Song meaning of Sunbears by Tribe 8

The song "Sunbears" by Tribe 8 portrays a simple yet poignant message through its lyrics. It revolves around the characteristics and behaviors of sunbears, comparing them to human emotions and actions. The song begins by stating the artist's fondness for sunbears and their penchant for rolling around in the sun, highlighting their carefree and joyful nature. However, the lyrics quickly shift to the question of what sunbears do when there is no sun.

Here, the song indicates a metaphorical representation of humans facing difficult times or moments of sadness. The sunbears' behavior when there is no sun – moping, brooding, and coping – alludes to the emotional struggles people experience when faced with adversity. The repetition of "they brood" emphasizes a sense of internal contemplation or dwelling on negative thoughts. Additionally, the line "Shoot dope" suggests resorting to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, symbolizing the destructive ways people sometimes try to alleviate their pain.

Overall, despite their typically cheerful disposition, sunbears become emblematic of human vulnerability and the complexity of emotions. The final lines, "If you ask them are they happy they say nope. They're rude," portray a stark reality of individuals who may mask their true feelings and respond defensively. The song's message conveys the importance of acknowledging and addressing one's emotions rather than suppressing them or resorting to harmful habits.