Be Kind

Song Meaning

Devendra Banhart's "Be Kind" isn't a simple plea for good manners; it's a surrealist meditation on empathy, karma, and the often grotesque consequences of unkindness. The repeated mantra, "Be kind, baby be kind," acts as both a soothing balm and a desperate warning against a world teetering on the edge of chaos. The lyrics suggest that kindness isn't just a virtue but a survival mechanism, a way to navigate a reality where actions have bizarre and disproportionate repercussions. The phrase "align your legs to time" hints at a cosmic alignment, suggesting that kindness is not only morally right but also essential for staying in sync with the universe's rhythm. The imagery of popping eyes and dropped candy apples introduces a nightmarish element. This isn't just about being nice; it's about avoiding a grotesque fate. The lines evoke a sense of anxiety and the potential for self-destruction. The candy apple, a symbol of simple pleasure, becomes a casualty of unchecked fear and aggression. The bizarre consequence of someone else "buys seeing double" further underscores the unpredictable nature of karmic payback. Banhart juxtaposes the plea for kindness with images of retribution: "the way he drops the ants will cover him up." It's a stark reminder that cruelty, no matter how small, can lead to devastating consequences. The singer assures someone, "you'd get 'em back dear," implying that justice, however strange, will eventually be served. However, the warning to "Don't cha try to puff them all up" suggests that one shouldn't become consumed with vengeance, as that path leads to further distortion and suffering. Ultimately, "Be Kind" is a complex exploration of the interconnectedness of actions and consequences, wrapped in Banhart's signature whimsical and unsettling style.