Salem
Bon Iver Lyrics

Salem burns the leaves
Salem is burning the fallen leaves, possibly as a way to cleanse or purify.

Then she returns to cure and see
Salem goes back to see the aftermath of the burning and possibly cure any lingering negative energy.

Heavy fate
A sense of destiny or fate that is deeply impactful or burdensome.

After years of waitin'
The weight of waiting for something for a long time.

'Cause abnormalities
There are many things that are considered not typical or abnormal.

Surely are everywhere you see
They can be found all around us.

So what I think we need
In response to this, the singer feels that we need something.

Is elasticity
Specifically, the artist feels that we need some flexibility or adaptability in our lives.

Empowerment and ease
This could manifest as a sense of empowerment or an ability to take control of one's life, as well as a sense of ease or peace.

So I won't lead no lie
The artist vows to be truthful.

With our hearts the only matter why
And to be driven by our hearts.

How long it's lasted
Reflecting on how something has endured over time.

I've not received reciprocity
The singer has not received the same level of attention or care from someone else that they have given.

To speak supportively
Despite this, the singer still wants to be supportive.

Big guy, there's no automatic peace
Even if someone is in a position of power, there is no guarantee of peace.

But I bet you'd keep
Despite this, the artist still has faith that someone could be a good influence in their life.

All these in-betweens that bar my youth
The artist reflects on how their life has been shaped by the things that have happened in between significant events, possibly feeling that these events have prevented them from fully experiencing their youth.

Though no anorberic dream
The singer has come to terms with the fact that their life is not what they expected it to be.

Far as I know
Acknowledging that there may be things that they do not know or understand.

I tried too hard to see
The artist has made a significant effort to understand their life and purpose, but it hasn't necessarily resulted in clarity.

What I thought it'd be
The artist had a specific idea of what their life would look like.

Asking constantly
Despite this, they still ask themselves about the future and what it holds.

How's it gonna be?
Wondering what the future holds and how things will change moving forward.

So I'm gonna weep a while
Feeling overwhelmed, the artist takes some time to cry and release their emotions.

You don't even know how hard
Others may not understand how difficult things are for the singer.

I've learned a lesson
Despite this, the singer has learned something from their experiences.

Don't ask me
The singer doesn't know the answers to all of life's questions.

I've torn the banner from the line
The artist has made a decision to move away from the expected or traditional path, creating their own way forward.