Meaning of "Vertical" by Animal Collective

"Vertical" delves into the themes of perspective, power, and insignificance when faced with the vertical world. The imagery of mountains, buildings, and the night sky serve as symbols of grandeur and overwhelming size, making the narrator feel small and lowly. The lyrics highlight the juxtaposition between the awe-inspiring verticality of structures and the limitations of human perspective and understanding. The repetition of "My feet can't cross the parking lot, the parking lot is way too hot" suggests a sense of being stuck or unable to move forward in the face of these immense vertical forces. The song also touches on the idea of imagination and creativity, with the narrator likening their endless tower of thoughts to the vertical world around them. Ultimately, "Vertical" captures a mix of wonder, fear, and humility when confronted with the vastness and height of the world around us.