Sixes hang in the door
What kind of shit to ignore
I've cut the cloth
Ooh, hard line circle
How to know who to write
How to know who can cull up all the questions
We know that I'm right, 'cause
To clean out a night
I fell in love

I heard about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I heard about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I heard about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh

And so it's not in your clasp
Then what's the function or the task
Well, I'd stun and I'd stammer
Help me reach the hammer
For then what will I ask?

That's a pair of them docks
Mooring out two separate lochs
Ain't that some kind of quandry
Waundry
Take me into your palms
What is left when unhungry?

I learned about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I learned about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I've learned about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh

I'm still standing in
Still standing in the need of prayer
The need of prayer
No, I don't know the path
Or what kind of pith I've amassed
Long lines of questions
Lessons, lessons (lessons), lessons
But what do you lose to concede?

Yes, it's hard to believe
When 'em sold for your sleeves
Just come off of your kneel
Please, please, please
I can admit to conceal
No, that's not how that's supposed to feel
Oh, no
It's not for broader appeal
Fuck the fashion of it, dear

I've laughed about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I've laughed about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit)
I've laughed about it
(Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bon Iver's song "666" are quite cryptic and open to interpretation. The first verse starts off with the line "Sixes hang in the door" which could be interpreted as an allusion to the number of the devil, 666. This is followed by the line "What kind of shit to ignore" which suggests that the singer is facing some sort of challenge or temptation that they are trying to overcome. The next few lines seem to be about trying to figure out who to trust and depend on when faced with difficult questions or decisions. The line "We know that I'm right, 'cause to clean out a night I fell in love" could be interpreted as the singer finding clarity and direction through love.

The second verse is even more cryptic and difficult to decipher. The line "And so it's not in your clasp, then what's the function or the task" could be interpreted as questioning the purpose of something that is not in our control. The line "That's a pair of them docks, mooring out two separate lochs" seems to be a metaphor for two things that are seemingly separate but actually connected. The final lines seem to be about questioning the importance of material things and societal expectations.

Overall, the lyrics to "666" are quite abstract and open to interpretation, but they seem to be about finding clarity and direction in a confusing and difficult world.

Line by Line Meaning

Sixes hang in the door
There are multiple occurrences of the number 6 either seen or felt in the atmosphere

What kind of shit to ignore
There are negative thoughts or distractions that need to be disregarded

I've cut the cloth
The singer has made a decision or taken an action

Ooh, hard line circle
There is a tough or rigid situation that is difficult to break out of

How to know who to write
The artist is unsure of who to address or what stance to take

How to know who can cull up all the questions
The singer is seeking someone who can provide answers to their many queries

We know that I'm right, 'cause
The singer is confident in their perspective and actions

To clean out a night
To forget or move on from a troubling situation or thought process

I fell in love
The artist experienced a romantic connection

I heard about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I heard about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I heard about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh
The artist received information through small and gradual revelations over time

And so it's not in your clasp Then what's the function or the task
If something cannot be controlled or obtained, what purpose does it serve

Well, I'd stun and I'd stammer Help me reach the hammer For then what will I ask?
The artist is at a loss and seeks external guidance or support in order to progress forward

That's a pair of them docks Mooring out two separate lochs Ain't that some kind of quandry Waundry
There is a difficult and puzzling situation where two entities are divided in their own spaces

Take me into your palms What is left when unhungry?
The singer is reaching out for someone or something to hold on to and considers what is necessary when not driven by a desire or need

I learned about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I learned about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I've learned about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh
The singer gained knowledge or understanding over time in a gradual manner

I'm still standing in Still standing in the need of prayer The need of prayer
The artist is still in a state of need or desiring something more

No, I don't know the path Or what kind of pith I've amassed Long lines of questions Lessons, lessons (lessons), lessons But what do you lose to concede?
The artist is uncertain of their direction or the value of their life experiences, and wonders what is surrendered in admitting defeat

Yes, it's hard to believe When 'em sold for your sleeves Just come off of your kneel Please, please, please
It's difficult to have faith in something that feels like it was forced upon you, but don't give up hope

