Don't Ask
Grizzly Bear Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's a call
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
And nobody ever asks
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Grizzly Bear's song "Don't Ask" are a reflection on a complex relationship that has recently gone through a turbulent period. The opening lines "It's a call, I fell into your arms that night" suggest that the singer may have made a decision that they later regretted, which led to a temporary separation. The next line "Don't ask" implies that the singer is trying to avoid discussing the specific events that led up to the separation.


As the song continues, the singer reflects on the time they spent apart "to sort things out", but seems to be struggling with their emotions when they are reunited with their partner. The lines "It's the love that came undone between us, and nobody ever asks" suggests that there is a feeling of isolation or loneliness associated with this separation that is not being acknowledged by others.


Throughout the song, there is a reluctance to talk about the issues that led to the separation, and a sense of frustration that their partner is not being more forthcoming about their feelings. The lines "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" suggest that the singer is trying to hold on to their relationship, but is struggling to communicate effectively with their partner.


Overall, the lyrics to "Don't Ask" are a poignant and introspective look at the complexities of relationships and the challenges of communication.


Line by Line Meaning

It's a call
Something is trying to communicate with the singer and they may be acknowledging it or answering it. It is important, but unclear as to what it is exactly.


I fell into your arms that night
The singer is admitting that they have very strong feelings for the person they are singing to, so strong that they literally fell into their arms. This may be a vulnerable admission.


Don't ask
The singer is refusing to answer specific questions or engage with a certain topic. They may have a good reason not to discuss it, or may feel that the other person wouldn't understand.


It's the time we had apart to sort things out
The artist is referencing a period of time where they and the other person were apart, possibly to resolve issues or conflicts. This time apart may have been difficult or necessary.


Just don't ask
The artist is repeating that they do not want to answer any questions about the topic at hand. They seem to want to avoid any potential conflict or awkwardness.


It's the work you saying you're doing
The singer is skeptical of the other person's claims about their job or work. They believe there may be more going on, but are not asking for clarification.


But baby, I don't even ask
The singer is reiterating that they do not pry or inquire into personal matters or secrets. They may value privacy or simply not want to be involved in drama or issues that aren't their own.


It's the love that came undone between us
The artist is acknowledging that there was once love between them and the other person, but that it has since deteriorated. This may be a painful realization.


And nobody ever asks
Despite the significance of the breakup or fallout of the relationship, the artist notes that nobody, including themselves, ever asks about it or tries to communicate about it. This may be concerning or sad.


There's a place and time for everything I know
The artist believes in the importance of timing and context when it comes to various aspects of life, such as communication or resolution of issues. They may be hinting that now is not the time to discuss the topic at hand.


Don't ask
The singer once again insists that they do not want to engage in conversation about the topic. They may be feeling defensive or want to avoid hurt feelings.


But when I'm around you still I lose control
Despite their reluctance to discuss things, the artist admits that they have intense emotions towards the other person. They may struggle to keep these emotions in check or may have difficulty acting rationally around them.


Just don't ask
The singer continues to hold their ground about not wanting to discuss the topic, even though they may be feeling frustrated or conflicted.


You suggest the struggle goes both ways
The other person has pointed out that they too may be struggling with the situation or issue, and the singer recognizes this. They may feel empathy or compassion for the other person.


But baby, I don't even ask
Once again, the singer emphasizes that they do not pry or inquire into personal matters or conflicts. This may be a way of setting boundaries or avoiding further drama.


I just wish you had a little faith
The artist seems to want the other person to believe in them or their intentions. They may feel that their actions or words are not being recognized or trusted.


But I'm learning not to ask
The artist is acknowledging that they are trying to change their behavior or approach to this situation. They may want to avoid conflict or drama in the future.




Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Edward Droste

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions