The name 'Bon Iver' (pronounced "bon ee-VAIR") is a play on the French phrase 'bon hiver' meaning 'good winter'. Vernon independently released Bon Iver's debut album For Emma, Forever Ago in 2007, most of which was recorded during a four-month stay in a remote cabin in Wisconsin.
While in high school and college Vernon founded the indie-rock bands Mount Vernon and DeYarmond Edison in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he still resides.
According to the For Emma Songfacts, after the break-up of De Yarmond Edison, Vernon retreated to his father's log cabin, out in the woods of north-east Wisconsin to hibernate for three snowy months. There he collected his thoughts and formulated them into a suite of songs, For Emma, Forever Ago . The album was originally self-released in late 2007 in a run of 500 copies and sold out instantly.
The album garnered critical acclaim, and was picked up by the indie-rock label Jagjaguwar, which gave the album a proper release on February 19th, 2008. The album was released in the UK and Europe by iconic indie 4AD on May 12, 2008.
When released in the UK, For Emma, Forever Ago received 5/5 and "Album of the Month" reviews in both MOJO and Uncut magazines. It is currently the third highest rated album of 2008 on review-aggregator site Metacritic, with accolades from publications including The Village Voice, The Hartford Courant and The A.V. Club.
The group's second album Bon Iver, Bon Iver was released on June 17, 2011 to universal acclaim. It was named by Pitchfork Media as the best album of 2011 on their annual list. At the 2012 Grammys, the album won Best Alternative Album and the group was awarded Best New Artist, despite having debuted in 2007.
www.boniver.org
Wash
Bon Iver Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is all we know
When thaw
Is not below us
No, can't grow up
In that iron ground
Claire, all too sore for sound
Is hardly shown
Scraped
Across the foam
Like they stole it
And oh, how they hold it
Claire, we nearly forfeit
I, I'm growing like the quickening hues
I, I'm telling darkness from lines on you
Over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat
All been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known
Home
We're savage high
Come
We finally cry
Oh and we don it
Because it's right
Claire, I was too sore for sight
I, we're sewing up through the latchet greens
I, un-peel keenness, honey, bean for bean
Same white pillar tone as with the bone street sand is thrown where she stashed us at
All been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning
The lyrics in Bon Iver's song "Wash" seem to be reflecting on growth and the struggle to move forward. The first verse "Climb is all we know when thaw is not below us" suggests that the only way to move forward is to keep climbing, even when there is nothing to support us. The imagery of "iron ground" indicates a sense of permanence or stagnation, as though they are trapped and unable to grow. Claire is mentioned in the first and second verse, with the line "Claire, all too sore for sound" suggesting that she may be struggling to communicate or express herself. The second verse introduces the idea of a "bet" that is hardly shown and scraped across the foam. This could mean a number of things, but it seems like it could be a metaphor for something valuable that was taken or lost.
The chorus of the song seems to express a sense of hope or determination, as though the singer is pushing through the pain and obstacles in order to reach some kind of resolution. "Home, we're savage high, come we finally cry, oh and we do it because it's right" indicates that they have finally reached a point where they can let go and allow themselves to feel. Claire is mentioned again in the chorus, with the line "Claire, I was too sore for sight" indicating that the singer may have been struggling to see the truth or reality of their situation. The final verse suggests that growth and progress are possible, with the lines "I'm growing like the quickening hues, I'm telling darkness from lines on you" indicating a sense of clarity and understanding.
Overall, the lyrics to "Wash" are dense and metaphorical, but seem to be exploring themes of growth, pain, and perseverance. The repeated mentions of Claire suggest that she may be a central figure in the singer's life, but her role is left ambiguous. The chorus brings a note of hope and resolution to the song, as though the struggles and pain have been worth it in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
Climb
Pushing forward and striving is all we know
Is all we know
We are driven by our desire to climb higher and achieve more
When thaw
When the cold, unforgiving world around us begins to change
Is not below us
When that change is not happening beneath us or affecting us directly
No, can't grow up
We are unable to grow and flourish when we are confined to a cold and unyielding environment
In that iron ground
An environment that is unyielding and tough, like hard ground or iron
Claire, all too sore for sound
It's too painful to even try to produce sound or articulate what we are feeling
Bet
Our hopes and dreams
Is hardly shown
Are rarely ever on display or given the light of day
Scraped
Stripped away and roughed up
Across the foam
Pushed and pulled by rough waters, like foam on the ocean
Like they stole it
As if they took something precious and valuable from us
And oh, how they hold it
They cling to what they've taken, as if it's the only thing that matters in the world
Claire, we nearly forfeit
We almost gave up, lost our hope, and let our dreams disappear into the void
I' I'm growing like the quickening hues
I am maturing and evolving rapidly, much like the colors of the world around me
I' I'm telling darkness from lines on you
I can discern your features even in the darkest of nights, because I know you so well
Over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat!