I can admit to conceal No, that's not how that's supposed to feel Oh, no
The singer recognizes when they hide their true emotions or self, and feels conflicted about it

It's not for broader appeal Fuck the fashion of it, dear
The artist doesn't care for what is popular or trendy

I've laughed about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I've laughed about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) I've laughed about it (Bit by bit, bit by bit) oh
The artist has found humor or amusement in something through small and gradual moments over time

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@EarlCyberspace

8y↑326

Just my two cents here:

I see a lot of flames going up here over the "666" and inverted cross symbolism. This is solely my interpretation of the artistic intentionality of these symbols/lyrics, but I believe these kind of reactions are exactly what Vernon was expecting. From my point of view, this song is about a struggle with religion and the appearances/cultures that are intertwined with it ("Its not for broader appeal/Fuck the fashion of it, dear") and how caustic it can be to ones personal experience with faith.

Christianity associates 666 with satanic activity based upon solid scriptural correlations, and thats fair. Due to this, its not uncommon to see reactions like the comments below--jumping directly to "Justin Vernon is a Satanist." (Side note: Satanists don't actually worship Satan. They exemplify an indulgent lifestyle--think of them more as Hedonists. Satan's just kinda like their mascot.) Observing this quick escalation brings to mind parallels that I've personally witnessed growing up in Christian circles. The paranoia; the taboo: the judgmental conclusions. Sects of modern, American christianity have evolved into somewhat of a "fashion" in a roundabout way. If something doesn't appear correctly, it must be rebuked and/or corrected immediately. No second opinions and no second chances. (Its kinda ironic, seeing as Jesus's whole thing is second chances.) We witness this in the comment section below. "This Appearance means this, and its bad. And no one can convince me otherwise."

Another thing you hear in these circles is that you're being "prayed for." That's great and all, and is usually well intentioned. However, lets take Vernon's (assumed) case of an intense struggle with religion. What if he doesn't wanna be prayed for? What if he wants someone to care about him regardless of whether or not he comes out on the other side of the struggle a believer? I see this sentiment expressed in "I'm still standing in the need of prayer." This lyric implies that he feels "unfinished" to those still praying for him, still hoping he "comes around." Hoping that he can stop appearing imperfect. Feeling unvalued to a (self-proclaimed) compassionate group of people.

We also must consider the context of the song. This song is a piece of a larger picture that is 22, A Million. Vernon has stated that he's associated a number with each song that has significance to him personally. This number could mean something entirely different to Vernon (though probably not too varied, given the subject matter of the song) as well as serve as a device to the album in a way we can't assume.

Also, the upside cross symbol was never satanic. It's actually a Christian symbol representing the Saint Peter, who chose to be crucified upside down. He felt it unfit to die in the same fashion as his Savior. Granted, this symbol has been bastardized by modern horror flicks and edgy teens. Again, the meaning of it lies in the artistic intention.

All comments from YouTube:

@97javic

7y↑178

This has become my personal favorite on the album.

@ayb2756

3y↑2

Me too 🥺

@anamartin5136

Same! its so beautiful

@lionelgrisbane-ud87

27w

THE DEVIL LIVES WITHIN US ALL

@lionelgrisbane-ud87

27w

@@BSON900 THE DEVIL LIVES WITHIN US ALL

@lionelgrisbane-ud87

27w

@@ayb2756 THE DEVIL LIVES WITHIN US ALL

1 More Replies...

@wolfborn4967

8y↑470

I love the mystery that seems to surround this whole album. Names for the songs with weird characters in them and weird lyric videos. I love the album so far though, it´s this perfect blend between hints of the old Bon Iver everyone loves and a healthy dose of a completely new Bon Iver that I think everyone is going to love.

@ySubarashi

8y↑3

I'M WITH THE SAME FEELING MAN!

@griffin-rl

8y↑59

I completely agree, but I don't think that everyone is going to love it. People are still so caught up on for emma, and they seem to completely deny the existence of progression with his music.

@jesseblatchford3509

8y↑6

WOLFBORN This record reminds me a lot of the stuff Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) did with Volcano Choir. If you haven't heard any works from Volcano Choir, I highly recommend you do.

