A Ribbon
Devendra Banhart Lyrics


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1, 2, 3, 4

I'd like to sing to you if you'd like me to
I'd like to sing to you if you'd like me to
I'd like to sing, sing, sing, sing, sing to you
Alone

And I'd like to dance with you if you'd like me to
I'd like to dance with you if you'd like me to
I'd like to dance, dance, dance, dance, dance with you
Alone

I'd like to sleep with you if you'd like me to
I'd like to sleep with you if you'd like me to
I'd like to sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep with you
Alone

Ribbons around the fumes
We'll be sleeping soon
Ribbons around the fumes
We'll be sleeping soon




Ribbons around those fumes
Alone

Overall Meaning

The song "A Ribbon" by Devendra Banhart is a simple yet evocative piece about intimacy and loneliness. In the first stanza, the singer offers to sing alone to the listener, expressing a desire to connect with them through music. The second stanza continues the theme of connection as the singer offers to dance with the listener, once again expressing a desire to be together. However, the final stanza takes a more somber turn as the singer conveys a desire for physical intimacy with the listener, but not just any physical intimacy - sleeping together. The use of "ribbons around the fumes" adds an ambiguous yet haunting quality to the imagery, perhaps suggesting that the singer is looking for comfort within the fumes of memory or imagination. In the end, the singer concludes with a repetition of the word "alone," driving home the sense of isolation and need for human connection that runs throughout the song.


Overall, "A Ribbon" is a poignant meditation on the complexities of human relationships, specifically the longing for connection and the fear of being alone. The minimalist lyrics and sparse instrumentation create a dreamy, almost ethereal atmosphere that adds to the sense of longing and introspection at the heart of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd like to sing to you if you'd like me to
I want to express my feelings to you through my song if you are willing to listen


I'd like to dance with you if you'd like me to
I want to share my happiness with you through dancing if it is something you'd like to do


I'd like to sleep with you if you'd like me to
I want to spend a restful night with you if that is something you desire


Ribbons around the fumes
Metaphorically, we are tied up in a world that may seem toxic and confusing


We'll be sleeping soon
Our time here is limited and one day we will perish


Ribbons around those fumes
Despite the darkness and confusion, we have each other


Alone
Ultimately, we all must face the great unknown by ourselves




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEVENDRA BANHART

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Will Benitez

I listen on scenes of a marriage and I love it

Spyros Pope

Great song and melody by a true gifted person!!!! Thank you Devendra for all these amazing inspirations!!!!!!!

Márta Péter

Nagyon szép! It's great!

Macmadmanwalk

It's hard to put into words how this song makes me feel.

Julia C

Pure magic 🌺

Tapti Palit

The opening guitar riffs remind me of Cinder and Smoke by Iron & Wine. Great song all around!

Daijshi

we love this, its just magic

kelerohl1

This is just so raw and sensual. The whole thing. I love it.

Laura Alejandra Sánchez Ojeda

Lo amo <3

Dark Sun

never heard a beautiful song like this : O <333

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