We are seeking a new and exciting environment, full of life and energy, to call our own
All been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known
We have been living in isolation, in a place where ice and frost have a strong grip on everything around us
Home
We have finally found a place to call our own
We're savage high
We are full of energy and passion, wild and untamed in our desires
Come
We have finally reached this place
We finally cry
We are overcome with emotion and express it openly for the first time
Oh and we don it
We embrace this new environment and make it our own
Because it's right
Because we know instinctively that this is where we belong
Claire, I was too sore for sight
At first, it was too painful for me to even try to see this new place for what it was
I' we're sewing up through the latchet greens
We are growing and flourishing in the vibrant, lush environment around us
I' un-peel keenness, honey, bean for bean
We are eagerly and thoroughly exploring this new place, savoring every moment and experience
Same white pillar tone as with the bone street sand is thrown where she stashed us at
The environment we are in is reminiscent of where we came from, with the same stark and unforgiving qualities
All been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning
We have been living without companionship or support, in a place where even the ground is cracked and damaged
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@becho6871
To the person who read this,
It’s been hard for you, I know, and it makes me sad that you don’t see yourself in the way I see you. Sometimes they are things in life that cause us to loose ourselves, and the way you have is so unimaginable painful. I miss your smile, the way your eyes light up the whole room just by the sound of your laughter. I miss the way you accepted the way you look in the mirror without cursing yourself out about how ugly you look. I miss the way you didn’t think of yourself as a failure because everyone makes mistakes, we all have flaws and we all aren’t perfect. It’s painful to see that no one around you seems to see the pain trough your eyes, but, stranger, I do, I see how heavy your heart is and how comforting the sadness for you might be, how afraid your heart is of happiness because it disappears in the end, right? You don’t know how much impact you have in this world and it’s sad to see that your demons fight against you and want to take over you. Because you do make change, it’s something so simple and little that brightens up someone’s whole world, it can be a small smile from your lips, the way you look at things you’re passionate about, the way you make yourself eat even though it’s been hard for you lately, the way you zoom out and go in your own world, you brighten up my world by reading this, it means a lot to me that you’re here, existing, but I don’t want you to just exist, you deserve to feel alive. You deserve to get up in the morning and feel good about yourself. You deserve to feel something- to feel every damn second alive in this lifetime. It’s heartbreaking that you think you’re not capable of being loved, because you are, I love you trough all my words and I hope you let it happen in your heart. Love is scary, I know, maybe you heart had been broken once and since then you wanted to be rather numb than feel ever again, it hurts me how you punish yourself, does it not deserve love? Because YOU DO deserve love, please forgive yourself, it’s not your fault that the demons want to take over your beautiful heart. You’re not a bad person for distancing yourself from others, but you deserve someone to talk to, you deserve someone to listen. I am listening, you can tell me what’s wrong. It’s everything, isn’t it? There’s something pulling your heartstrings on the ground and no one seems to understand how misunderstood you feel, it’s heartbreaking to know that I am behind the screen and can’t give you a hug, that’s why I will give you a big warm virtual hug and send you lots of love :). You matter. You are worthy. You are loved. You deserve good things. You deserve someone to listen. You deserve to eat and drink. You deserve to feel good and alive. You deserve to smile. You deserve a hug. You deserve to be all the things you want to be, because you deserve to have and feel good things happening to you and have a fulfilled life. I know I might not know you personally but I care about you so much, I write this because I want you to stay here with me, I want you to hold on a little longer because you matter so much to me, because I will not let you give up on yourself. I want you to see that you should not give up on yourself because you DESERVE GOOD THINGS. I want you to look back on the time when you were a kid, you didn’t give up when you tried to swim for the