@robertshipley4787

8y↑1

WOLFBORN WRONG!!! Bob Iver is a satanist bastard. "Weird names and weird symbols". Dude it's fucking 666 with an upside down cross. If you still don't believe me? Go watch 33 God Masonic satanist symbols shown throughout for no apparent reason. This guys music is really really bad. Oh yeah did I mention he worships Satan.

@AtlanticSpamHammer

8y↑19

Who the fuck cares

Satan doesn't exist

15 More Replies...

@mantra3000

8y↑359

Seriously, by far the best Phil Collins album.

@eclecticsoulfire

8y↑6

lol

@danzinder179

7y↑26

Dude, wtf. This is Don Henley.

@skypup77

7y↑14

No its not its Bruce Hornsby.

@shemarjohnson4718

7y↑4

lol omg you are smart for that man................

@shanereynolds4276

mantra3000 hahaha

8 More Replies...

@U2andColdplayFan

8y↑205

I'm never sure what the hell his lyrics are supposed to mean, but damn this is some eclectic instrumentation going on, like it.

@GrothendiecksWish

8y↑5

The lyrics are existential.

@U2andColdplayFan

8y↑16

Fernando Reyes Yeah, that's a nice copout isn't it? Doesn't do much for anybody though.

@GrothendiecksWish

8y↑17

Telecaster Magician lol. You're right but I've come to accept that most of his lyrics are esoteric and it doesn't bother me anymore.

@U2andColdplayFan

8y↑4

Fernando Reyes I mean fair enough I view it the same way essentially, but personally the songs that really end up meaning a lot to me have meaningful lyrics as well, and as a writer/lyricist myself I like that aspect of my music to be emphasized sometimes.

@anzak2006

8y↑34

I think the lyrics are actually chosen for how they sound rather than to create a concrete meaning. Vernon said that for this record he "Sound things out and find out what it means later" and the same approach was taken with the album art and these lyric videos. You can read more about both here: http://blogs.walkerart.org/design/2016/10/03/designing-bon-iver-22-a-million-album-art-eric-timothy-carlson

14 More Replies...

@mycupoftea2747

8y↑35

22, A Million was a fantastic release, and this is definitely the best song on the album, in my opinion.

@griffin-rl

8y↑302

Am I the only one that thinks the little bleeps and boops at the start sound like the beginning of his live studio performance of Hinnom TX?

@97javic

8y↑6

Griffin Potato No, I thought the same thing. I think that's what they are.

@griffin-rl

8y↑3

+Jacob Rice Brilliant

@griffin-rl

8y↑10

There are multiple times throughout this album that I notice little references to his previous work, and it fascinates me. Adds a whole new layer of depth to an already astoundingly thick and layered album.

@97javic

8y↑3

Griffin Potato Can't recall which track it is, but upon first listen I thought I heard the chords to Flume mixed in.

Also, at the end of 33 "God", you can hear a distorted "All my goodness" which is what is also said at the end of Heavenly Father, at least in the a cappella version of it (haven't heard the studio version in a while).

@griffin-rl

8y↑2

Yes I also picked up on that. At the beginning of 8 (circle) you can hear a single string being played that is also at around the 2 minute mark in 'Flume'. It is so fascinating and simply mind blowing.

8 More Replies...

@EarlCyberspace

8y↑326

@phoebexxlouise

7y↑3

Do you think he's commenting on the way Kanye references religion?

@EarlCyberspace

7y↑21

I haven't listened to enough Kanye to know. But from the context of the album and after listening to the 22AM press conference, I'd say this song is solely Justin and his perceptions. A lot of people don't realize the he influenced Kanye, not the other way around.

