A Journey Through Layers: A Review of Bon Iver's "Things Behind Things Behind Things"
"Things Behind Things Behind Things" is a captivating exploration of introspection and the complexities of self-perception. Bon Iver, known for his evocative soundscapes, crafts a sonic journey that is both familiar and refreshingly new. The track opens with a gentle, pulsating rhythm, reminiscent of a heartbeat, which is soon joined by a delicate acoustic guitar melody. Justin Vernon's vocals, soft and introspective, weave through the instrumentation, drawing the listener into his contemplative world.
Soundscape of Self-Reflection
As the song progresses, it unfolds like a desert landscape, vast and open. The initial restraint gives way to a spacious arrangement, allowing the music to breathe and the listener to fully immerse themselves in its atmosphere. The imagery evoked is cinematic, with a sense of longing and the weight of change hanging in the air. Vernon's lyrics delve into the struggle with self-doubt and the desire for transformation, painting a picture of someone grappling with their inner demons.
Layers of Meaning
The verses are structured around repetition, emphasizing the protagonist's yearning for change and their fear of the unknown. Lines like "I would like the feeling gone" and "I can't go through the motions" convey a sense of restlessness and a desire to break free from stagnation. The recurring motif of "things behind things behind things" and "rings within rings within rings" suggests layers of complexity, hinting at the hidden depths of the human psyche and the constant search for meaning.
Seeking Understanding
The outro introduces a shift in perspective, with the protagonist acknowledging their tendency to overanalyze and create their own narratives. The questions posed, "And who's the benefactor?" and "And how to move without touching every interactor," reveal a yearning for understanding and a desire to navigate the world without causing ripples. The song concludes with a final repetition of the "things behind things" motif, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of the ongoing quest for self-discovery.
A Testament to Artistic Evolution
"Things Behind Things Behind Things" is a testament to Bon Iver's ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It's a song that invites repeated listens, revealing new layers of meaning with each encounter. With its introspective lyrics, evocative soundscapes, and masterful blend of intimacy and grandeur, this track stands as a highlight on the "SABLE" EP and a testament to Bon Iver's continued artistic evolution.
Listen to Bon Iver Things Behind Things Behind Things
Bon Iver Things Behind Things Behind Things Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "Things Behind Things Behind Things" by Bon Iver is a poignant exploration of the human experience, delving into the complexities of self-perception, the fear of change, and the yearning for authenticity. Through layered lyrics and evocative soundscapes, the song paints a picture of someone grappling with their inner demons, seeking understanding, and navigating the intricate layers of their own psyche. It's a song about confronting the hidden depths within, acknowledging the weight of past experiences, and finding a way to move forward with honesty and vulnerability.
Longing for Change
The song's opening verse immediately establishes a sense of unease and a longing for change. The speaker expresses a desire to be free from a troubling feeling, repeating the lines "I would like the feeling gone" and "I don't like the way it's looking." This suggests a dissatisfaction with their current emotional state and a yearning for something different. The struggle with self-image becomes apparent in lines like "I get caught looking in the mirror on the regular / What I see there resembles some competitor." This evokes a sense of internal conflict and a lack of self-acceptance, as if the speaker is constantly comparing themselves to an idealized version.
Layers of Complexity
The recurring motif of "things behind things behind things / And there are rings within rings within rings" delves deeper into the complexities of the self. It speaks to the hidden depths of the human psyche, the layers of experiences and emotions that lie beneath the surface. These lines suggest that the speaker's desire for change is intertwined with a need to confront these deeper issues, the unresolved conflicts and past traumas that may be holding them back.
Stuck in the Motions
This feeling of being stuck is further emphasized in the second verse. "I can't go through the motions / How'm I supposed to do this now?" expresses a sense of helplessness and a longing for guidance. The speaker seems to be struggling to navigate their current situation and move forward authentically. The vulnerability at the heart of the song is revealed when they imagine confessing their fear of change: "Say we went out strolling / Say I went and told them how / I am afraid of changing." This fear likely stems from the daunting task of confronting those "things behind things," the layers of complexity within.
Overthinking and Distorted Reality
The outro shifts the focus to the speaker's tendency to overanalyze and create their own narratives. "I got caught compiling / I got caught compiling my own news" suggests a pattern of overthinking and a potential distortion of reality. The lines "I never lose / And who's the benefactor?" hint at a possible defense mechanism, a way of avoiding vulnerability and maintaining a sense of control. However, the question about the "benefactor" also reveals a lingering doubt about who is truly in charge. The final lines express the desire to move forward without causing disruption or facing the complexities within: "And how to move without touching every interactor / When there are things behind things behind things / (A little further) / And there are rings within rings within rings." This highlights the interconnectedness of everything and the challenge of navigating life with all its hidden layers. The repetition of "rings within rings" reinforces the ongoing nature of this internal journey and the continuous quest for self-discovery.
Bon Iver Things Behind Things Behind Things
[Verse 1]
I would like the feeling
I would like the feeling
I would like the feeling gone
'Cause I don't like the way it's—
I don't like the way it's—
I don't like the way it's looking
I get caught looking
In the mirror on the regular
What I see there resembles some competitor
I see things behind things behind things
And there are rings within rings within rings
[Verse 2]
I can't go through the motions
I can't go through the motions
How'm I supposed to do this now?
Say we went out strolling
Say we went out strolling
Say I went and told them how
I am afraid of changing
And when it comes a time to check and rearrange shit
There are things behind things behind things
And there are rings within rings within rings
[Outro]
I got caught compiling
I got caught compiling
I got caught compiling my own news
I never lose
And who's the benefactor?
And how to move without touching every interactor
When there are things behind things behind things
(A little further)
And there are rings within rings within rings
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