Meaning of "Summing The Wretch" by Animal Collective

"Summing The Wretch" delves into the paradox of being alone and unrestricted, with lines like "Getting screwed, not much to do, when no one's watching, no one's looking." The song seems to question the nature of human connection and the impact of our actions when there is no one around to witness them. It captures the conflicting emotions of freedom and isolation, portraying a sense of unease and longing when one is left to their own devices. The lyrics speak to the inner turmoil that comes with being untethered by social expectations and the possibility of losing oneself in that freedom. The repeated refrain "Don't get caught lost, don't get caught watching" highlights the tension between wanting to escape scrutiny and the resulting loneliness and disorientation. Overall, the song seems to grapple with the complexity of human existence and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a world where actions can feel both liberating and isolating.