@Luchoz46

6y↑1

22 33 all the same

@llq4ever309

5y↑1

Amazing

@SuperMaleVitality

5y↑13

I think that's both an insightful analysis and also a target over exactly what Justin's ultimate struggle with religion is that he's trying to express here. It's a song that highlights both the failure of the contemporary "fashion" church to have a place for someone with his struggles, but also his desire to hold on to his sense of self even as it pulls him in to self destruction. The significance of the number 666 is that 6 is both the number of man and the number of imperfection (Just short of 7, considered "God's number," a perfect number), and 3 or the repetition of something three times is also a "perfect" number, a number signifying completeness. Thus, 666 translates to "complete imperfection" in the context of Hebrew numerology.

Justin is struggling with the idea of faith, of giving up his brokenness as his brokenness is a part of his identity, his creativity. He is, metaphorically, 666, he feels drawn to this nature counter to (likely) Christ, or Christianity, because there is a seduction around it like he might not be him anymore if he ever lets it go. The 666 is him knowing he's resigned to living in his brokenness, and the song is him wrestling with what he sees, his conviction that giving it up wouldn't make a difference because he sees a church that has essentially failed him. A lot of people link him to Kanye on this track, and his own complex struggle with faith, and I think there are a lot of parallels. The divergence is where Kanye has put work into attempting to work himself into faith, Justin understands the divide there, and is simply too uncertain/agnostic to move towards a realm that promises life, but he has only seen corruptions of.

It's tracks like this that compel me to pray for Justin in the same way I pray for someone like Kanye, or even Hopsin. I do believe you're spot on in what he believes about "want[ing] someone to care about him regardless of whether or not he comes out on the other side of the struggle a believer, " because I think the missing link there is a church that understands the stakes. His music reflects his experience with a church who treats faith as a label, and an underbelly of incoherent gnosticism that has both fascinated him and jaded him with its inconsistency and lack of actual gnosis. He has not encountered a body that sees him as a person to be prayed for for the sake of his life, at best only for his struggle and most likely only for his celebrity to bless the "church" with some kind of earthly gain. People have been praying to change his label, and he does not understand what it's like to be prayed for for the sake of eternity. I believe he's in the midst of a real struggle in that front, fame only makes things worse in that regard. If nothing else I hope someday he finally encounters someone who can bring him to peace. Maybe even Kanye will be that guy. Stranger things have happened. I just pray it comes before the commitment to being lost for good.

17 More Replies...

@prajvalj

8y↑20

The electronic disturbance beats at 1:36 and 2:19 create the suggestion for the words on the screen. And you really think you hear the words, till you hear it separately and it just seamlessly becomes part of the instrumentalisation instead.

What kind of genius are you people, Bon Iver.

@parthyadav3733

2y↑3

Great observation man. For me it was the opposite. When I first heard the song, I thought it was just instrumental. Then I saw this lyric video and I realised that was not instrumental but actual lyrics. Cool stuff.

@ericcantdance

7y↑15

Best song on the album, in my opinion. I don't think there is another track that so perfectly defines Bon Iver's old and new sound together. If he is going confidently in the direction of electri-mental, then whatever is left of For Emma, and Bon Iver is lovingly displayed in conjunction here.

@ProloguetoAgony96

I would argue 29 Stratford Apt might be the better melding

@AliveAmericana

8y↑32

Ive never listened to some shit like this. I just started crying for no reason, because the sound touched my soul.

@TylerRajeski

6y↑2

You are an inspiration. You changed my life as a musician at bonnaroo this year. Not only Francis being there. But feeling the bass from 715 creeks in my chest. Tears of inspiration.

@hughmyrongaines

7y↑7

haven't listened to much bon iver before. I was sitting out at the pool yesterday and this song came on and I just listened to it and was amazed. after it was done I wanted to see who it was by. literally one of the best songs in all facets that I've ever heard.

@cringeclown4087

That's great man.

@Ezerlance

8y↑121

None of the lyrics for these songs are anywhere near what I though they were.

He seems to paint pictures with the sounds the words make when they come together rather than write the way we're used to. Which is cool. Also makes you sound dumber than you already sound when you try to read song lyrics to someone.

@ElishaDavid

5y↑6

I always thought that each individual phrase stands alone, has nothing to do with what's in front or ahead. Each line on its own fits the mood of the song though - all in a different way. Really reminds me of the Cocteau Twins idea of lyricism.

