Lyric discussion by MechanicalBirds 

Cover art for Ansel lyrics by Modest Mouse

Possibly about Ansel Adams? I imagine him and Isaac would share the same ideals -- both hate seeing peaceful, beautiful scenes of nature being destroyed for civilization.

I'd like to say that this is totally incorrect, and it's about his brother, who obviously was killed in some mountain climbing incident or something. His death was part of the inspiration for their Good News album.

@MechanicalBirds i actually think you were on to something with your first comment about ansel adams. clearly this album has an overwhelming theme of environmentalism and the band's view of what is becoming of the world. i think people are looking too much at the obvious message (the death of isaac's brother). I think it is meant to have multiple meanings, as with any modest mouse song. I think he is talking about the innocence that many of us feel when it comes to environmental responsibility and using an innocent view of death to convey it.