“I should’ve known / That I shouldn’t hide / To compromise and to covet / All what’s inside / There is no design.” Perhaps without a reference point, it’s tough to dissect the aforementioned, excerpted lyrics. Even so, what’s relatively clear is that the lyrics are liberating, uplifting, and seems to eschew science, at least judging by the lyric, “There is no design.” Providing context, Grammy-winning alternative collective Bon Iver has had a career filled with spiritual references, often in the form of religious skepticism. Hence, it’s not surprising that “Faith” is chocked-full of spirituality. Sure, Justin Vernon and company certainly denounce a ‘design,’ but not a scientific one but rather one that is Christian based. Clearly, Vernon is ‘losing his religion,’ hence “Faith” atones for the constraints of religion, particularly Christianity in his eyes.
“This for my sister
That for my maple
It’s not going the road I’d known as a child of God.”
While Vernon has lost his faith in religion, perfectly exemplified above, he doesn’t lose faith itself altogether. Listen to “Faith,” and its bright musically, coupled with the aforementioned lyrical characterizations – liberating and uplifting. Vernon clearly believes in family (“This is for my sister”), as well as home and nature among other things (“That for my maple”), but he’s moved on beyond his days as a Christian. There are ample lyrical examples where the Christianity has faded, with arguably none more potent than the bridge:
“Am I dependent in what I’m defending?
And do we get to hold what faith provides?
Fold your hands into mine
I did my believing
Seeing every time.”
“Faith” is quite a stunning record from Bon Iver. While everyone has differing views on religion, what’s undeniable about it in the context of this song is that Justin Vernon owns his views – he clearly has faith in his beliefs. He sounds free as he closes the door on something that he’s wrestled with for years and years. For him, it’s atonement.
You can learn more about Bon Iver here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