@Atleastihavemydog

4y↑2

“Fuck the fashion of it, dear” I think he’s way ahead of his time.

@ceetee110

2y↑1

"He seems to paint pictures with the sounds the words make when they come together"

How very well said

@DianaB-vm1hj

8y↑239

anyone catch the irony of writing 'fuck the fashion' in the same font kanye uses for pablo merch?

@unaaaaaaa1934

8y↑12

It isn't the same font type necessarily, they both come from the Old English typeface but they both aren't the same font.

@aR0ttenBANANA

8y↑26

Ye sure... I mean. It's not like they collaborate with him.

@WelshGrey

8y↑1

+aR0ttenBANANA96 That's even more hilarious

@permyx

8y↑3

plus the fact that he's not talking about clothing

@WelshGrey

8y↑2

Chris H Fashion dictates all clothing nowadays, if you're saying fuck the fashion then it applies to clothing, whether or not you mean it to. Fashion pretty much applies to everything.

13 More Replies...

@awwwwwshit

7y↑30

i didn't like most of this album the first time i listened to it. i can say now with 100% certainty it is absolute genius. like insane genius. if you don't like it at first give it some time. i'm so glad i did.

@Aquatackgirl

7y↑5

Loving the drums in this

@JorgeDiaz-nf1vr

8y↑5

Omgggggg I love this album so much!!!!!

@ihavesomethingtosay9270

I used this song to enhance my coming out video a year ago on my birthday. It will always be a special song to me. Thank you, Boni. I am forever swimming in your sea of amused spectators. :)

@ZoeySchafroth-Heinle

1y↑5

"What is left when unhungry?"

@Tsh4n

we love the nostalgia of music. you listen to a favorite song and it always takes you back to that time in your life when you were first listening to it. maybe the reason people prefer for emma over 22, a million is because of the emotions and memories that album brought back. maybe its the familiarity and simplicity that makes them favor for emma.

22, a million is tremendous growth. the production is astonishing, there isnt a single artist out there that sounds like how this album does. you'll discover something new each time you listen.

@evvo123

8y↑2

Favourite track on a fantastic album

@Buttermoth

1y↑1

Just. Simply. Amazing. Thank. You. Bon. Iver.

@clarebaker4613

8y↑1

This song makes me even more excited to see them in London in February! So beautiful

@darias3167

8y↑2

I'm in love with this music!

@64_bit80

3y↑4

bon iver really pulled out da windows movie maker

@jeremias9367

8y↑2

Best song on this amazing album.

@justinezape8897

8y↑98

Bit-by-bit. This reminds me of Jonah Hill's slam poetry in 22nd Jump Street. Bip bop beep you're dead. You are dead. Lol

@dominicbennettmusic

lololololololol true

@andrea10000

lmao

@kunarasiri

Soooo Beautiful music -- Love it

@GemmaMilner

8y↑2

haven't had a choon LIKE THIS for ages on repeat...making me wanting MORE HOORAY X

@4ndysm3lls

8y↑42

They're actually upside down nines...

@Brandino00

that ooooo in the beginning always gets me. soo godamn smooth

@JeffM375

8y↑55

Sometimes nobody shows up and you automatically win.

@Curtsy208

6y↑2

what do you mean...? i want to know

@saladtnogs

5y↑2

Is that you Jason?

@TheDOL3

8y↑2

probably my favourite song on the album <3

@lucasdesouza3163

8y↑7

que album é esse DEUS !!! 💓

@sophiejay2930

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing this performed live in Blackpool on Monday and it was just as amazing as the studio version, if not better! 🙌🏻

@DiCola119

8y↑3

Aw man when that bass comes in...

@XxXLesaXxX

8y↑10

I got this album on Vinyl and I honestly feel that's how it's meant to be heard 😍😍

@MoonlightMan52

1y↑1

Nah it’s best while driving late at night

@1995Auburn

8y↑1

I'm not gonna pretend for one second I understand what his lyrics mean, but man something about his music makes me so at peace. I've listened to it while high as well and it's a very interesting experience. I don't get that feeling when I listen to a lot of other music. It's unique and I love it.

