Marion

BON IVER "i,i" ANALYSIS - PART NINE

A more laidback song that speaks of a relationship carried by only one person, acting as an interlude of the second act. It was previously named “1867”, before changing to “Marion”, a French rooted name meaning “Beloved”. It also phonetically matches “marry on”, as if to remarry. I'm really drawn to this one, it's simple but so soft and pretty.

"Well, I thought that this was half a love
Well, I thought that this was half a love, love
Follow to the rising sea
Well, I thought that this was half a love"
Well, I thought that this was half a love
Well, I thought that this was half a love
Follow to the rising sea
Well, I thought that this was half a love"

This songs lyrical content, while sparse, bestows a great sense of loss accompanied by Vernon’s soulful delivery. It manages to evoke a feeling as if “Skinny Love” and “____45_____” were to merge into one. The essence of the song in its entirety is enveloped in just one line, repeated 6 times in total. “Well, I thought that this was half a love” depicts someone putting all the effort into a relationship, with nothing in return. Only one half of the whole exists. The partner in question is interchangeable, Vernon’s croons would match the feeling all the same, it could be guilt from not loving someone even though you desire to, or despair at the hopeless adoration of someone, left unreciprocated. Marion as a name is also said to be derived from the Hebrew “Miryām”, which would be “sea of bitterness” or “sea of sorrow”. Marion is his sorrow erupting, personified. Alternatively, and far more likely, this line refers to rising sea levels, as mentioned previously in “Holyfields,”. What more a sea of sorrow than the sea that sweeps us all?

"Woo when I'm falling to the right"

The final, and only other remark, leaves a clouded statement. It could be a simple exclamation, or the literal word “Woo”, as in to win someone over. Falling to the right could also simply mean falling in love, or falling toward the correct side of things.