Doors
The Bear Quartet Lyrics
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We got on well
None of that Yin and Yang
Just an infinite grey
We learned to understand
To play with and against
Settled down to stay in the surf
Call came today
Had a way of leaning
on fences, cars
Workers hands
Nail polishing
Used to never really have
much to do with others
In your sisters words
I recall the voices and the names
May 1st snow, a blackout, warm spring rains
The always-there and everything mundane
The weight of your hand
All that disappeared
Settled down to stay in the surf
Bounding up like buddies
Call came today
Night time will rise
up from the ground
It’s not from above
Opens like a mouth
The Bear Quartet's song "Dogs" is a poignant and introspective piece that reflects on the complexities and nuances of relationships. The lyrics describe a friendship that was characterized by an "infinite grey," where the singer and his friend learned to understand and play with each other's strengths and weaknesses. Despite their differences, they got along well and didn't subscribe to the concept of Yin and Yang. However, the singer receives a call that marks the end of this friendship, disrupting the bond that once existed between them.
The song is filled with evocative imageries that add to the emotive and reflective nature of the lyrics. The friend is described as having a way of leaning on fences and cars, as well as nail polishing. These details seem mundane but paint a picture of this person's idiosyncrasies, which the singer fondly recalls. The song also references specific memories that the singer associates with this friendship. He remembers the voices and the names of the people they knew, the weather during certain times, and the feeling of the friend's weight on his hand. These details not only add to the song's texture but also showcase the singer's deep introspection.
Overall, "Dogs" is a beautifully written song that explores the meaning and significance of human connections. It highlights the complexities of relationships and how they can be disrupted by factors beyond our control. The lyrics are poignant, introspective, and filled with evocative imageries that make the listener empathize with the singer's feelings of loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Was a good friend
The singer and their subject were close companions
We got on well
They had a harmonious relationship
None of that Yin and Yang
They didn't have an opposites-attract dynamic
Just an infinite grey
Their bond was stable, but not necessarily passionate
We learned to understand
They developed an empathetic connection
To play with and against
They challenged each other and had friendly competition
Settled down to stay in the surf
They had planned on maintaining their relationship for the long-term
Bounding up like buddies
They greeted each other with enthusiasm and familiarity
Call came today
The artist received news about their friend (likely their passing)
Had a way of leaning
Their friend had a distinctive posture
on fences, cars
Their friend often favored these surfaces for leaning on
Workers hands
Their friend likely performed manual labor
Nail polishing
Their friend had an unexpected hobby or interest in beauty
Used to never really have
Their friend was previously disinterested in others
much to do with others
Their friend was a loner
In your sisters words
The artist is relaying what someone else has said about their friend
I recall the voices and the names
The artist reflects on times spent with their friend
May 1st snow, a blackout, warm spring rains
The singer recalls specific weather conditions on particular occasions shared with their friend
The always-there and everything mundane
Their bond was rooted in ordinary, everyday experiences
The weight of your hand
Their friend made an impression on the artist through physical touch
All that disappeared
Their friendship has ended, likely due to their friend's death
Night time will rise
The impending darkness of night serves as a metaphor for the mystery and unknown surrounding their friend's departure
up from the ground
This mystery feels deep and almost tangible
It’s not from above
Their friend's departure does not come from a higher power such as God or fate
Opens like a mouth
The unknown feels ominous and almost devouring
Contributed by Liliana F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mick Lee
Only 842 global views for one of the best songs ever written. Oh well