@JonnyRocketfingers7

8y↑15

"No I don't know the path. What kind of pith I've amassed. Long lines of questions."

Ironically considering all the Illuminati talk, I think the video has to do with how things aren't really as they seem. The red turns orange and pink against the green 6's, but because of the green, it still looks red.

Just what I got from my first listen. It sounds beautiful.

@magnusolessen

8y↑2

Absolute favorite from the new album.

@danvelc9912

4y↑10

My mom is taking me to church because i was watching this on full screen

@Lauriieton

8y↑265

ahhhh so its 'bit-by-bit', not 'EE-OH-EE'

@gennadysushkevich4649

6y↑21

I still believe it’s ee-oh-ee

@pillbug4401

5y↑1

Homes this made me giggle lol

@mikeyazz9672

5y↑1

lmao

@geovanepereira6569

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

@TunnelJumper

4y↑1

Whenever I hear this song, I always mime scratching with a turntable for that bit haha never again.

2 More Replies...

@DrP1po

Recently came accross Bon Iver ... first Michicant, then Heavently father, and I thought that was the pinnacle. But then I heard this tune ... just amazing... no words

@bayronroblescarvajal

7y↑33

1.Get yourself high.
2.put this album
3.discover new things.

@octoburg7313

8y↑1

Brilliant album!

@DafneGaeta

Amazing like always.

@ydflo634

Thanks you for this awsome music

@kaimirallesbonete5138

4y↑4

Since I listen to Bon Iver I feel like I have more cultural and self expression, I love his music

@haowenluo3592

Fans for a life time. 💛💛

@kohumtyko

7y↑114

His lyrics can be interpreted in different ways but the whole album, in particular this song demonstrates his disbelief in in god and the denouncement of organized religion in my opinion. Right off the bat, "6s hang in the door", people often hang crosses over top of door frames to "bless" their houses and to show faith in their beloved god. Justin, sees this as a reminder of the devil, 666, because he knows he has no faith for the god that the cross represents. The consequence for the disbelief of god is eternal damnation which is what will happen to Justin if what the cross represents is true. Throughout the rest of the song Justin shows he doesn't know the true meaning of life and what happens after death, the things that religious indoctrination teaches and claims to know the answers, under zero evidence and demonstration. People are scared of death and the thought of not existing, which is why religion is so comforting, but unfortunately teaches ignorance. "How to know who to write, how to know who can call up all the questions." is basically asking who do we ask for the answers to life's questions when you don't believe in a god. Its frustrating not knowing things, especially when they have so much merit on our lives. But the truth is that we can't know, its impossible. The chorus represents is experiences of religious indoctrination "Ive heard about it" "Ive learned about it" "Ive laughed about it" Meaning that Justin has learned and heard about religion, and doesnt know what to do with it besides laugh about it. "And so it's not in your clasp Then what's the function or the task Well, I'd stun and I'd stammer. Help me reach the hammer For then what will I ask?" I often find Justin writes about having conversations about religion in his songs to people. There are many songs on this album and singles such as heavenly father that you can find this. He seems to be questioning someones beliefs and trying to expose what the point of "function" and "task" in peoples religion. "Thats a pair of them docks mooring out two separate lochs, aint that some kind of quandary." This is an amazing line in my eyes, it might be a stretch but see if you can follow along. Justin is creating a metaphor saying each religion is like a lake or loch. Religions are very similar in that they all believe in a god or gods, that are beyond natural limitations and that they some how care about us. Comparatively each lake is a big body of water that is surrounded by land. Religions also lay out a way of life and rules for its followers to abide by or they will be punished in the next life this is what separates each religion from on another. Just like what separates each lake from one another is the life it inhibits. Lakes are also unique in that they are surrounded by land which is representative of the division that each religion has from one another. The land is what keeps them from coming together to create union over a population but instead they keep people segregated from one another creating conflict. The docks refers to the churches and the religious buildings the people "moor" their boats to through religious indoctrination. This whole line can easily be connected to the religious divid that is seen throughout the world and the massive amounts of harm, war, ignorance and segregation that comes directly from religion. "Aint that some kind of quandary" refers to Justin not knowing where to dock his boat so to speak because religion doesn't make sense to him and it doesn't feel right to alienate himself to one religion. "Im still standing in the need of prayer" is interesting because you cant stand and pray at the same time. I feel this line represents that he wants the comfort that praying gives. But hes not willing to kneel and believe in something that he doesnt think is true, no matter how uncomfortable and scary that might be, which is why at the end of the song he says "just come off of your kneel".

