The band consists of Adam Gardner and Ryan Miller on guitar and vocals and Brian Rosenworcel on percussion. Multi-instrumentalist and backup vocalist Joe Pisapia played with the band from 2003-2010. Luke Reynolds took Pisapia's place to tour with the band for their 2010 album, Easy Wonderful, and has remained with the band since. The band is noted for its catchy, poppy melodies, and the distinctive hand-drumming on percussion. They are also known for their humor, including a joke album released in 2003, The Meowstro Sings: Guster's Keep It Together, wherein the lyrics are replaced with (off-melody) meowing.
The band has released eight studio albums which are, in chronological order, Parachute, Goldfly, Lost and Gone Forever, Keep It Together, Ganging Up On the Sun, Easy Wonderful, Evermotion, and their most recent, Look Alive, which was released on January 18th, 2019. In addition, they have released a total of eleven live albums, spanning the years 2003-2015.
Happy Frappy
Guster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The river leaves run cold and dry
But it keeps me from swinging tree to tree
And sometimes I'm too scared to even try
Hashing through the possibilities
They seem as endless as the sky
You seek the truth and the quiet breeze
Well I know that's where I'll never be
Because I can see the summer's done
I try to let the river flow in and out of me
And pray I float the way I think I want
And pray I float at all
Distant notions of subtle residue
Cling to minds from our past
Tell us what is what and who made who
But time's events move us too fast
Simple sentiments whisked away by anxious steel wool
Struggling to content ourselves with what we think best
That what makes happy of which we seem never full
Is actually more than plenty for it is already possessed
Well I know that's where I'll never be
Because I can see the summer's done
I try to let the river flow in and out of me
And pray I float the way I think I want
And pray I float at all
Not much of this makes sense to me
The river leaves run cold and dry
But it keeps me from swinging tree to tree
And sometimes I'm too scared to even try
Utter confusion feigns clarity
Scattered delusions excuses destiny
It's never exactly how it appears to be
It's too much for any of us who even try to see
Well I know that's where I'll never be
Because I can see the summer's done
I try to let the river flow in and out of me
And pray I float the way I think I want
And pray I float at all
The lyrics to Guster's song "Happy Frappy" convey themes of confusion, uncertainty, and a search for meaning in life. The opening lines, "Not much of this makes sense to me / The river leaves run cold and dry" suggests a feeling of disorientation and a sense that life is, at times, devoid of meaning or direction. The river, which is often a symbol of change and transformation, is "cold and dry," further reinforcing a sense of stagnation or lack of possibilities.
The second verse, with its references to "hashing through possibilities" and seeking the "truth", portrays a search for answers and a sense of purpose. However, the air is "too thin to reply," suggesting that the search may be futile or that answers may not be easily found.
The chorus emphasizes the desire to let go and surrender to the natural flow of life, represented by the river. The singer prays to "float the way I think I want" and hopes to "float at all," which may suggest a fear of drowning or being swept away.
The final verse expands upon the idea of confusion and the challenge of seeing reality clearly. The singer acknowledges that reality is often "never exactly how it appears to be," and that it can be overwhelming to even attempt to understand it.
Overall, "Happy Frappy" is a contemplative song that explores questions of existence and purpose. The lyrics suggest that life can be confusing, uncertain, and even frightening, but that surrendering to the natural flow of things can bring a sense of peace and clarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Not much of this makes sense to me
The singer is having trouble understanding their surroundings or situation
The river leaves run cold and dry
The environment is not as inviting or supportive as it could be
But it keeps me from swinging tree to tree
The singer is focused and not giving in to impulsive behavior
And sometimes I'm too scared to even try
Fear is a factor in the artist's decision-making process
Hashing through the possibilities
The artist is considering different options or outcomes
They seem as endless as the sky
There are many possibilities, some potentially overwhelming
You seek the truth and the quiet breeze
The singer desires peace and understanding
But the air is too thin to reply
It is difficult to find answers or clarity in this particular environment
Well I know that's where I'll never be
The artist is aware that they will not find what they are looking for in this place
Because I can see the summer's done
This could represent the passing of time and change
I try to let the river flow in and out of me
The singer is attempting to be receptive and adaptable to their environment
And pray I float the way I think I want
The artist hopes that they will be able to navigate their circumstances and achieve their goals
And pray I float at all
The outcome is not certain, and the singer feels a level of uncertainty or doubt
Distant notions of subtle residue
Memories or impressions from the past linger in the singer's mind
Cling to minds from our past
The past can influence and shape our present experiences
Tell us what is what and who made who
The past has lessons and stories that affect how we see ourselves and the world around us
But time's events move us too fast
Change and growth can feel like they are happening too quickly for us to fully process or understand
Simple sentiments whisked away by anxious steel wool
Small moments of joy or contentment are overshadowed by stress and anxiety
Struggling to content ourselves with what we think best
The singer is attempting to find fulfillment, but it is a challenge
That what makes happy of which we seem never full
Despite wanting happiness, it is difficult to feel truly satisfied
Is actually more than plenty for it is already possessed
The artist has what they need to be happy, but it is hard for them to see it
Utter confusion feigns clarity
The artist feels lost and unsure, even when things seem straightforward
Scattered delusions excuses destiny
Misguided beliefs or unrealistic expectations justify the way things are
It's never exactly how it appears to be
Appearances can be misleading, and reality is often more complicated
It's too much for any of us who even try to see
Understanding the world and our place in it can feel overwhelming or impossible
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM S. GARDNER, BRIAN A. ROSENWORCEL, RYAN MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Austin Tie Dye Co
This song has given me a lot of strength over the years. It helps me remember that what I want might not be what I need
Roux
I try to let the river flow in and out of me...
And pray I float the way I think i want...
And pray I float at all.
Martin Paul
Saw Guster in Tempe Arizona about ten years ago. Been a fan ever since. Will Hoge opened up for them - been following him ever since to. Really wish Guster would spend some more time on the West side of this country!
Evan Leo
I saw them live three times, were great every time and still going today. They played this song the third time, and it was great because they didn't plan it. The singer's like" hey, you guys want us to play a song called happy frappy?" and he said yes. The backup forgot the lyrics but he read the lips of an audience member mouthing words. so fun
Former Things
...for it is already possessed 💕