first time, you didn’t give up when you tired to walk for the first time and fell, you never gave up on yourself, you always kept on pushing forwards, so why can’t you now? I know it’s tiring, your mentally tired, but dont your younger self deserve good things? look back at your eyes that used to be full of hope, look back on those dreams. Don’t let yourself fall, you deserve better. We will both fight, I will fight for you. I won’t let those demons get to you. You can hold on to me, I won’t let you down :). Whenever you feel lonely, then look at the sky, I always look at it and think about you. Yes, you, because it makes me happy that there’s someone looking right back, maybe we can’t see each other but I can feel your presence here with me and that’s enough for me, because I am glad your heart is beating and you’re still fighting. You’re so much stronger thank you think, you didn’t leave your spot on this earth even if you wanted to, you belong here, even though it doesn’t feel like it, when you don’t feel like belonging than build your own home here, put all your love in it and dreams. Think of you as a star when you feel alone, you shine because your heart is good, no matter what mistake you made, no matter about the past you had, you’re one of the stars that shine bright in the universe because you’re heart is beautiful, that’s why the demons in your mind wants to have it. As one of the stars you see others stars, maybe they have felt the same way as you do at some point in there life, but they lighten up the universe with each other’s presence. You’re a star for me, maybe you don’t see it yourself but I can see it, you’re beautiful from inside and out, your body is beautiful the way it is. You make me happy by reading this, you make me feel something by your presence and when you can make me feel that way than you also make other people feel that way about you too. I hope you stay for yourself and don’t let your story get written by others but by yourself, it’s your story not theirs. As you can see, I say a lot of “I hope” because I have hope for you even if you don’t have it for yourself, I see hope in you even though you might want to give up. That’s why I hope you won’t see the world in darkness and will see it colorful again, I hope I will give you a glimpse of hope and make the world you see a bit colorful for today. My favorite color is yellow, and I hope the next time you see the color yellow you will think about my words. If someone left you than don’t blame yourself, don’t think you weren’t enough, don’t lower yourself for someone who couldn’t see the awesomeness in you. If you lost someone I am so sorry for your loss, they want you happy, I hope you don’t feel guilty or regret because you were there, you spend enough time with them, they want you to be happy. They are in a good and safe place now. If someone broke your heart than I am so sorry that they couldn’t see the way you look so beautiful because of the heart you have. Anyone who gets to be with you, doesn’t know how fucking lucky he/ she/ they is :). If you aren’t accepted at home or in general than I am so sorry that you have to deal with someone/ something you shouldn’t be ashamed of, I accept you and support you, I accept you as a human being no matter what race, religion, nationality, skin color, or sexuality you have. You’re safe here with me :). You’re not useless, you’re not a burden to anyone. You’re not a problem, you’re human and your feelings are valid. You’re not being dramatic. Please don’t starve yourself, you deserve food and to drink, I know it’s hard. It hurts to see that you’re in so much pain :( you deserve so much man, don’t let your emotions control you. Don’t let them get the best of you. I am sorry no one is noticing, I wish /hope I could take your pain away for today or even for a moment while you’re reading this. If no one told you, I am so proud of you, you’re reading this and it’s enough for me to be proud of you because you’re here and that’s all that matters to me. If it’s night for you, go to sleep, I know it’s hard to fall asleep right now but you deserve a good sleep. If you have nightmares, please, don’t let them fight you. If it’s day for you, don’t start it by such sad music, I know it’s impossible to have a good day with such mindset but take baby steps, start by drinking two cups of water everyday in the morning and so on.. You will start building little healthy habits. If it’s evening for you, you’re probably overwhelmed and stressed, I want you to know it’s okay to feel the way you feel. You don’t need to be scared, of course you’re overwhelmed or stressed, I mean who wouldn’t? But it’s important to know that when you feel that way you should do a little self care, such as taking a bath for example? You deserve to feel at ease and relaxed.
