There are at least two bands called The Bears.

The most prominent b… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two bands called The Bears.

The most prominent band called The Bears formed in 1985 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and continue to create new music today. Their sound may be categorized as Power-Pop or Prog Pop, but draws from a diverse pallet of influences, and features the distinctive avant-garde guitar playing of Adrian Belew, the band's most prominent member.

In addition to guitarist, vocalist and producer Belew, The Bears consists of guitarist/vocalist Rob Fetters, drummer/vocalist Chris Arduser, and bassist Bob Nyswonger (without Belew, the three are known as the PsychoDots).

In addition, there is a twee band called Bears (without the "the") from Cleveland, Ohio.

Another band called The Bears were formed in Watford, UK, by former Wire guitarist George Gill and future Julian Cope manager Cally. They released three singles in 1979, including the excellent Insane/Decisions which appeared on the Belfast label Good Vibrations.

Figure It Out
The Bears Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You don't retain your calm
Either you're an anvil
Or sell me your aunt
And your car is almost gone
Figure it out

My bag's against the wall
You knocked me up,

You didn't knock me out
And I'm God about to brawl
Figure it out

Talk beheads the cat
Shoes off the couch
Or I catch a rat
But I'll rent you a riot hat
figure it out

My bulk's across the mall
A wounded ham was an animal
And I've got a bout of gall
Figure it out

My back's against the wall
Figure it out

And I'm not about to crawl
Figure it out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Bear's song "Figure It Out" are enigmatic and abstract, with a non-linear narrative that jumps from one thought to another. The song is composed of four stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first and last stanzas repeat the same lines, while the second and third stanzas offer some variation in the imagery and word choices.

The opening lines of the song, "You don't retain your calm, Either you're an anvil, Or sell me your aunt, And your car is almost gone," suggest a sense of chaos and urgency. The singer appears to be addressing someone who is unable to handle stressful situations in a calm manner. The references to the anvil and the aunt are bizarre and nonsensical, but they contribute to the overall mood of confusion and disorientation. The mention of the car being almost gone suggests a frenzied sense of urgency or desperation.

The second stanza begins with the line "My bag's against the wall," which can be read both literally and metaphorically. The singer is in a difficult situation, with his back against the wall. The next line, "You knocked me up, You didn't knock me out," is another enigma. It could refer to a physical fight or a verbal argument, with the singer emphasizing that he is not defeated yet. The line "And I'm God about to brawl" suggests a sense of power and confidence, despite the precarious circumstances.

The third stanza is the most enigmatic, with its references to a cat, shoes, and a rat. These bizarre images add to the sense of confusion and disorientation in the song. The singer offers to "rent you a riot hat," suggesting that there is a sense of impending danger or violence.

The final stanza brings the song full circle, with the repetition of the opening lines "My back's against the wall, Figure it out, And I'm not about to crawl, Figure it out." The singer is still in a difficult situation, but he remains determined and defiant. The song ends without offering any clear resolution or explanation, leaving the listener to interpret the lyrics for themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

You don't retain your calm
You cannot control your emotions

Either you're an anvil
You are stubborn or unyielding

Or sell me your aunt
You are so desperate that you are willing to sell a family member

And your car is almost gone
You are close to losing your means of transportation

Figure it out
Find a solution to your problems

My bag's against the wall
I am in a difficult or desperate situation

You knocked me up
You made me pregnant

You didn't knock me out
You didn't defeat me completely

And I'm God about to brawl
I am ready to fight or argue with great force

Talk beheads the cat
Speaking carelessly can cause trouble

Shoes off the couch
Respect household rules and etiquette