Woods
Bon Iver Lyrics
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I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
The lyrics of Bon Iver's song "Woods" are reflective of the artist's state of mind as he escapes to the woods to find solace. The repetition of the first few lines in the beginning of the track evokes a sense of instability, as if the singer is struggling with anxiety or depression. It's clear that he wants to slow down time, building a sill to curb his obsessive thoughts that he can't escape from. He repeats these lines several times before the words begin to blend together and emotionally charged sounds begin to take over, serving as an instrument of release. The lyrics are repetitive, yet deeply moving as the artist takes a raw, emotional approach to express his desire for peace of mind.
The artist has found respite in nature, something that is highly regarded as a source of healing in various cultures, which is relatable to many as well. The lyrics seem to suggest that the artist is taking control by taking himself out to nature and changing his surroundings. The repetition in the lyrics serve to show that he is steadfast in his pursuit of a calmer state of mind. The incessant repetitions of the same lyrics create a vivid image in the listener's mind and one can easily identify that the artist wants to slow down time.
Overall, “Woods” is a beautifully haunting song with an experimental approach. It expresses the cyclical and repetitive nature of the artist's mind, leading to his search for clarity and peace amidst the chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I find myself in isolation in the forest with my thoughts weighing me down
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm creating barriers to hold back time, trying to prolong my current state
I'm up in the woods
I am in seclusion, away from everything else
I'm down on my mind
I am troubled and burdened mentally
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SunbeamPink
You don’t just hear Justin’s songs, you feel them — they burrow into your gut and then gently squeeze and twist your soul. A decade ago, as my marriage (and life) was crumbling in rural Japan, I would lie in the bathtub every night and softly sing these words over and over:
I’m up in the woods.
I’m down on my mind.
I’m building a still
to slow down the time.
Soaking in that hot cauldron with steam rising, sweat seeping from my pores and tears trickling down my face, I was effectively distilled to the essence of myself: an island of a man, increasingly detached, frail and hopeless; nothing more than a naked corpse slowly decaying in a waterlogged coffin.
I’m stronger now, but listening to “Woods” transports me right back to that isolation tank.
@icystorm9
This song is so great. It's addictive without even using any instruments. My favorite from the EP.
@justtofu
I'm lost in the worrrrrlllld!
@SunbeamPink
You don’t just hear Justin’s songs, you feel them — they burrow into your gut and then gently squeeze and twist your soul. A decade ago, as my marriage (and life) was crumbling in rural Japan, I would lie in the bathtub every night and softly sing these words over and over:
I’m up in the woods.
I’m down on my mind.
I’m building a still
to slow down the time.
Soaking in that hot cauldron with steam rising, sweat seeping from my pores and tears trickling down my face, I was effectively distilled to the essence of myself: an island of a man, increasingly detached, frail and hopeless; nothing more than a naked corpse slowly decaying in a waterlogged coffin.
I’m stronger now, but listening to “Woods” transports me right back to that isolation tank.
@alexyacobozzi3991
Sunbeam Pink ❤️❤️❤️
@thaimemusic
I’m happy to hear that you’re stronger now. I agree, Bon Iver’s music is breathtaking, to say the least. He’s saved my life many times. And I’m glad he was there to comfort yours when things got tough. I hope all is okay now! - Kai.
@nheORIGINAL
I thought you were a women at first. Why did you go to rural Japan and how is your marriage now?
@richardhall5238
Creeks vibe!
@SSBM-Sandwich
Hope your doing okay. Your comment was beautifully written.
@willandreas6182
this song is so special to me.
Me and my girlfriend listened to this walking through the Sziget festival showgrounds last year the morning after the first day - we walked silently sharing a pair of $2 headphones, holding hands and watching the world go by as the sun came up.
A year on and its still our favourite song. Forever grateful for Bon Iver and what he did to our world in those precious minutes <3
@SoulProphett
Sounds like a movie <3