Im Not
Panda Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For it
But then ever I could be
I'm not
No name
For her
We'll name each after its way
I'm not
As with all else
Any piece
Has its place
And form to fill
I'm not
The lyrics of Panda Bear's "I'm Not" may appear quite abstract and cryptic at first, but a closer look can reveal a deep contemplation of the nature of readiness and naming. In the opening lines, the singer declares their lack of preparedness for something, which is left unspecified. This could refer to any daunting challenge or change that may come their way, whether it be personal, social, or existential. However, they also acknowledge that they may never truly be ready, which is a humbling and introspective observation.
The second stanza introduces the idea of naming, specifically in regards to an unknown female figure. The singer acknowledges that they do not currently have a name for her, but they seem comfortable with the idea of allowing her to reveal herself and be named "each after its way". This could reflect a willingness to let life unfold organically, without forcing preconceived notions or expectations onto it.
The final stanza brings the two themes together under the broader concept of everything having its own place and purpose. The singer reiterates that they are not ready, but this does not diminish their value as a piece in the greater puzzle of existence. This notion of acceptance and humility is a recurring theme throughout the song, and speaks to a larger philosophical worldview of interconnectedness and impermanence.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not ready
I am not fully prepared or equipped for whatever situation is being presented.
For it
For whatever is coming or happening next.
But then ever I could be
However, it is possible that I may become ready in the future.
I'm not
I am not defined by any particular trait or characteristic.
No name
There is no specific title or label that applies to her.
For her
For this particular person or entity.
But as it comes
But as the situation or circumstance unfolds.
We'll name each after its way
We will assign a label or name that is most fitting for each individual thing or person, based on its unique qualities.
I'm not
I do not conform to any societal expectations or norms, and am free to express myself as I see fit.
As with all else
Just like everything else in the world.
Any piece
Any individual component or aspect.
Has its place
Has a specific role or function within the larger context.
And form to fill
And a particular shape or structure that it needs to adhere to in order to fulfill that role or function.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@expendableindigo9639
If you look on Wikipedia:
The following artists are listed in the liner notes as influences for Person Pitch. About the decision to put this list in the booklet, Lennox said:
since I was sampling so many different people I thought it was appropriate to give thanks to other musicians. I'd never really done that before ... [specific influences] was always kind of a difficult question for me to answer. So this time I was like, I'll really try to think about what I feel led me to make this kind of music and give respect to those people.[10]
Air
Horace Andy
Aphex Twin
Basement Jaxx
Syd Barrett
Basic Channel
The Beatles
The Beach Boys
Chris Bell
Benjamin Diamond
Black Dice
Black Flag
Black Sabbath
Vashti Bunyan
Can
Maria Callas
The Chills
The Clientele
Phil Collins
Sam Cooke
CNN
Daft Punk
Dettinger
Doce
Dr. Dre
Duran Duran
Echo and the Bunnymen
ELO
Enya
Eric B. & Rakim
Everly Brothers
Everything but the Girl
The Equals
The Free Design
Gang Starr
Ghostface Killah
Grateful Dead
Markus Guentner
Hall and Oates
Moodymann
Robert Hood
Incredible String Band
Isolée
Metallica
Michael Jackson
Jay Dee
Jay-Z
Tom Jobim
Carsten Jost
Kaito
The Kinks
King Tubby
Kraftwerk
Cyndi Lauper
Louvin Brothers
Love
Luomo
Madlib
Bob Marley
George Michael
Kylie Minogue
Joni Mitchell
Ennio Morricone
Harry Mudie
Nas
Neu
New Order
Nico
Nirvana
Notorious B.I.G.
ODB
Bjorn Olsson
The Orb
Roy Orbison
Lee Perry
Phoenix
Linda Perhacs
Ariel Pink
Pink Floyd
The Police
Portishead
Queen
Jonathan Richman
Pete Rock
S.E. Rogie
SRC
The Stooges
Ride
Arthur Russell
Erik Satie
Nina Simone
Skip Spence
Cat Stevens
Talk Talk
The Tornados
Salz
Spacemen 3
Sparks
The Strokes
Antonio Variacoes
Caetano Veloso
Ricardo Villalobos
Wolfgang Voigt
Scott Walker
Wu-Tang Clan
The Zombies
@gdavis9296
I had heard this song maybe 2 or 3 times ever and several months apart before i had a dream where the looping sample was playing. I was in a completely enclosed cave made of trash, half full of water. I was in a rubber yellow boat/raft with a woman. We were floating underneath the water about 10 feet down. I just sat, and took pictures with my yellow disposable camera. Super unique feeling. I don’t even get taken back to the dream every time I listen to this song, but I love it all of a sudden. Human experience is pretty damn cool
@Suwai0303
I'm Not & Search for Delicious are just out of this world. It's like he's tapping into other dimensions and translating back to us as music.
@owenreel3916
My mom would play this for me as a kid. I can't say it brings back good memories, but it sure brings me back
@MPNLD_Girl
Why doesn’t it bring back good memories???
@summergypsy1
Ths comment made me feel old
@willtoulan
@@summergypsy1 lol same I listened to this in college
@jesusitox12
hope your doing great
@Ingsocnito
Sounds like the song is about not being ready for a kid
@EnricoSalvatoreRizzo
It's worth living.
@papayer
that minuscule horn tidbit at 3:43 brings so much to the song. to me it embodies a bittersweet, somewhat upbeat of an ending for the protagonist of this story. after thoroughly lamenting his fear for the unknown, he finally gets peace of mind after speaking out to the listener.