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.
Don’t Ask
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I fell into your arms that night
Don't ask
It's the time we had apart to sort things out
Just don't ask
It's the work you saying you're doing
But baby, I don't even ask
It's the love that came undone between us
There's a place and time for everything I know
Don't ask
But when I'm around you still I lose control
Just don't ask
You suggest the struggle goes both ways
But baby, I don't even ask
I just wish you had a little faith
But I'm learning not to ask
The lyrics to Grizzly Bear's "Don't Ask" address the complications of a relationship that has gone through a period apart. The singer has fallen back into the arms of their partner, but emphasizes not to ask about the past. The phrases "don't ask" and "baby, I don't even ask" repeat throughout the song, suggesting that questioning the past only leads to more pain and complications. The singer acknowledges that there is a time and place for everything, but ultimately can't resist being around the person they love, even though it results in them losing control.
The lyrics are open to interpretation but seem to touch on themes of trust, vulnerability, and fear. The singer is hesitant to ask questions about the past, perhaps because they fear what they may find out. The line "you suggest the struggle goes both ways" implies that the singer's partner may also be holding back from asking difficult questions. However, the singer wishes that their partner had more faith in their relationship and their ability to move forward.
Overall, "Don't Ask" is a poignant and emotional song that explores the complexities of relationships and the difficulty of moving forward after a period of separation.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a call
This is an attempt to reach out or connect with someone
I fell into your arms that night
A moment of vulnerability or surrender to another person
Don't ask
There is no easy or clear explanation for the situation or feeling expressed
It's the time we had apart to sort things out
The separation was necessary to resolve conflicts or personal issues
Just don't ask
Reiterating that the situation is not worth explaining or can't be put into words
It's the work you saying you're doing
Doubts about the other person's honesty or commitment
But baby, I don't even ask
Choosing not to confront or challenge the other person despite suspicions
It's the love that came undone between us
Acknowledging a past relationship or connection that has fallen apart
and nobody ever asks
The end of the relationship is not a topic that anyone wants to discuss or revisit
There's a place and time for everything I know
Understanding that certain conversations or actions are better left for a different moment or context
Don't ask
Repeating the idea that explanation or discussion is not necessary or desirable
But when I'm around you still I lose control
The artist struggles to maintain emotional distance or control around the other person
Just don't ask
Reiterating the idea that the situation is beyond explanation or resolution
You suggest the struggle goes both ways
The other person tries to deflect blame or responsibility for the situation
but baby, I don't even ask
Choosing not to argue or engage in a discussion about who is responsible for the problems in the relationship
I just wish you had a little faith
Desire for the other person to trust or believe in them
but I'm learning not to ask
Coming to terms with the fact that certain things cannot be changed or resolved and choosing to move on
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Edward Droste
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind