Cousins
Vampire Weekend Lyrics

You found a sweater on the ocean floor
You stumbled upon something unexpected and unique, something lost and forgotten in a place where it doesn't belong.

They're gonna find it if you didn't close the door
If you don't keep your discovery to yourself, others who don't deserve it will take credit and benefit from it.

You and the smart ones sit outside of their sight
You don't belong in the mainstream and prefer to stay away from the crowd while keeping a low profile with like-minded people.

In a house on a street they wouldn't park on at night
You occupy a place that's unconventional or unappealing to others because they fail to appreciate or understand what it represents.

Dad was a risk-taker, his was a shoe maker
Your father had a bold and imaginative personality and occupation, likely something artistic or entrepreneurial, that he passed on to you.

You, 'Greatest Hits 2006' little list-maker
You value music and are drawn to the past, compiling a mixtape or playlist that reflects your tastes and nostalgia.

Heard codes in the melodies, you heeded the call
You discern hidden messages or meanings in the music you listen to and take inspiration or guidance from them.

Oh, you were born with ten fingers and you're gonna use them all
You have a lot of potential and skills that you're eager to apply to various pursuits and endeavors.

Interesting colors I discovered myself
You've unearthed something unique and intriguing in your artistic or creative expression, something that's never been seen before.

If your art life is gritty, you'll be toasting my health
If your artistic journey is challenging or unconventional, you'll appreciate and celebrate the trailblazers and innovators who came before you.

If an interest in culture should be lining the walls
If you have a passion for anything cultural or aesthetic, you should surround yourself with it and incorporate it into your identity or environment.

When your birthright is interest, you could just accrue it all
If you were born with an inherent curiosity or appreciation for certain things, you could acquire knowledge and experiences endlessly and never get enough.

Me and my cousins and you and your cousins, it's a line that's always running
There's a connection or kinship between us, based on shared experiences or genetics, that constantly travels across generations and time.

I can feel it coming
I sense that this bond or legacy will continue to unfold and reveal itself in the future.

You could turn your back on the bitter world
You have the power to reject or ignore the negativity and hardships that exist in the world and focus on something more pleasant or worthwhile.

Me and my cousins and you and your cousins, it's a line that's always running
This connection between us is constant and not affected by any external forces or obstacles.

I can feel it coming
I have a premonition or intuition that this legacy will continue to flourish and inspire us in the future.