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A Simple Answer Lyrics

Those saints in lockstep
All crossed the wasteland
Forever gone
They'll hum and walk along

Plod ever onward
Across some tundra
The light is long
But it's not long before it's gone
Well fine

And it calls you back to mind
At once, at last
Oh goodness mercy mine
Soldier on
But please, not so long
This time

Too young and thoughtless
To calm your memories
I know it's wrong
Just give until it's gone

Some tired mantra
Calls ever onward
Shout it loud
Just make it up somehow
Well alright

And it'll call you back to mind
At once, at last
Oh goodness mercy mine
Soldier on
But please, not so long
This time

Move on, let's face
That all you trust is a cynical phrase
No time, no place
When all you hope is that everything breaks

No wrong or right
Just do whatever you like
No wrong or right
Just do whatever you like
No bliss, no light
Tell me it's all just a lie
You can't scare me none
I'm still the lucky one
Song Info
Submitted by
mike On Aug 12, 2012
2 Meanings

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Cover art for A Simple Answer lyrics by Grizzly Bear

I agree that this song is about nihilism, but it seems more to me like the vocalist is speaking directly to something like depression, or thoughts of suicide or self harm, or hate. He constantly resists the feelings of sadness, and tries to keep moving on regardless of how he feels. Perhaps he is reciting a mantra to himself to keep him from feeling this way, to avoid it, or end these dark thoughts. But in the end of the song, he conquers it. The thoughts can't scare him, he appreciates his life.

Although the song ends on a happier note, I think it contributes to the album's theme about going in and out of a sad state and just trying to live with sadness, loneliness, and pessimism.

My Interpretation
Cover art for A Simple Answer lyrics by Grizzly Bear

Seems to have something to do with being nihilistic and not caring about morality.

"No wrong or right, Just do whatever you like."

"let's face that all you trust is a cynical phrase."

My Interpretation
 
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