Shift
by Grizzly Bear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But when push comes to shove, this is getting old
I wouldn't have it any other way
No, I wouldn't have it any other way
And when you call I'll be there
There...
I wouldn't have it any other way
The lyrics of Grizzly Bear's Song, "Shift," constitute a depiction of a predicament where the singer faces a conflict between two materials, silver and gold, which he showcases as symbols of wealth and prosperity, and their innate unsatisfactory attributes. The singer seems to have reached a point in life where he realizes that materialistic possessions and external appearances are fading, and their importance diminishes. The phrase "when push comes to shove, this is getting old" suggests the imminence of a transition that will force us to face facts, as we cannot evade or escape them. The singer then acknowledges that, despite the frustration and the agony of the situation, he wouldn’t have it any other way.
However, the song's chorus provides a glimmer of hope and assurance - "when you call I'll be there, there… I wouldn't have it any other way." The lyrics "when you call, I'll be there" suggest that the singer's perception of life changed. The abstractness of the lyrics implies that the singer has a strong support system, whether it's personal or spiritual, that helps him cope with the frustrations of life. The phrase, "I wouldn't have it any other way," signifies that the struggles, difficulties, and agony that the singer faces are crucial for his growth and development, and he wouldn't wish to bypass or trade them for an easier life.
Grizzly Bear's "Shift" is a ballad that brings to light the taboo of speaking about the agony and frustration we experience in life. The song is a reminder that everyone faces struggles, disappointments, and frustrations in life, but what matters is how we deal with them. It is a reminder that sometimes acknowledging our feelings and seeking support can be the first step to moving forward in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, I've got silver and I've got gold
I have everything I need, both valuable and precious things.
But when push comes to shove, this is getting old
However, after a while, all these things lose their value, and I get tired of them.
I wouldn't have it any other way
Despite this, I would still choose to have these things in my life.
No, I wouldn't have it any other way
I am content with what I have and do not wish for anything else.
And when you call I'll be there
Despite my possessions, my priorities lie with those closest to me, and I will always be there for them.
There...
Implies an unwavering commitment to being available and present for those that matter most.
I wouldn't have it any other way
This statement is repeated to emphasize the importance of prioritizing relationships over material possessions.
Contributed by Vivian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Amani Person
16 years later, and I’m still here. Wow does time fly. 🥰
dante guzman
Love that me too
B D.
100%. Still here for it. Just as hauntingly beautiful as ever
Ricky Bobby
Man, unbelievable. I have to admit this band catches me off guard. The whistling thing was pretty cool. Very relaxing, introspective
cosmicdusk
still gives me goosebumps years later
mtcs
haha I had to come back to make sure it would
Liziemtrak
"I wrote this about the transition from one relationship to another. It’s about that shift in relationships. It’s about a rather quick transition."
When i read this , this song became more touching than i thought.
Latter-Day Heartbreaks
its crazy how such a talented band came together. Im so glad they met eachother
Colin Drayer
Daniel Rossen - Guitar, Vocals Chris Bear - Melodica, Vocals Chris Taylor - Clarinet, Vocals Ed Droste - Vocals, Beer
Green Toast
Vocals, beer 🍺 😂