Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Woods
Iver Bon Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

I'm up in the woods
I'm up in the woods
I'm down on my mind
I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I'm building a sill to slow down the time

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Woods" by Bon Iver seem repetitive at first glance, but upon closer analysis, they reveal a deep introspection and a yearning for solace. The repeated lines of "I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind" show a clear duality between physical presence and mental state. The singer is physically located in the woods, perhaps seeking some sort of escape or retreat, but mentally, they are struggling with their thoughts and emotions.


The line "I'm building a sill to slow down the time" adds to the theme of the desire for escape from reality and the creation of a space that can slow time. The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of this sentiment to the singer.


The use of natural imagery, such as the woods, also adds to the theme of finding peace in nature. The repetition of the opening line echoes the cyclical nature of thoughts and emotions that the character is facing. The song leaves room for interpretation as to whether the singer manages to find peace in the woods or if they remain stuck in their cyclical thoughts.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm up in the woods, I'm down on my mind
I am physically in the woods, but my state of mind is troubled


I'm building a sill to slow down the time
I am constructing a barrier to try to control the flow of time and make it seem slower




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Justin Deyarmond Edison Vernon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@SunbeamPink

You don’t just hear Justin’s songs, you feel them — they burrow into your gut and then gently squeeze and twist your soul. A decade ago, as my marriage (and life) was crumbling in rural Japan, I would lie in the bathtub every night and softly sing these words over and over:

I’m up in the woods.
I’m down on my mind.
I’m building a still
to slow down the time.

Soaking in that hot cauldron with steam rising, sweat seeping from my pores and tears trickling down my face, I was effectively distilled to the essence of myself: an island of a man, increasingly detached, frail and hopeless; nothing more than a naked corpse slowly decaying in a waterlogged coffin.

I’m stronger now, but listening to “Woods” transports me right back to that isolation tank.



All comments from YouTube:

@icystorm9

This song is so great. It's addictive without even using any instruments. My favorite from the EP.

@justtofu

I'm lost in the worrrrrlllld!

@SunbeamPink

You don’t just hear Justin’s songs, you feel them — they burrow into your gut and then gently squeeze and twist your soul. A decade ago, as my marriage (and life) was crumbling in rural Japan, I would lie in the bathtub every night and softly sing these words over and over:

I’m up in the woods.
I’m down on my mind.
I’m building a still
to slow down the time.

Soaking in that hot cauldron with steam rising, sweat seeping from my pores and tears trickling down my face, I was effectively distilled to the essence of myself: an island of a man, increasingly detached, frail and hopeless; nothing more than a naked corpse slowly decaying in a waterlogged coffin.

I’m stronger now, but listening to “Woods” transports me right back to that isolation tank.

@alexyacobozzi3991

Sunbeam Pink ❤️❤️❤️

@thaimemusic

I’m happy to hear that you’re stronger now. I agree, Bon Iver’s music is breathtaking, to say the least. He’s saved my life many times. And I’m glad he was there to comfort yours when things got tough. I hope all is okay now! - Kai.

@nheORIGINAL

I thought you were a women at first. Why did you go to rural Japan and how is your marriage now?

@richardhall5238

Creeks vibe!

@SSBM-Sandwich

Hope your doing okay. Your comment was beautifully written.

3 More Replies...

@willandreas6182

this song is so special to me.
Me and my girlfriend listened to this walking through the Sziget festival showgrounds last year the morning after the first day - we walked silently sharing a pair of $2 headphones, holding hands and watching the world go by as the sun came up.
A year on and its still our favourite song. Forever grateful for Bon Iver and what he did to our world in those precious minutes <3

@SoulProphett

Sounds like a movie <3

More Comments

More Versions