Bon Iver

Lyrics

[Intro]
If you wait, it won't be undone

[Verse 1]
Well, it's all just scared of dying
But isn't this a beach?
And if I know one thing at all
Is I cannot just be a peach
Oh, you come in all woke now
So, please enjoy the feast
We are weightless like a wayless beast
So what is it we don't teach?

[Pre-Chorus]
When we were children we were hell-bent
Or oblivious at least
But now it comes to mind
We are terrified
So we run and hide
For a verified little peace

[Chorus 1]
So what of this release?
Sun light feels good now, don't it?
And I don't have a leaving plan
But something's gotta ease your mind
But it's all fine, or it's all crime anyway
[Verse 2]
There were six of us sitting creek side
Sifting fistfuls through the green
Every which way could be seen
Was the sand and time
Not a pantomime
More like anodyne
Was a friend of mine
You'da known, you'da known

[Pre-Chorus]
I could prophet
I could rob I, however
Everywhere isn’t everywhere
This is not a veil
Or a fairy tale in the least

[Chorus 2]
So what of this release?
Some life feels good now, don't it?
(I think I need it)
Don't have to have a leaving plan
(Have to let it)
Nothing's gonna ease your mind
Well, it's all fine and we're all fine anyway
[Outro]
But if you wait, it won't be undone

Bon Iver’s i,i album, released on August 9, 2019, marked a new era for the band and according to Justin Vernon, it was like coming home. The 13th and final track on the album, RABi, is a fitting and perfect ending to the project. It is an exuberant and celebratory song that is guaranteed to leave listeners with a sense of wonder and appreciation.

About RABi

The song RABi, titled after the lyric “I could rob I,” is a feel-good track that centers on gratitude and appreciation. Its lyrics remind us that life can be full of ups and downs, but there's always something to be thankful for. The "life feels good now, don't it?” line seems like a rhetorical question, implying that despite all the chaos, life can still be good.

Justin Vernon, the writer of the song, said on Apple Music that the inspiration for the song came from “life feels good now, don’t it?” The song’s message is all about positivity and celebrating all that life has to offer, in good times and bad. It serves as a reminder to appreciate all that we have and all the people around us who make our lives better.

The instrumentation of the song is not overwhelming, but it perfectly captures the feeling of joy and contentment. RABi is an acoustic, simple, and uncomplicated song, with Vernon’s soulful voice capturing the essential feeling of the song. His voice floats effortlessly over the delicate guitar strumming and simple drumming, creating a calming atmosphere. You can hear instruments like a synthesizer, a drum machine, and a Chris Rosenau guitar arpeggio ebb and flow throughout the song, adding texture.

There are moments in the song that take the listener to a place of complete euphoria. The infectious chorus, “So, nah nah nah, nah nah, Na-na-naah, Hey-yaaa,” will have you tapping your feet without even realizing you're doing it. The bridge of the song is nothing short of inspirational, with Vernon’s falsetto voice ascending into the sky almost effortlessly

The lyrics of the song offer incredible depth and insight, into the human experience and emotions. They capture a sense of gratitude, a feeling of contentment, and a celebration of life. For example, the line "it's a gift passed back and forth until its right" epitomizes the idea of gratitude, of people giving and taking in equal measure to create something beautiful.

Another example of the depth in the song is the line “I could rob I,” which is where the title of the song comes from. This line is interpreted as “I could take from myself” and is a powerful reminder to appreciate yourself and that the love you have for yourself is just as necessary as the love you have for others.

In essence, RABi is an ode to joy, gratitude, and appreciation of life. Its simple instrumentation and beautiful lyrics create a sense of completeness that leaves an impact on the listener. The song's message is a powerful one and delivered by Justin Vernon’s captivating vocals, it is guaranteed to be remembered for its authenticity and realness.

Wrapping Up

For anyone looking for an upbeat and positive beacon of hope in this tumultuous world, RABi is a must-listen. The song’s message of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings of life is something that we all need to be reminded of during our tough times. With its euphoric chorus and inspiring lyrics, this song offers a sense of completeness that is sure to inspire those who listen to it.

• Release Date: August 8, 2019
• Artist: Bon Iver