Meaning and Lyrics of Cousins by Vampire Weekend

Song Lyrics meaning of Cousins by Vampire Weekend

About Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend burst onto the indie rock scene in 2008 with their self-titled debut album, quickly becoming darlings of the New York City music landscape. Formed at Columbia University, the band’s preppy aesthetic and Afropop-infused sound set them apart from their contemporaries.

Led by frontman Ezra Koenig, the group’s unique blend of indie rock, world music, and baroque pop elements created a fresh and intellectual sound that resonated with critics and fans alike. Their clever lyrics, often peppered with literary and cultural references, became a hallmark of their style.

Vampire Weekend’s sophomore album, “Contra” (2010), further cemented their status as indie rock royalty. The track “Cousins” from this album exemplifies their frenetic energy and intricate guitar work, showcasing the band’s ability to craft catchy, yet complex compositions.

With subsequent releases like “Modern Vampires of the City” (2013) and “Father of the Bride” (2019), Vampire Weekend continued to evolve their sound, incorporating more experimental elements while maintaining their signature wit and charm. Their journey from Ivy League upstarts to Grammy-winning artists stands as a testament to their enduring appeal and musical prowess.

Meaning of Cousins by Vampire Weekend

“Cousins” by Vampire Weekend is a song that delves into themes of family, connections, and shared experiences. The playful and catchy tone of the song is reflected in the lively guitar solos and energetic instrumentals.

The lyrics in the song speak about finding commonalities and bonds with relatives, specifically cousins. The reference to a sweater found on the ocean floor can be seen as a metaphor for discovering something unexpected or hidden within the depths of family ties. The lines about sitting outside of sight and codes in melodies suggest a sense of uniqueness and individuality within a larger familial context.

The chorus, with its repetition of “Me and my cousins and you and your cousins,” conveys a sense of inclusion and togetherness among different branches of the family tree. The idea of a line that’s always running could symbolize the continuous thread of relationships that connect people across generations.

The bridge, with its repetition of “You could turn your back on the bitter world,” hints at the possibility of finding solace and support within the family circle, even when faced with challenges from the outside world.

Overall, “Cousins” celebrates the special bond between family members and the shared history and experiences that unite them. The upbeat and dynamic music of the song complements the theme of connection and camaraderie, making it a feel-good anthem for celebrating the ties that bind us together.

Lyrics of Cousins by Vampire Weekend

Intro
Ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy ayy
Ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy oh ah, ayy ayy ayy

Verse 1
You found a sweater on the ocean floor
They're gonna find it if you didn't close the door
You and the smart ones sit outside of their sight
In a house on a street they wouldn't park on at night
Dad was a risk-taker, his was a shoe maker
You, "Greatest Hits 2006" little list-maker
Heard codes in the melodies, you heeded the call
Oh, you were born with ten fingers and you're gonna use them all

Guitar Solo

Verse 2
Interesting colors I discovered myself
If your art life is gritty, you'll be toasting my health
If an interest in culture should be lining the walls
When your birthright is interest, you could just accrue it all

Chorus
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
It's a line that's always running
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
I can feel it coming

Solo Guitar

Bridge
You could turn your back on the bitter world
You could turn your back on the bitter world
You could turn your back on the bitter world
You could turn your back on the bitter world

Chorus
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
It's a line that's always running
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
I can feel it coming
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
It's a line that's always running
Me and my cousins and you and your cousins
I can feel it coming

Guitar Solo

Instrumental Outro

Discography Vampire Weekend

Only God Was Above Us

Release: 2024-04-05
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏👏
1. Ice Cream Piano
2. Classical
3. Capricorn
4. Connect
5. Prep-School Gangsters
6. The Surfer
7. Gen-X Cops
8. Mary Boone
9. Pravda
10. Hope
Tracklist Collapse

Father of the Bride (Deluxe)

Release: 2019-05-03
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim)
2. Harmony Hall
3. Bambina
4. This Life
5. Big Blue
6. How Long?
7. Unbearably White
8. Rich Man
9. Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim)
10. My Mistake
11. Sympathy
12. Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy)
13. Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy)
14. 2021
15. We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim)
16. Stranger
17. Spring Snow
18. Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
19. Houston Dubai (Japanese Bonus Track)
20. I Don’t Think Much About Her No More (Japanese Bonus Track)
21. Lord Ullin’s Daughter feat. Jude Law (Japanese Bonus Track)
Tracklist Collapse

Father of the Bride

Release: 2019-05-03
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim)
2. Harmony Hall
3. Bambina
4. This Life
5. Big Blue
6. How Long?
7. Unbearably White
8. Rich Man
9. Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim)
10. My Mistake
11. Sympathy
12. Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy)
13. Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy)
14. 2021
15. We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim)
16. Stranger
17. Spring Snow
18. Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend - 'Only God Was Above Us' Tour

Price Range: $39.5 – 129.5
Date: 2024-10-05
Location: Madison Square Garden

Vampire Weekend - 'Only God Was Above Us' Tour

Price Range: $32.5 – 92.5
Date: 2024-09-28
Location: TD Pavilion at the Mann

Vampire Weekend - 'Only God Was Above Us' Tour

Price Range: $39.5 – 129.5
Date: 2024-10-06
Location: Madison Square Garden
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Only God Was Above Us

Release: 2024-04-05
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏👏
1. Ice Cream Piano
2. Classical
3. Capricorn
4. Connect
5. Prep-School Gangsters
6. The Surfer
7. Gen-X Cops
8. Mary Boone
9. Pravda
10. Hope
Tracklist Collapse

Father of the Bride (Deluxe)

Release: 2019-05-03
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏
1. Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim)
2. Harmony Hall
3. Bambina
4. This Life
5. Big Blue
6. How Long?
7. Unbearably White
8. Rich Man
9. Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim)
10. My Mistake
11. Sympathy
12. Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy)
13. Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy)
14. 2021
15. We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim)
16. Stranger
17. Spring Snow
18. Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
19. Houston Dubai (Japanese Bonus Track)
20. I Don’t Think Much About Her No More (Japanese Bonus Track)
21. Lord Ullin’s Daughter feat. Jude Law (Japanese Bonus Track)
Tracklist Collapse

Father of the Bride

Release: 2019-05-03
Label: Columbia
Popularity: 👏👏👏
1. Hold You Now (feat. Danielle Haim)
2. Harmony Hall
3. Bambina
4. This Life
5. Big Blue
6. How Long?
7. Unbearably White
8. Rich Man
9. Married in a Gold Rush (feat. Danielle Haim)
10. My Mistake
11. Sympathy
12. Sunflower (feat. Steve Lacy)
13. Flower Moon (feat. Steve Lacy)
14. 2021
15. We Belong Together (feat. Danielle Haim)
16. Stranger
17. Spring Snow
18. Jerusalem, New York, Berlin
Tracklist Collapse
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