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.
Fine for Now
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If we're all faltering, why'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
There was time, it took time (impossible)
There is time, so much time
There is time, so much time
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
Done asking for your permission, please understand
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
If it's all or nothing then let me go
If it's all or nothing then let me go
The opening lines of the song "Fine for Now" by Grizzly Bear describe the concept of time, and how it can be both a help and a hindrance. The singer says that "there was time, it took time", which could be interpreted as reflecting on the past and the challenges he faced in a certain situation. However, he also acknowledges that there "is time, so much time", which suggests that time is not a limited resource and can be used to help overcome these challenges. The repetition of this line builds a sense of urgency, almost urging the listener to take action now because time is running out.
The chorus of the song is centered around a group of kids on a waterfront, who are no longer seeking permission or approval from anyone. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's own personal growth and maturation. He has learned to stand up for himself and make his own decisions, without the need for validation from others. The singer then questions what he can do to help others who may be struggling or "faltering", but then realizes that sometimes it is better to let go and allow them to figure it out on their own.
Line by Line Meaning
There was time, it took time (impossible)
The past cannot be changed, no matter how much time has passed.
There is time, so much time
The present is abundant with time, giving the opportunity to make new decisions and choices.
All the kids on the waterfront shyly raise their hands
The youth are showing their timid curiosity, hoping to learn more from those around them.
Done asking for your permission, please understand
No longer seeking validation or consent from others, but rather moving forward with personal agency and self-assurance.
If we're all faltering, how'd I help with that?
When we are all struggling, it can be difficult to know how to contribute to the situation in a positive way.
If it's all or nothing, then let me go
If the situation can only be resolved one way, unwilling to settle and accept the outcome if it goes against personal beliefs and values.
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
@morningfog532
That guitar tone is gorgeous
@andrewobele1609
Nothing beats this.
That fucking guitar...
@annwilliamson5007
+Andrew Obele holy shit yes the guitar
@user-sv6oi8sw8d
Shit got me paralyzed
@luceropinedo6866
"If we’re all faltering, how’d I help with that?
If it’s all or nothing, then let me go..."
My favorite part.
@natethevillain596
Such a gem. A lot of underrated songs on this album
@nidopug
Damn, these songs keep bringing me back to weird, hard times in my life a few years ago. So beautiful, yet such heavy nostalgia. It's tough to handle the memories, but so soothing to hear at the same time. I hope we all grow beyond who we once were, but still take time to remind ourselves who we used to be so we can know just how far we've come.
@bdis89
amen
@dutchboy215
dam..
@TheDaddyO44
Well said babe