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.
Speaking In Rounds
Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leaves my mind at ease gives me something to focus on
Could I be alone?
Could I be alone?
If I speak in rounds for a while letting my tongue swell
I'll be sure to try and explain myself to dispel
Blame it on the day
Step down, just once learn how to be alone
Step down, just once learn how to be alone
Come get what's lost, what's left before it's gone
But what makes each step worth the time and regret still shows
In the cradle of my unruly chest you belong
Take it as it is
Make another fist
Step down, just once learn how to be alone
Step down, just once learn how to be alone
Come get what's lost, what's left before it's gone
The lyrics to Grizzly Bear's "Speak in Rounds" are open to interpretation, but there are a few themes that can be extracted. The first verse suggests that drawing something upside down can provide a sense of release, a way of letting go of negative emotions. The second verse seems to be about struggling to communicate effectively, especially when feeling overwhelmed. The repetition of "blame it on the day" indicates a desire to shift responsibility for their emotions elsewhere, perhaps to avoid feeling too vulnerable. The chorus provides a solution to this problem: learn how to be alone. The singer encourages themselves to take a step back and rediscover their independence. The line "Take it as it is / Make another fist" suggests that while there may be difficult circumstances, the singer is determined to keep fighting.
Overall, the song seems to be about navigating difficult emotions and trying to find stability in yourself. The metaphor of speaking in rounds and drawing upside down suggests that sometimes we need to find unusual methods of expression to work through our feelings. However, the ultimate message is one of resilience and self-reliance.
Line by Line Meaning
If I draw you upside down I can let go
Creating a flipped image of you relieves my mind and gives me an object to concentrate on.
Leaves my mind at ease gives me something to focus on
By sketching a mirrored impression of you, I feel calm and have a point of attention.
Could I be alone?
Is loneliness not so terrible after all?
If I speak in rounds for a while letting my tongue swell
I will attempt to talk continuously in order to express myself and give clarification.
I'll be sure to try and explain myself to dispel
I will attempt to clarify by describing everything I feel and think to eliminate confusion.
Blame it on the day
Let's attribute it to an unfortunate event.
Step down, just once learn how to be alone
Take a break and discover how to live in solitude momentarily.
Come get what's lost, what's left before it's gone
Retrieve whatever is left of our relationship before it fades away entirely.
But what makes each step worth the time and regret still shows
Despite the hardships and mistakes, something keeps pushing us forwards, as the pain of past failures still lingers.
In the cradle of my unruly chest you belong
My chaotic heart still yearns for a connection with you.
Take it as it is
Accept the current circumstances exactly as they are, without embellishing or simplifying them.
Make another fist
Persist in the face of adversity and keep fighting for what you want.
Lyrics © SC PUBLISHING DBA SECRETLY CANADIAN PUB., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Christopher M. Taylor, Christopher Robert Bear, Daniel Raphael Rossen, Edward Droste
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jonpolm7916
I can't think of a single more talented and beautiful band than Grizzly Bear. I feel extremely lucky to be alive during their careers to experience this. Literally the best band on the planet in my opinion.
@Maximuss1999
Radiohead
@FrankNolen
Was just gonna Say radiohead but you beat me to it
@kathifuller5332
@Maxwell Lachance If I had to pick just one between Radiohead and Grizzly Bear, I couldn't do it. Thank God we don't have to.
@kathifuller5332
4:10 The gorgeous synergy between Dan and Chris B. at this point through the end melts my brain just a little.
@SwingLowmandolin
if they ever make another album I'll cry tears of joy
@ReyGarza
they are working on it... :D
@SwingLowmandolin
Thank you
@iiivanoeee651
how do you love their painted ruins?;)
@Ceereeal
And so, he cried tears of joy