(Fall in
fall out
fall along)
in the first of light
past the Noachide
bodies wrapped in white
stranded every pain
baby, pasts are slain
“I got outta La Grange…”
in Hinnom
all this time
with your heart in mind
didn’t you edit
in Hinnom
go, the least
and the precious feast
the in-vetted
sand it starts to steal
dirt and ice imbed in cheeks
in the potter’s field
solar peace
well it swirls and sweeps
you just set it
strangers scattering
nether passage in the wind
off pennant tension ring
armor, down
on the wettest ground
not to vet it
Mystical Imagery and Emotional Depth
“Hinnom, TX” by Bon Iver envelops listeners in a tapestry of evocative imagery and subtle emotion. The lyrics weave references to biblical and spiritual themes—such as “Noachide” and “potter’s field”—with personal reflections on pain, redemption, and transformation. The song’s sparse verses, punctuated by phrases like “bodies wrapped in white” and “armor, down on the wettest ground,” evoke feelings of loss, renewal, and the search for peace amidst turmoil. Hinnom itself is traditionally associated with a place of judgment or purging, adding a layer of introspection to the song’s journey through memory and forgiveness.
Bon Iver’s Sonic Signature
In true Bon Iver style, the track’s poetic ambiguity invites multiple interpretations. It conjures a sense of wandering—a spiritual or physical passage—where past burdens are acknowledged and perhaps left behind. The blend of surreal storytelling and heartfelt vulnerability creates a uniquely atmospheric experience, making “Hinnom, TX” a standout moment on the album.
Song Credits
Artist: Bon Iver
Songwriter: Justin Vernon
Release Year: 2011
Label: Jagjaguwar