusing on themselves and their own growth, rather than seeking external validation.


The chorus further underscores this idea by urging the listener to "let it go" and not worry about the outcomes of their actions. The line "Chance is on nothing changing" suggests that the singer understands that they can't control everything and that change may not come quickly or easily. The second stanza adds to this message of introspection and growth, with lines like "Never mind, although / Maybe this time, we'll grow" showing a glimmer of hope for progress.


Overall, Cheerleader can be seen as a philosophical exploration of the self and the difficulties inherent in changing entrenched patterns and habits. The emphasis on personal growth and introspection makes it a relatable and universal message for anyone seeking to better themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

Mention a name, we know (we know)
You don't have to explicitly say who you're talking about, we already know.


Appear tame, it shows (it shows)
Even if you try to pretend to be calm, your true feelings will be revealed.


Please don't feign, the ropes (the ropes)
Don't pretend like you're not trapped in this situation, because we both know you are.


Always the same, I know (I know)
You can try to act like things have changed, but I know they haven't.


(I'm cheerleading myself, I shouldn't really matter)
I don't need anyone else's approval or validation, I'm just trying to motivate myself.


Go on, let it go, it doesn't mean a thing
Don't hold onto your feelings or your past actions, they won't make a difference.


Chance is on nothing changing
The likelihood of things getting better without any action being taken is slim.


There's no time, to go (to go)
We don't have time to dwell on this situation or waste time on futile efforts.


Through the designs, we know (we know)
We understand the patterns and consequences of our actions and choices.


Never mind, although (although)
Don't worry about it, even though it's difficult to do so.


Maybe this time, we'll grow (we'll grow)
Perhaps this time we'll learn from our mistakes and become better for it.




Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER BEAR, EDWARD DROSTE, DANIEL ROSSEN, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL TAYLOR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Marty Schwartz Here

One of the best bands of the modern era. Unbelievably talented musicians.

Eddward Scissorhands

I have goosebumps this song always hits hard 💜

Rolodex Propaganda

Had to revisit this album . Too many classic tracks on this and this one always will be my fav

feral

This is a moment.. a series of friends.. a way I felt.. a person I was in love with..
Beauty wouldn't be as magnificent as it is if it lasted...

Hillary Blackwelder

Grizzly Bear concert in September for their new album, hopefully we're going, but if not I'm gonna listen to this album on that day, cause in my opinion, Veckatimest is the classic Grizzly Bear album. *EDIT*: Sheilds is a close second, but Veckatimest was one of the first music albums my oldest daughter ever heard, so this is a very special album.

Saint Christiano

One of the BEST AND I MEAN BEEEEDSSSSTTTTTT SONGS THEYVE MADE. Love you Ed Droste

Carlos

great album

Charlotte Johns

Very cool bear.......great vibe

Nick Lindenmeyer

"I'm shitting on myself. I'm shitting on a ladder."

Kit Brown

no you didnt do that

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