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Winter Winds
Mumford & Sons Lyrics


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As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts
Oh the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms
Was it love or fear of the cold that led us through the night?
For every kiss your beauty trumped my doubt

And my head told my heart
Let love grow
But my heart told my head
This time no
This time no

We'll be washed and buried one day my girl
And the time we were given will be left for the world
The flesh that lived and loved will be eaten by plague
So let the memories be good for those who stay

And my head told my heart
Let love grow
But my heart told my head
This time no
Yes, my heart told my head
This time no
This time no

Oh the shame that sent me off from the God that I once loved
Was the same that sent me into your arms
Oh and pestilence is won when you are lost and I am gone
And no hope, no hope will overcome

But if your strife strikes at your sleep
Remember spring swaps snow for leaves
You'll be happy and wholesome again
When the city clears and sun ascends

And my head told my heart
Let love grow
But my heart told my head
This time no

And my head told my heart
Let love grow
But my heart told my head
This time no
This time no

Overall Meaning

The song "Winter Winds" by Mumford & Sons tells the story of a love that has been challenged by the winter winds in London. The first stanza describes the feeling of being swept up in someone's arms and the doubt of whether it is love or fear of the cold that led them to each other. The chorus then represents the internal conflict between the head and the heart - the head telling the heart to let love grow while the heart hesitates and says no.


The second stanza takes a deeper, more philosophical turn. It speaks of the fleeting nature of life and how ultimately, everything will come to an end. The memories of the love shared should then be good enough for those left behind. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the hesitation of the heart to fully embrace the love they have.


The third and final stanza speaks of hopelessness and how it can drive us to do things that we may later regret. The lyric "pestilence is won when you are lost and I am gone" speaks of how the singer has lost themselves and the hope that they once had. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the last four lines. It speaks of the changing of the seasons and how eventually, things will be happy and wholesome again.


Overall, the song tells a story of a hesitant love, the fleeting nature of life, and the struggle to find hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.


Line by Line Meaning

As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts
The arrival of winter left many people in London feeling disconnected and alone.


Oh the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms
The singer was drawn to the love and kindness he saw in the eyes of his partner, which made him feel safe and loved.


Was it love or fear of the cold that led us through the night?
The singer questions whether he and his partner were guided by true love or simply by a desire to escape the harshness of the winter season.


For every kiss your beauty trumped my doubt
In the midst of doubt and uncertainty, the physical beauty and love of the artist's partner was enough to reassure him and keep their relationship strong.


And my head told my heart Let love grow But my heart told my head This time no This time no
The artist struggles with conflicting emotions about their relationship, with his head telling him to continue loving while his heart is hesitant and unsure.


We'll be washed and buried one day my girl And the time we were given will be left for the world The flesh that lived and loved will be eaten by plague So let the memories be good for those who stay
The singer recognizes the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He advises his partner to cherish their memories and leave behind a positive legacy for future generations.


Oh the shame that sent me off from the God that I once loved Was the same that sent me into your arms
The singer reflects on how his personal struggles led him to question his faith, but also brought him closer to his partner and the love they share.


Oh and pestilence is won when you are lost and I am gone And no hope, no hope will overcome
The artist acknowledges that in the face of loss and tragedy, hope may seem impossible to grasp, but reminds his partner that their love can overcome even the darkest of moments.


But if your strife strikes at your sleep Remember spring swaps snow for leaves You'll be happy and wholesome again When the city clears and sun ascends
The artist encourages his partner to take solace in the fact that difficult times are only temporary, and that eventually a new season of life and happiness will arrive.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BENJAMIN WALTER DAVID LOVETT, EDWARD JAMES MILTON DWANE, MARCUS OLIVER JOHNSTONE MUMFORD, WINSTON AUBREY ALADAR MARSHALL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@GLMike77

What I really like about Mumford & Sons is that if you ever listen to their live sessions (or see them live), they not only sound as good as they do on the recorded version, but they're so full of emotion for this music they've made. For them, it's not about getting on the radio or making a truckload of money but about putting out what they feel. I LOVE MUMFORD AND SONS!

@pilkomaster

This band has made the most unique and refreshing music of the past decade, true trend setters and true talent, Love you Mumford

@PatrickMc1nerney

I recently heard "Little Lion Man" on the radio, and I was like, "Yes! Finally some good music for a change!" Ever since then I've been listening all the Mumford and Sons songs over and over. I love this song.

@GhostLeaderOTSS

mumford and sons i wish to thank you i had lost my older brother and to cheer me up i was taken to one of your performances and this song had filled me with hope when i heard it and i had then learned my brother had loved you guys so now to keep his memory alive i listen to each one of your songs and especially this one. as i type this i am crying tears of joy... thank you.

@TheNinjaNoodle

I stumbled across Mumford & sons last week, ive had three of their songs stuck in my head constantly, so i went out yesterday and bought Sigh No More at HMV best 10 buck of my LIFE Mumford & Sons are amazing

@gossamer999

This, The Cave, Little Lion Man, White Blank Page, I Gave You All. 5 of the greatest songs I've ever had the pleasure of listening to.

@zoo599

Such amazing heart,soul and sound. Brings me to tears. Brings me down to our Mother, the World.....

@maitekoekiemonster

I love this music. We played it in our car while we were in America, and this music reminds me of it every time. Thank you(L)

@zthestrokes118

I am an old fashioned London-loving Canadian and this song always takes me away:)))))

@TheStupidfly

i love mumford & sons, reminds me of an old friend who i used to chill with everyday and we listened to these guys on road trips....im gonna miss that kid, thank you m&s for reminding me of him.

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