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.
Mr. Bonaparte
The Bears Lyrics
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That everything you did and said would amount to law
And all of the players and pieces on the map you drew
Should be happy to revolve their lives around you
I live in my lonely mind
I wonder do you ever reflect
That you're only another man with a bag of regret
And your life will be done in the blink of an eye
According to the book I read, Mr. Bonaparte
All your plans and proclamations fall apart
And the loyal few who remain intact
Only seem to pay attention
While they laugh behind your back
The lyrics of The Bears’ song “Mr. Bonaparte” speak about a man who believed that everything he did and said should be followed as law. The lyrics wonder how this man, named Mr. Bonaparte, got it in his head that all the players and pieces on the map he drew should revolve their lives around him. The singer of the song then reflects that Mr. Bonaparte is only another man with a bag of regret and that his life will be over in the blink of an eye, with him not even being a footnote on the page of time. The song indicates that, according to the book that the singer read, all of Mr. Bonaparte’s plans and proclamations will fall apart, and the few loyal followers who remain intact only seem to pay attention while they laugh behind his back.
The lyrics showcase the idea that no matter how much power and authority one may have, one is still simply a human being, and their time will come and go. Mr. Bonaparte is used as a metaphor for all those in power who blindly believe that everything they do is right and just. The lyrics urge people to reflect on the temporary nature of life and not to become too self-important in the grand scheme of things.
Line by Line Meaning
How did you get it in your head, mr. bonaparte
How did you come to believe that your every action and word carried the force of law, Mr. Bonaparte?
That everything you did and said would amount to law
That your every action and word had the power to dictate reality as if they carried the full force of law.
And all of the players and pieces on the map you drew
And all the individuals and institutions operating within the sphere of your influence.
Should be happy to revolve their lives around you
Should be content to have their lives entirely shaped and dominated by your will.
I live in my lonely mind
I live in solitude and contemplation, removed from the illusions of grandeur and control that Mr. Bonaparte embodies.
I wonder do you ever reflect
I wonder if Mr. Bonaparte ever takes the time to truly examine his own thoughts and motives.
That you're only another man with a bag of regret
That, despite all his bravado and posturing, Mr. Bonaparte is just another flawed human being wracked by doubt and remorse.
And your life will be done in the blink of an eye
And all of his ambitions and schemes will amount to nothing in the end, vanishing in the briefest of instants.
And you won't even be a footnote on the page of time
And he will have left no lasting mark or impact on the course of history.
According to the book I read, Mr. Bonaparte
As the source of my knowledge or perspective on this matter, Mr. Bonaparte.
All your plans and proclamations fall apart
All of his grand plans and proclamations will eventually fall apart and crumble into dust.
And the loyal few who remain intact
And only those few individuals who are unwavering in their loyalty will continue to try and prop up his delusions of grandeur and power.
Only seem to pay attention
Only seem to be engaged or interested in his machinations on the most superficial level, lacking any real respect or admiration for him.
While they laugh behind your back
While secretly mocking him and ridiculing his foolishness when he is not around.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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