See Saw

Song Meaning

Devendra Banhart's "See Saw" isn't just a whimsical tune; it's a cryptic character sketch, a portrait of someone caught in the push-and-pull of perception and desire. The opening lines immediately establish a central tension: "Your head's a see saw / It sees and then saws." This suggests an individual whose mind oscillates between clarity and destructive overthinking, a constant, tiring imbalance. The repeated desire for "extra fingers growing" implies a yearning for more – more sensation, more control, perhaps even a literal grasping for something beyond reach. It speaks to a fundamental dissatisfaction, a need to augment reality. The imagery throughout "See Saw" reinforces this sense of restless seeking. Eyes that "ramble" evoke a lack of focus, a wandering gaze, while the call for "amber fluid flowing" hints at a desire to escape or alter perception through external means. The "greying lips" and the encouragement to find "other diamonds sparkling" suggest a fading allure, a potential restlessness in relationships or a search for novelty to combat the inevitable decay. The song pivots when it addresses the subject directly as a "young dumb ripe thing," simultaneously praising their bravery and acknowledging their impulsiveness. But the core of "See Saw" lies in the repeated mantra: "You're here to get this baby dancing." This isn't literal; it's a metaphor for igniting life, for bringing joy and energy into the world. Despite the preceding verses' anxieties and ambivalences, this declaration suggests an underlying purpose, a vital role the subject is meant to fulfill. Banhart seems to be acknowledging the subject's flaws and contradictions while simultaneously celebrating their potential for transformative action. The final, repeated line, "I always knew," underscores a deep-seated belief in this potential, a quiet confidence that transcends the surface-level chaos and uncertainty. It's an affirmation of intrinsic worth, a knowing glance at someone destined to move the world, one dance at a time.