In the Flowers

Animal Collective · Merriweather Post Pavilion [2009]

Met a dancer

Who was high in a field

From her movement

Caught my breath on my way home

Couldn't stop that spinning force

I felt in me

Everything around seemed to giggle glee

She walked up with a flower and I cared



Saw the dancer

Who gets wild to the beats of record rhythms

But I'm always away for weeks

That pass slow my

Mind gets lost

Feeling envy for the kid who'll dance despite anything

I walk out in the flowers and feel better

If I could just leave my body for the night:



Then we could be dancing

No more missing you while I'm gone

There we could be dancing

And you'd smile and say, "I like this song"

And when our eyes will meet there

We will recognize nothing's wrong

And I wouldn't feel so selfish

I won't be this way very long



To hold you in time

To hold you in time

To hold you in time

To hold you in time



While we were dancing

Early hours

Drunken days finally ended

And the streets turned for a pillowcase

Then I fumbled our good lock

Then the ecstasy turns to rising light

Through our windowpane

Now I'm gone

I left flowers for you there

About In the Flowers

"In the Flowers" is a standout track from Animal Collective's 2009 album *Merriweather Post Pavilion*, a recording that solidified the group's reputation for blending psychedelic rock with intricate vocal harmonies. The song exemplifies the band's signature style, characterized by layered vocals and experimental production that creates an immersive, dreamlike atmosphere. Released during a pivotal era for the indie rock scene, the track showcases the collaborative spirit of the duo, with both members contributing to the song's complex structure and emotional depth. The recording stands as a testament to the band's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their core identity. It captures the raw energy and sonic experimentation that defined their work in the late 2000s, influencing countless artists who followed. The piece remains a significant part of their discography, celebrated for its unique blend of genres and its ability to evoke a sense of collective euphoria through its musical arrangement.