As a whole I think hes trying to express that once you know the truth that religion is a bunch of hopeful bullshit and face the fact that each person only has one life and beyond that it is unknown. and admitting that "you dont know what happens" is better then lying to urself saying you go to heaven after you die. Not because its upsetting or scary but because its the truth, and anyone who tells you other wise is lying to ur face. and because life is scary, hard and full of pain. But some of the the things we get to experience as humans on this small insignificant planet are breathtakingly beautiful. Which is why Bon Iver is so special because they create perfect music for feelings of bliss, and love, and can break ur heart at others.

Obviously this is just my opinion and im very bias by my own personal views, Im not trying to offend anyone or get you change ur minds about your own believes. Im sure theres alot more you can get out the the lyrics, or from a different prospective. <3

@Kumagoroo23

7y↑6

Jack Irwin guys! EVERYONE!!! This comment IS THE ANSWER. Thanks a lot, it makes total friggin sense.

@RachelClarke93

7y↑5

Thank you so much for sharing this Jack. Whether it's exactly the message Justin is expressing to us or whether it's a message that only you have interpreted from his poetry, it makes this song even more beautifully heart breaking.

@kohumtyko

7y↑2

Of course its just by interpretation of the song. Justin has a funny way with words that are beautiful even if they dont really have much substance.

@thexneo

7y↑1

AYYY! What a great perspective. I am not a huge Bon Iver fan but from what I knew of the band (Justin) this seemed kinda like the theme.

@jameswilliamson5968

7y↑6

"Most people cant see what Justin is trying to say in his lyrics." And then proceeds to opine based upon the most simple, unimaginative reading of "666." Must be lonely being at the top...

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@bolguevara

6y↑2

lovely powerpoint presentation as always

@lufmesquita

8y↑1

god damn it
it keeps getting better!

@aylanaranjoleon6753

beautiful song. 😻😍

@JacobLukasiewicz

8y↑8

Are they going to upload every song of the album?? Oh please, please, please, that would be wonderful! :D

@ff_kraken1808

8, 666 ʇ and 10deathbreast are the most beautiful songs in a masterpiece album.

@meboshengelia

love love love love love love love

@Kalupz

7y↑140

3:35 I CAN EAT MEXICAN SEAL!

@cringeclown4087

6y↑4

Kalupz underrated comment

@marrisaserdonez3250

i can see american seal

@saimonflowers9344

HAHAHAHAHAHAH OH GOD

@shortcake1967

5y↑3

what the hell?! It DOES sound like that.

@Insight-music

Hahaha dayum

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@user-fk8uf7xj7g

8y↑3

is he doing a lyric video everyday since the release for every song? that would be dope and i love these digital collaborations with artists for the videos too

@elenadiamond9327

8y↑3

Oh Justin. You are a treasure.❤

@nathanpayne5009

this is amazing

@xiiinosceteipsum

You learn lessons through asking questions, the more we question the more we know, the more we know the more we realise we dont know. And that philosophy can be a beautiful trajectory for anyones life to take.

@mikeseager8768

1y↑5

Think the symbolism is Bon Iver's struggle with his faith through this album falling through it, in and out of it, from experiences in his past, present, and what's to come. We all have demons etc and he's done this in a nearly perfect expression from his perspective.

@vapidcity

29w

The entire album is wrapped around runes and satanic symbolisms. Satan himself is on the cover and other blasphemous imaginery.

@ryanstapleford7984

8y↑21

I disliked most of this album at first listen, but Jesus, the more I listen, the more I love it.

