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
Yi
Bon Iver Lyrics
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You recording, Trevor?
Yes
The lyrics to Bon Iver's song "Yi" are brief yet evoke a sense of introspection and introspective conversation. The opening lines, "Yeah, you recording, Trevor? Yes," suggest a dialogue between the artist and someone named Trevor, possibly a reference to the recording engineer. This interchange gives the impression of vulnerability as the artist prepares to share something personal through his music.
The lyrics themselves are minimalistic and abstract, leaving ample room for interpretation. The simplicity of the words invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences and emotions. The word "Yi" can be interpreted as a person's name or as a statement in itself, expressing a sense of affirmation or understanding. This ambiguity allows the song to resonate with the audience on a deeper, more personal level.
Overall, "Yi" showcases the artist's ability to create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere through sparse lyrics and delicate instrumentation. It invites listeners to connect with their own emotions and experiences, fostering a contemplative and introspective mood.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Yes, I am recording
You recording, Trevor?
Are you, Trevor, currently engaged in the act of recording?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Brandon Burton, Justin Vernon, Trever Hagen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thejesuschrist
I can die happy now, again.
@JesseBakerHome
Jesus Christ Will you rise?
@SpartanDarkangel
I had no idea you were a fan of Bon Iver! That makes you even more awesome! (This version, not the one from the old book things)
@thejesuschrist
@Jesse Baker I'll be front row at the show in Inglewood, CA at the Forum... that's for damn sure!
@thejesuschrist
@Emily Productions Hell yes! 🤘😇
@gabrielsanchez7855
If Jesus is a fan of Bon Iver, then I rest assured I’ll be very happy in Heaven.
@Olhado256
Best track on the album. True Bon Iver fans will agree. This one is for the heads.
@mikaelkolozsy2408
This level of experimentation is so rare these days. The waves 22, A Million made were huge. This new stuff makes me so excited for music and art in general
@jackmehoff3973
Favorite song off the new album! Makes me feel nostalgic for memories I never had!
@AtlanticSpamHammer
>Favorite song
Literally how