Meaning of "Bagels In Kiev" by Animal Collective

"Bagels in Kiev" by Animal Collective delves into themes of nostalgia, family connections, and the contrast between past and present. The narrator reminisces about spending sweet days with their Grandpop on the beach in Ventnor, highlighting the nostalgia for simpler times and the desire to go back to those moments of peace and togetherness. The mention of Moses parting the sea and the reference to Kiev brings an ancestral connection and a sense of longing for lost cultural roots. The repetition of not being there during significant events hints at a feeling of disconnection from one's own history and heritage. The mention of bagels as a symbol of comfort and traditional food implies a longing for a sense of belonging and continuity in a world filled with noise and violence. Overall, the song conveys a message of yearning for a sense of stability, family ties, and peace in a tumultuous and uncertain world.