By Sophia Christensen
Having only listened to three of Grizzly Bears songs, I would not exactly consider myself a Grizzly Bear fanatic. However, the complexity and beauty of the lyrics and melody pushed me to research and analyze their most popular song, “Two Weeks.” Public feedback of the song typically writes as, “OMG! I found my wedding song!” or “What inspiring lyrics,” when in actuality, the song is far from loving and inspiring. Before listening, I was aware of the conflicting interpretations of the song–love and heartbreak. I desperately tried to hear the “wedding” side to the lyrics and melody, but “Two Weeks” just dragged me down. I fell in love with the song, but not as a song that serves to put me in a lovey-dovey mood.
[Intro]
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh
[Verse 1]
Save up all the days
A routine malaise
Every day seems to mush into the same monotonous routine. He cannot handle the pain and agony that boredom and repetition brings him. Uneasy, he continues to barely make it through each day, and only does so to “Save up all the days” until one day he gives up or quits. Relating to the title, “Two Weeks,” at jobs, companies require a two week notice before one quits. His title and the first line in the song could be referring to the days he has saved up, acting as his two week notice before he eventually quits the taunting life-cycle of repetition and discomfort.
Just like yesterday
I told you I would stay
Oh oh oh oh
Moving on, it becomes apparent that he is referring to a loved one (possibly a lover). The partner clearly lacks self-love, and craves validation and constant reassurance. The line, “Just like yesterday,” refers to his lifeless, identical routine, and simultaneously works to show how his partner constantly needs daily reassurance regarding him staying in the relationship. Seeing as though he is already tired of life’s monotonous routine, I can imagine how tiring it must be to continuously reassure someone that you will always be there. Eventually, repeating the same line every day might drive you off the edge, and down the line, will make you question the truth behind your words.
[Chorus]
Would you always?
Maybe sometimes?
Make it easy?
Take your time
Desperately, he pleads for his partner to take the time they need to find love within themselves and the relationship again. Acknowledging the difficulties and toxicity of their relationship, he wonders if they could just take time for themself, and come back ready for love. No matter how many times they need to take a break, he resseaures his partner that there is time for them to work it out together or by themselves–and whatever the need, he will always be there.
[Verse 2]
Oh oh oh oh
Think of all the ways
Momentary phase
Think(ing) of all the ways the relationship could go wrong, doubt creeps into the minds of the couple. With the gravity of overthinking, he’s afraid they will succumb to all of the scrambled thoughts in their brain. However, he takes it back, realizing it should be (or usually is) a momentary phase. Blaming insecurity or anxiety, he realizes this too shall pass and the thoughts scalvaging around their brain will come to a stop, especially with the reassurance he constantly gives them.
Just like yesterday
I told you I would stay
Every time you try
Quarter half a mile Pushing him, his partner takes a negative approach to love–either trying too hard or not trying at all. Resisting the love his partner offers, he pushes them away because it becomes all too fast for him. Rushing him into inexplicable or constant love, he becomes confused regarding her feelings because he knows his partner cannot love easily with their need for constant reassurance.