Yet Again

Grizzly Bear's 'Yet Again' delves into the recurring themes of struggle, resilience, and the cyclical nature of life's challenges. The song opens with a sense of isolation and inevitability, as the narrator acknowledges that they are often left to face difficulties alone. This sentiment is encapsulated in the lines, 'Yet again, we’re the only ones / No surprise, this is often how it’s done.' The repetition of 'yet again' underscores the repetitive nature of these struggles, suggesting a weariness but also a familiarity with the process of overcoming obstacles.

The lyrics 'Shell with another crack / I’m small, but I can keep track' introduce a metaphor of fragility and endurance. Despite feeling small and vulnerable, the narrator is determined to keep moving forward, mending and molding themselves through each break. This imagery of a cracked shell symbolizes the scars and experiences that shape us, highlighting the resilience required to navigate life's challenges. The song's chorus, 'Take it all in stride / Speak, don’t confide,' suggests a stoic approach to adversity, advocating for a measured response rather than emotional outpouring.

The recurring motif of a 'desert in your face' evokes a sense of desolation and harshness, reflecting the emotional landscape the narrator traverses. The desert, often a symbol of barrenness and struggle, contrasts with the idea of keeping score and maintaining an even playing field, hinting at the internal conflict between enduring hardship and striving for fairness. Ultimately, 'Yet Again' captures the essence of human resilience, the inevitability of facing challenges, and the strength found in persisting through them, even when the outcome seems predetermined.