Bear
O’Brother Lyrics
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And your eyes they twitch under lids from side to side.
And my ego can't seem to get a grip
I'll simplify the terms I'm leaving
Until my body lays under leaves and green-green grass
By then my ego might finally get a grip
So I'll let my lover lie and in absence I'll drink tonight
I could patiently seek another chance
Or I could cut you deep with a simple glance
I loathe your hesitance
I'll let my lover lie and in absence I'll drink tonight
With tired limbs, indecent mind, and beggar's bones
So lay like a monument to poise and indifference
Betrayed by retreating lips to baring teeth
I'll trade my vindictive sigh for quarter of witless spite
Til I, like my lover, lie with beggar's bones
Til I let my lover
Lay like you know I swallowed my hungry pride
And let it all go for the sake of a better life
The song "Bear" by O'Brother is an emotional portrayal of ending a toxic relationship. The first verse describes the physical and mental turmoil caused by the other person in bed, with the singer's body burning like a fire and their eyes twitching from side to side. The singer's ego is struggling with the decision to leave, but ultimately they choose to simplify things and leave until they are buried under the leaves and green-green grass. The repetition of the line "until my body lays under leaves and green-green grass" emphasizes the finality of the decision to leave and the desire for peace.
In the second verse, the singer considers other options, such as patiently seeking another chance or cutting the other person deep with a simple glance. However, they ultimately choose to let their lover lie and drink alone with tired limbs, an indecent mind, and beggar's bones. The use of the phrase "beggar's bones" suggests that the singer is willing to give up everything, including their pride, for the sake of a better life.
The last few lines of the song indicate that the singer has let go of their pride, swallowed it down, and moved on. The other person is encouraged to "lay like you know" the singer has made the right decision and that they no longer have anything to hold onto. The repetition of the phrase "til I let my lover" emphasizes the finality of the decision to move on.
Overall, "Bear" is a powerful and emotional song that portrays the difficulty of ending a toxic relationship and the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
In bed your body burns just like a fire.
Your body is burning with passion, just like a fire.
And your eyes they twitch under lids from side to side.
Your eyes are moving rapidly under your closed lids.
And my ego can't seem to get a grip
I am struggling to control my ego.
I'll simplify the terms I'm leaving
I will make my departure from this relationship straightforward.
Until my body lays under leaves and green-green grass
I will wait until I am buried under the earth.
By then my ego might finally get a grip
Perhaps I will have better control over my ego at that time.
So I'll let my lover lie and in absence I'll drink tonight
I will let my partner rest, and drink alone tonight.
With tired limbs, indecent mind, and beggar's bones
I am exhausted, have immoral thoughts, and feel like a beggar.
I could patiently seek another chance
I could try to start over with you patiently.
Or I could cut you deep with a simple glance
I could hurt you with just a look.
I loathe your hesitance
I do not like that you are hesitant.
So lay like a monument to poise and indifference
Be still and look calm and unaffected by my leaving.
Betrayed by retreating lips to baring teeth
Your lips turn into a frown, revealing your anger.
I'll trade my vindictive sigh for quarter of witless spite
I will exchange my spiteful sigh for a small amount of senseless anger.
Til I, like my lover, lie with beggar's bones
Until I am buried in the ground like my lover, feeling worthless.
Lay like you know I swallowed my hungry pride
Remain still as if you knew I have abandoned my pride.
And let it all go for the sake of a better life
Forget all of this for the sake of a better future.
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.