@edwardnajamazimba6587

Toyoyo

@Yottifferent

4y↑1

Edward Naja mazimba is spittin Fax rn Ngl

@abcd-ro1qs

3y↑1

That is Bon Iver my friend...it grows on the heart and spreads to the spirit.

@JeffM375

8y↑68

(bird shit_)

@aidanortiz6059

6y↑2

Jeff Moore well fuck you Kennedy

@buttstankmcgoo5839

Yes

@SterlingCoker

This is beautiful.

@oceangray925

4y↑2

6.6K likesss! ... ANGEL WORK* - a masterpiece of a song

@bellaprincessa88

this speaks to my soul.

@manuellunaperez7786

5y↑4

Menuda belleza de canción!!!!!

@AdlerMateus

8y↑1

Na da melhor que ouvir músicas assim..... e ser elevado para outra dimensão.

@joel6633

1y↑2

It almost feels like he's communicating with the future, like it's so light on my chest

@channelname8892

4y↑1

The live version of this from the NPR Front Row concert is EPIC

@florenceloveect

One of the best off of LP3

@crazylizard92

14w

Some of the sweetest moments were with the voices. Reality was so jarring contrast. Where I enjoyed the calm interested voices when he usually is distant. To the serious talk that is usually making fun of me. Carrying both of you as I meet up with you later in the day.

@lydiaburton1905

4y↑2

when i sing bon iver with my friends were all singing different lyrics and its amazing

@invincibleonline

lovin it bit by bit.....

@KhaldyFathy

Much love <3

@Gewels1996

8y↑1

Quality stuff right there, regardless of its pretentiousness

@krystenmj3

8y↑4

I love art.
I also love that art is subjective.

@ZimmerSquash

8y↑12

I can already feel aCallforanUprising getting on all over this.

@no1narutofanzz

8y↑2

omg this is SO FUCKING GOOD. bon iver i'm so glad you're back :')

@taylorn6303

😍 I love this

@banded4645

8y↑2

the new album is like god tier pixel music
GOD TIER

@timbooth8226

let someone know this will be my funeral music whenever that happens to come along!

@nath7185

8y↑5

this album is so weird and i'm still trying to understand it, but i know that when i do, i'll find it to be the best bon iver release thus far

@ymerej33

, this entire album is an exploration of the divine comedy.

@ab-em9cu

THIS SONG NEEDS MORE ATTENTION!!!11!!!!!!!!1!

@FlorentChardevel

That bass <3

@97javic

8y↑5

He's uploading one a day :)

@TheManlyHighlander

7y↑1

Man this guys from my town, Eau Claire Wisconsin baby

@maubjork8760

que genial , que geniallll

@JosephinesDays

Amazing art

@ElectusOfficial

Bon Iver <3

@PatriciaLalor

7y↑2

I love the way he says " I'm still standing in the need of prayer" basically saying if God was real then how am I still a standing atheist , and why did he make me an atheist witch is so cool.

@PozyWorldTV

No coincidence this song explains a lot of feelings about religion in a very non obvious relatable way. I am a huge fan bro and I've been inspired since day 1

@multiformous

8y↑8

gonna burn '666' into my plasma tv in time for hallowe'en

@reazorbackty49

8y↑1

See, this album did (in spectacular fashion, I might add!) what Mumford & Sons' most recent album failed to accomplish - it demonstrated the creative evolution of the artist without compromising the artist's soul. I feel like that's the essence of the fine line that separates "derivative sell-out" from "bold and adventurous."

@TheDarkSaplings

WOW, amazing musik. Love it. ^^

@alexmontenegromusic

8y↑2

Who else saw the live debut of this song at the first eaux claires fest? So beautiful. :')

@jonathanpaulgillette8177

1y↑1

BEST SONG EVER.

@trevorgiant9181

8y↑108

Is the background changing colors or is it just me? lol

@justinezape8897

8y↑12

it is

@Lances_45

8y↑1

I had to check super carefully, but yh basically haha

@trevorgiant9181

8y↑3

good.

@Bsiggs222

8y↑21

it's changing 'bit by bit' ... hahahaha

@067eoin2

7y↑3

get out

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