The band consists of James Harker (guitar, vocals), Danny Svenson (keys, electronics), Ethan Schwendeman (keys), and Jamie Vitullo (drums, percussion). The group's versatility and wide breadth of musical background makes for a sound that is original and complex, while still relatable to its audience.
Bummer
Spirit of the Bear Lyrics
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About the consequence
I know the way I've been
Is no way to act around you
I'm a bummer, baby, yes, I know
You don't have to tell me twice
But by the fourth time
It really starts to stick around
Honestly, what was I supposed to say
Now I've gotta spend my days
Waiting for the sun
But some days, I hope it never comes
I'm a bummer but at least I tried
To make something out of it
One day this time I've spent alone
Will make its way back around
Honestly, how am I supposed to make
My way without breaking things
Tell me how I can live
Let me live
I can want it if you let me know
About your consequence
I know the way I've been
Is no way to act around you
I'm a bummer, baby, yes, I know
You don't have to tell me twice
But by the fourth time
It really starts to stick around
The lyrics of Spirit of the Bear's song "Bummer" express the remorse and regret of a person who has acted in a certain way that was not ideal for those around them. The opening lines "I can want it if you let me know, about the consequence" suggest that the person is willing to change their behavior if informed about the consequence of their actions. However, the following line "I know the way I've been is no way to act around you" reveals that the person is already aware of their poor behavior towards someone, possibly a lover or a friend.
The chorus "I'm a bummer, baby, yes, I know, you don't have to tell me twice, but by the fourth time, it really starts to stick around" further conveys the sense of remorse and guilt that the person feels. They already know that they have been a bummer or a downer, and being reminded of it only makes it harder for them to let go of their mistakes. The second verse "Honestly, what was I supposed to say, now I've gotta spend my days, waiting for the sun, but some days I hope it never comes" suggests that the person is stuck in a cycle of regret and is finding it hard to move on, especially when they have to face the consequences of their actions every day.
The bridge and the final verse offer some hope and redemption, with the person acknowledging that they have at least tried to make something positive out of their mistakes, and that one day the time they have spent alone will come back to them in a positive way. The song overall conveys a sense of vulnerability and introspection, with the lyrics and melody working together to create an emotional charge that is both cathartic and bittersweet.
Line by Line Meaning
I can want it if you let me know
I am willing to change for you, but I need you to communicate what the consequences will be
About the consequence
I need to be aware of the outcome of my actions before I can change
I know the way I've been
I am aware that my behavior has been unacceptable
Is no way to act around you
My past actions have not shown respect or consideration for you
I'm a bummer, baby, yes, I know
I acknowledge that I have been a disappointment and have caused negativity
You don't have to tell me twice
I understand your frustration and regret my behavior
But by the fourth time
Repeating the same criticism hurts, but I know I need to make a change
It really starts to stick around
The consequences of my actions linger and have a real impact
Honestly, what was I supposed to say
I am struggling to find the right words to express my regret and desire to change
Now I've gotta spend my days
I have to confront the reality of my negative impact and work to change it
Waiting for the sun
Hoping for brighter days ahead, and the opportunity to make things right
But some days, I hope it never comes
On bad days, I feel like I don't deserve redemption and just want to hide from my mistake
I'm a bummer but at least I tried
Even though I have caused negativity, I have made an effort to change
To make something out of it
I am committed to improving myself and the situation
One day this time I've spent alone
The time I am investing in self-improvement will pay off in the future
Will make its way back around
My efforts to change will be noticed and appreciated by those around me
Honestly, how am I supposed to make
I am still struggling to find the right way to make amends and change for the better
My way without breaking things
I fear that positive change may be too difficult to achieve without causing further harm
Tell me how I can live
I am open to advice and guidance on how to make positive and meaningful changes
Let me live
I am asking for patience and understanding as I strive to improve myself and the situation
Writer(s): James Harker
Contributed by David D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.