And if you are somewhere in between I hope you know that you’re so strong for breathing despite the pain, I know you will make it :) I believe in you. All I want for you is to stay here, I really mean all my words, even if there is a lot of unsaid things I want to tell u and my text is getting longer and longer,I want you here.
I hope one day your smile will become a genuine one where you don’t need to fake it anymore, because I can’t say this enough, you deserve a good smile and to feel alive. You’re worth more than every fucking cent in this world.
You can let go for today, I got you, you can cry your heart out as much as you want, but don’t let it tear you down and let your emotions control you by giving up. Crying is not weakness. If you still feel alone I dedicate you a song as your friend.
“Dusk till Dawn- Zayn feat. Sia (I prefer the slow version)” I hope you can think of me and will remind yourself of my words, I will for sure think of you.
In case no one told you and you’re unsure yourself, you’re a good person and I am so happy you’re here.
I hope this is enough to stay today, tomorrow will be a new day, a new start, let go now. Enough with beating yourself up for today, okay?
Life for those who couldn’t, smile for those who forgot what a genuine smile is, love like there’s no other, hug like its your last one.
If you read all of it, until tomorrow my friend :)
have a good day and great years.
I love you so much and am so proud of you, I hope you will remember my words- becho, the stranger that cares more about you than anything :) <3
@coconuts4596
Climb
Is all we know
When thaw
Is not below us
No, can't grow up
In that iron ground
Claire, all too sore for sound
Bet
Is hardly shown
Scraped
Across the foam
Like they stole it
And oh, how they hold it
Claire, we nearly forfeit
I, I'm growing like the quickening hues
I, I'm telling darkness from lines on you
Over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat
All been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known
Home
We're savage high
Come
We finally cry
Oh and we don it
Because it's right
Claire, I was too sore for sight
I, we're sewing up through the latchet greens
I, un-peel keenness, honey, bean for bean
Same white pillar tone as with the bone street sand is thrown where she stashed us at
All been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning
@natalieshort3514
Climb
is all we know
when thaw
is not below us
no, can’t grow up
in that iron ground
Claire, all too sore for sound
bet
is hardly shown
scraped
across the foam
like they stole it
and oh, how they hold it
Claire, we nearly forfeit
I… I’m growing like the quickening hues
I… I’m telling darkness from lines on you
over havens fora full and swollen morass, young habitat!
all been living alone, where the ice snap and the hold clast are known
home
we’re savage high
come
we finally cry
oh and we don it
because it’s right
Claire, I was too sore for sight
I… we’re sewing up through the latchet greens
I… un-peel keenness, honey, bean for bean
same white pillar tone as with the bone street sand is thrown where she stashed us at
all been living alone, where the cracks at in the low part of the stoning
@ghs7750
I think Bon Iver was born to makes us all cry and take a moment to just fall in that sweet abyss of melancholia
@Max-yn2vf
Gus S Your point is very well put! :)
@jeffffro7674
Something world shattering had to of happened to this guy to put his brain on the path to creating what he does. You don't have a perfect and happy life and be able to imagine what he does. As a lifelong musician, I can tell you, the tougher your life is, the better the art is that will come out of you. It's unfortunate but true. The hardest part is that so many of us will not survive the suffering long enough to give the world the gifts we have inside. Artists experience life more intensely, more vividly, it makes it a thousand times harder to get through the tough times that are part of any life.
@solidmaluko
couldn't say it better
@andrew5184
Everyone in this thread. You are my people! I feel at home here. Well said .
@fenwayify
@@jeffffro7674 I don't think artists necessarily experience life more intensely or vividly than anyone else, rather they have another avenue to express life visually or by sound. We all express, but have varying degrees of perceived talent in doing so. Bon Iver seems to have a willingness to be vulnerable and sensitive in his music, without being harsh or intrusive. In some ways it strikes me as a form of ambient music along the lines of Brian Eno, with similar depth of meaning in the lyrics. His falsetto adds to the allure. Nick Drake also comes to mind.
@Eddward22
“Finish your lap” Gran turismo❤️🩹
@bellesPAR3310
I love that movie now finish YOU'RE lap 🙂😊
@FreshTyflame
I love the movie
@MonarchNerf
That movie made me fall in love with gt3 rs and Ligier js px