I Need A Forest Fire
James Blake Lyrics


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(Another shade, another shadow)

To burn it like cedar
I request another dream
I need a forest fire
To burn it like cedar
I request another dream
I need a forest fire

I'm saved by nature
But it always forgets what I need
I hope you'll stop me before I build a wall around me
We need a forest fire

You're thicker than you think
You know that money bought your name
Caution, swelling, can I repay you with some blame?

To burn it like cedar
I request another dream
I need a forest fire
To burn it like cedar
I request another dream
I need a forest fire
To burn it like cedar
I request another dream
I need a forest fire





Stop
Stop before I build a wall around me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to James Blake's song I Need a Forest Fire are very poetic and open to interpretation. The song seems to be about a desire for change and a longing for renewal. The repeated phrase "I need a forest fire" conjures up images of destruction and rebirth, as a forest fire can be devastating, but also creates new growth and life.


The lines "Another shade, another shadow" suggest that the singer is going through a period of darkness or uncertainty, and is seeking a way out. They hope that a forest fire will bring about the change that they need, and will burn away the old and make way for the new. The mention of cedar adds to this idea, as cedar is a symbol of strength and endurance, but also of purification and renewal.


The line "You know that money bought your name" suggests that the singer is addressing a specific person or group who have achieved success through wealth and privilege. They caution against getting caught up in the trappings of success and forgetting what is really important. The line "Stop before I build a wall around me" is a plea to the listener to help prevent the singer from isolating themselves and shutting out the world.


All in all, the lyrics to I Need a Forest Fire suggest a deep longing for change and a desire to break free from the shadows and darkness that have been holding the singer back.


Line by Line Meaning

(Another shade, another shadow)
Mentioning another shadow and shade possibly suggest that the person has been in this state of mind before, and both of these words allude to sadness or darkness that are causing the person's discomfort.


To burn it like cedar
This line refers to the purification process that cedar wood is sometimes used for. Burning something like cedar may help purify it or rid it of negative energy. The singer may be asking for something similar to cleanse their own life or mind.


I request another dream
The singer may be disillusioned with reality, or they may be seeking some kind of fresh start. By requesting another dream, they could be asking for a new beginning or a change from their current situation.


I need a forest fire
Similar to the first line, this line is a metaphor for the need for something to cleanse or purify the artist's life or environment. The forest fire could represent destruction that clears the way for growth, or a cleansing fire.


I'm saved by nature
Nature has likely helped the artist in some way, possibly by providing a sense of peace or solace. The artist acknowledges this and appreciates it.


But it always forgets what I need
Despite nature's positive influence, it seems to lack the ability to provide the singer with what they truly need. The singer may be feeling alone or neglected despite being close to nature.


I hope you'll stop me before I build a wall around me
The singer is potentially worried about becoming too isolated or disconnected from others, and they are hoping for someone to intervene before that happens. Building a wall symbolizes a barrier from others, suggesting that the singer wants to stay connected and open to those around them.


We need a forest fire
This repetition of the previous line suggests that the artist is calling for the same sort of cleansing or purification that they mentioned before. The 'we' may indicate that the artist is not alone in needing this.


You're thicker than you think
This line could be directed towards someone who the artist thinks is dense or doesn't understand something they've been trying to convey. Alternatively, if directed towards the artist, the line could suggest that they are not seeing things clearly or are being stubborn.


You know that money bought your name
This line alludes to the idea of people being driven by money or material wealth, and that this can lead to them forgetting or changing who they truly are. The name could represent identity or reputation here.


Caution, swelling, can I repay you with some blame?
This line is a bit more enigmatic, but it seems to suggest a sense of tension or conflict. The words caution and swelling both connote a sense of unease, and the singer may be asking if they should place blame on the other party.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Blake Litherland, Justin Vernon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@CollegeMusic

This is simply perfection :O

@jkjqu6805

Who else is here simply because James Blake and Bon Iver are LEGENDS in their own right and the combination is just over load of great emotional movement X

@pratyashi191

☝😃

@gregorybrandt8669

Eh, no one is a legend. They just a couple of dudes who make music.

@lilgupta6003

yeah man

@Eragarev

I wish. I'm just here because of that dumb commercial, but I do really like this song.

@amandamc6569

Dam ur beautiful

2 More Replies...

@RS-nc7rh

This man hits notes and melodies that make my whole body shiver. Feels like I could cry, be sick, and explode in joy all at once. Amazing!

@justinbarnes9075

The extacy of melancholy.

@24sowl11

NA puppet show na papa ta toOooOo

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