Fleet Foxes

Lyrics

31 ContributorsI Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar LyricsIntro
[Sixth floor, alone]
I am all that I need
And I'll be till I'm through
And I'm light on my feet
Good to be without you
(Distant light, distant dancer)
Mute at Midnight, she might Look Like the answer
But I'm all that I nee-
[The band kicks the loner off the stage]
[Into the city]
So, it's true I've gone too far to find you
And the thumbprint scar I let define you
Was a myth I made you measure up to
It was all just water, winding by you

And the basking / gnashing, foaling / feeding
And the rising / falling, melting / freezing
And the raising for destroying feeling

(All we do, this repeats
You've got all you need on me...)
See Fleet Foxes LiveGet tickets as low as $60You might also likeAnd now I see that it's all corroding
Soonest seething, soonest folding
But the night won't last if you just hold fast, so calm down

(I am hardly made of steel)
Tell me, are you so concealed?
(Can't I just go to sleep?)
You're no more so blind to me
[Exit out of the city]
[Now memory]
"Are you alone?
I don't believe you
Are you at home? I'll come right now
I need to see you"
Thin as a shim and Scottish pale
Bright white light like a bridal veil
[Cut to chewn through fingernails]
[Out of memory]
I was a child in the ivy then
I never knew you, you knew me
Not like you knew me
Off on the other ocean now
All is behind you, all is sea
[Back into the city]
[At the edge of the ocean]
[Sample]
[Outro]

Are you ready for a musical journey that takes you from doubt and insecurity to clarity and reflection? Then buckle up and get ready to dive into "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" by Fleet Foxes. As the opening track on their album "Crack-Up," this song sets the tone for the entire record. Lead singer Robin Pecknold intended to play with our emotions, starting with a slow and somber opening before breaking into bright, up-tempo strumming. It's a rollercoaster of feelings that is sure to leave you captivated.

What makes "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" truly unique is its use of conflicting voices. Throughout the song, we hear a low, quietly-mumbling pessimist and a more high-pitched, belting voice arguing with each other. The lyrics, masterfully crafted by Pecknold, leave room for interpretation. It could be a battle with oneself, an argument with someone else, or even a metaphorical wrestling match with the challenges of returning to music after exploring other avenues at Columbia University. The beauty of the song lies in its ability to encompass all these possibilities, constantly keeping the listener engaged and intrigued.

The journey of "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" can be seen through its structure. The first verse portrays doubt and insecurity, with the low voice mumbling its uncertainties. Just as you start to feel engulfed in this emotional state, the song takes a sharp turn with the second verse. The high-pitched voice bursts in with a more argumentative and assertive tone, challenging the pessimistic thoughts expressed earlier.

But the rollercoaster ride doesn't end there. As the song progresses, it returns to the pondering and uncertain atmosphere of the first verse. It's as if the internal battle within Pecknold continues, fluctuating between doubt and conviction. Yet, as we reach the final verse, something shifts. The argumentative voices give way to clarity and reflection. The narrator moves forward, leaving behind the inner conflict and embracing newfound understanding.

As with many Fleet Foxes songs, the lyrics of "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" are open to interpretation. They allow each listener to create their own meaning and find personal resonance within the words. This ambiguity is what makes Fleet Foxes so special. They never spoon-feed their emotions; instead, they offer a canvas for us to paint our own experiences upon.

But it's not just the lyrics that make this song remarkable. The musical arrangement is equally captivating. The slow, somber opening creates a sense of anticipation, drawing us into the emotional landscape of the song. And just when we think we know where it's headed, the bright and up-tempo strumming bursts in like a ray of sunshine, challenging our expectations and infusing the track with energy and vitality.

Despite the complexity of its themes and musical structure, "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" remains accessible and relatable. It's a testament to Fleet Foxes' ability to create music that speaks to our deepest emotions while also providing an uplifting and cathartic experience.

So, whether you're in need of a mood boost or simply enjoy exploring the intricacies of human emotions through music, "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" is a song that deserves your attention. Join Fleet Foxes on this enchanting musical journey and let yourself be carried away by the beauty and depth of their craft.

About I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar

Opening with a slow and somber tone that transitions into bright and up-tempo strumming, "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" is the captivating opening track on Fleet Foxes' album "Crack-Up." The song plays with listeners' emotions, starting off with a melancholic atmosphere to create a sense of uncertainty before revealing its true colors.

Lead singer Robin Pecknold intended to surprise and cheer up the listener, utilizing the format of the song to evoke contrasting emotions. The track features two conflicting voices: a low, quietly-mumbling pessimist and a higher-pitched, belting voice that argues with them. This internal conflict reflects Pecknold's exploration of doubt, insecurities, and the challenges of returning to music after exploring other avenues at Columbia University.

The lyrics of "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" are open-ended and allow for multiple interpretations. They could represent a battle within oneself, a dialogue between two people, or a metaphorical struggle with the complexities of life. This ambiguity allows each listener to find their own meaning and resonate with the emotions expressed in the song.

The song's structure mirrors the journey of self-discovery and reflection. Starting with doubt and insecurity in the first verse, the song takes a turn in the second verse with a more assertive and argumentative tone. This back-and-forth continues, showcasing the internal struggle within the narrator. But as the song progresses, it leads to a moment of clarity and reflection in the final verse, where the argumentative voices subside and the narrator moves forward.

Both the lyrics and the music contribute to the powerful impact of "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar." The slow and somber opening creates a mood of introspection, drawing the listener into the emotional landscape of the song. The sudden burst of bright and up-tempo strumming injects the track with energy and vitality, challenging our expectations and providing an uplifting experience.

Fleet Foxes' ability to create complex yet relatable music is showcased in "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar." The song invites listeners on a captivating journey, where their own emotions and experiences intertwine with the heartfelt lyrics and mesmerizing arrangements. It's a testament to the band's artistry and their ability to create music that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Fleet Foxes or new to their music, "I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar" is a song that deserves your attention. It's a beautiful blend of introspection, passion, and catharsis, reminding us of the power that music holds to touch our souls and accompany us on our own personal journeys.

• Release Date: June 16, 2017
• Artist: Fleet Foxes