Bon Iver's song "22 (Over Soon)" from their album "22, A Million" intricately weaves together themes of introspection and existential contemplation. Within its lyrical landscape, the song delves into the profound concepts of uncertainty, impermanence, and the relentless pursuit of meaning in a world characterized by chaos and ambiguity. Through its complex production and haunting melodies, "22 (Over Soon)" invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection.
The song's opening lines, "It might be over soon, soon, soon," serve as a poignant introduction to its exploration of fleeting moments and the transient nature of life itself. Bon Iver poses the question of where certainty or confirmation can be found in a reality steeped in uncertainty and doubt, a thematic thread that runs throughout the composition.
Imagery of constellations and celestial bodies imbue the lyrics with a sense of mysticism and wonder. Bon Iver finds solace in the notion of being "marked in constellation," suggesting a connection to something greater and more enduring than the self. The absence of a ceiling in the garden symbolizes boundless potential and the unfettered freedom to dream without constraints.
The act of drawing an ear on someone as a means to "speak into the silence" underscores a profound desire for communication and connection amidst the vast expanse of the universe. This symbolic gesture underscores the importance of human interaction and the transformative power of expression in overcoming feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The juxtaposition of "consecration" and "expelled decision" speaks to an internal struggle between adhering to tradition and embracing individual agency. Bon Iver grapples with the burden of societal expectations and the inherent need to break free from conventional constraints in pursuit of personal fulfillment and authenticity.
In its concluding lines, the song references "daylight" and asserts that "within our eyes there lies a scission," encapsulating the inherent duality of existence—light and darkness, clarity and confusion, certainty and doubt. Bon Iver acknowledges the contradictions inherent in the human experience while embracing the prospect of transcendence and renewal. "22 (Over Soon)" stands as a poignant meditation on the ephemeral nature of life and the relentless quest for meaning in the face of uncertainty.
