Second Nature
Bon Iver Lyrics


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Is this our first? Or second nature?
When's that rapture? Will there be merch?
Where is mother? She was a stunner, can we page her?
What mine eyes have seen could really take the purse
Are we charged now? Or are we fakers?
Parade around or get in work or just desert

We will see you next time
They'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it will be, say it will be)
All may not be just fine (all long day)
There is another fate, a way
To not be too late, unobfuscate

Is this our fault? And are we just too damn used to it
The cipher too elusive, that tale it just won't stop
You could vaguely on top, strike the key, lay down the mop
As if endings ain't endings and feet they just won't drop
Ain't this real time? And aren't we takers?
You want what's more and don't excuse
And just refuse

We will see you next time (is this mercy?)
They'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it with me, say it with me)
All may not be just fine (all long day)
There is another fate, a way
To not be too late

We will see you next time
They'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it with me, say it with me)
All may not be just fine (all long day)




There is another fate, a way
To not be too late, unobfuscate

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bon Iver's song "Second Nature" delve into themes of self-reflection, questioning our place in the world, and pondering the nature of existence. The opening lines, "Is this our first? Or second nature?" suggest a contemplation of whether certain behaviors or experiences come naturally to us or are learned over time. The mention of a potential rapture and questioning the whereabouts of the mother figure adds a sense of mystery and longing, hinting at a search for meaning and connection.


The reference to what the singer's eyes have seen that could "take the purse" implies that they have witnessed something of great value or significance. The questions continue as the lyrics ponder whether we are truly authentic in our actions or merely putting on a facade. The choice between parading around, doing the work, or deserting highlights a struggle with responsibility and purpose.


The chorus of the song offers a sense of hope and resilience, with the repetition of "We will see you next time" and the imagery of water in the rain symbolizing renewal and rebirth. The idea of territories paying fines and the phrase "all long day" suggest a cycle of consequences and challenges that must be faced. Despite the uncertainty and potential struggles, there is a belief that things will eventually be okay.


The second verse delves deeper into introspection, questioning whether we are too accustomed to our faults and challenges. The mention of a cipher being elusive and an ending that won't come suggests a sense of frustration and stagnation. The lyrics touch on the desire for change and progress, as well as the need to break free from patterns that hold us back. The refrain of "We will see you next time" is repeated, emphasizing the idea of moving forward and finding a way through difficulties.


Overall, "Second Nature" by Bon Iver is a complex and introspective exploration of human experience, uncertainty, and the search for meaning. The lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own behaviors, beliefs, and struggles, while also offering a sense of resilience and the possibility of finding a new path forward.


Line by Line Meaning

Is this our first? Or second nature?
Are we naturally inclined to repeat these patterns or is this unfamiliar territory?


When's that rapture? Will there be merch?
When will the moment of truth come and will there be any rewards?


Where is mother? She was a stunner, can we page her?
Where is our sense of comfort and stability, can we reconnect with it?


What mine eyes have seen could really take the purse
The experiences I've had could truly be valuable


Are we charged now? Or are we fakers?
Are we energized and ready to face reality or are we pretending?


Parade around or get in work or just desert
Should we continue in a superficial manner, work towards something substantial, or abandon it all?


Is this our fault? And are we just too damn used to it
Are we to blame for this situation and have we grown accustomed to it?


The cipher too elusive, that tale it just won't stop
The mystery is too complex, the story keeps unfolding


You could vaguely on top, strike the key, lay down the mop
You could gain control, find the solution, and stop cleaning up the mess


As if endings ain't endings and feet they just won't drop
As if closure is elusive and we are stuck in limbo


Ain't this real time? And aren't we takers?
Isn't this reality hitting us hard? And are we always looking to gain something?


You want what's more and don't excuse
You desire more but won't settle for less


We will see you next time
We will encounter this again


They'll be water in the rain
There will still be grace in difficult times


Territories pay fines
Challenges come with consequences


All long day (say it with me, say it with me)
Throughout the day, let's affirm this together


All may not be just fine (all long day)
Things may not be okay all day long


There is another fate, a way
There is a different outcome, a path to take


To not be too late, unobfuscate
To act before it's too late, clarify the situation




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon, Nicholas Jonathan Britell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@anonymousblue9632

Song lyrics :
Is this our first? Or second nature?
When's that rapture? Will there be merch?
Where is mother? She was a stunner, can we page her?
What my eyes have seen could really take the purse
Are we charged now? Or are we fakers?
Parade around or get in work? Or just desert?

We will see you next time
There'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it will be! Say it will be!)
All may not be just fine! (All long day!)
There is another fate away
To not be too late and obfuscate

Is this our fault? And are we just too damn used to it
The cypher too elusive, that tale, it just won't stop
You could be vaguely on top, strike the key, lay down the mop
As if endings ain't endings and feet they just won't drop
Ain't this real-time? And aren't we takers?
You want what's more and don't excuse
And just refuse

We will see you next time (Is this mercy?)
They'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it with me! Say it with me!)
All may not be just fine! (All long day!)
There is another fate away
To not be too late

We will see you next time
There'll be water in the rain
Territories pay fines
All long day (say it with me! Say it with me!)
All may not be just fine! (All long day!)
There is another fate away
To not be too late and obfuscate



All comments from YouTube:

@flightdub6056

‘We really did have everything, didn’t we?’ might instantly be one of my favourite quotes in a movie. Beautiful ending

@k.k.dumbway816

I cried like a God damn baby...no scene in the history of cinema has ever gotten to me the way this did.

@leinad7246

you know that it is a sarcastic quote. A great part of the population is living in poverty.

@rakuencallisto

@@leinad7246 you obviously missed the point. It's about appreciating the little good things, all the good things in your life, while you are still living. Not superficiality and all the messages about the empty minded things people focus on.

@leinad7246

@@rakuencallisto actually you missed the whole point. This is exactlly what the movie is showing us, everyone has its own opinion, vision. Reacts different. One is screaming, other is laughing, some deny it. and so on

@ArchitectGG

@@k.k.dumbway816 me too. I was almost going and then as soon as I heard Justin's voice I cracked. They couldn't have chosen a better artist to play us through the end of the world.

25 More Replies...

@lucasmancano2541

A good story doesn't have to have a happy ending. It just have to teach us something valuable.

@swayjaayy5495

Absolutely

@jacobvedaraj961

Heavily agreed

@qtarokujo3694

I unironically found the ending to be sort of "happy" for me since they get at least some form of fulfillment and acceptance even at the end of times

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