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Home » Song Meanings » The Meaning Behind The Song: Wash by Bon Iver

The Meaning Behind The Song: Wash by
Bon Iver
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 / By Jennifer Bell
Title: Decoding Bon Iver’s “Wash”: A Poignant Ode to Inner Turmoil

Contents [show]

Introduction
“Wash” by Bon Iver, released in 2011, is a song that cuts deep into the soul of
its listeners. With its mystical yet hauntingly familiar melody, it speaks of the
pain of a broken heart, of finding solace in the physical world, and of the
longing to heal from one’s inner turmoil. In this article, we explore the
meaning behind the lyrics of “Wash” and how it resonates with many of us
who have experienced emotional upheavals.

The Lyrics
Before we dive deep into the song’s meaning, let’s first take a look at the lyrics
of “Wash:”
“Some days we’d go and burn Coney Island to the ground
To shove the ferris wheel in the sea
The boardwalk trash talk it
Us in the moped gangs
On the west banks of Ontario
She tucked her thumbs in and
Broke the skinny arms around me”

At first glance, the lyrics may seem cryptic and random, but they hold a
profound significance. The protagonist seems to be reminiscing about days
gone by, where he and his partner, perhaps in an attempt to dull their pain,
would go on wild adventures. The mention of burning down Coney Island and
shoving the Ferris wheel into the sea implies a cleansing of sorts, a metaphor
for purging themselves of their inner demons.

The Physical and the Emotional

However, the central theme of the song revolves around the protagonist’s
struggle to come to terms with his emotional turmoil. He finds temporary
solace in the physical world, which is evident from the lines “On the west
banks of Ontario. She tucked her thumbs in and broke the skinny arms around
me.” Here, he is clinging onto his partner, seeking comfort in her embrace.

But, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist’s pain is too
much for him to bear alone. He starts questioning the reality of his emotions
and wonders if it’s worth fighting for or if he should surrender to the pain. It’s
a highly relatable sentiment since many of us have experienced moments of
self-doubt and emotional turmoil.

The Healing Process

However, the song does not end on a gloomy note. Instead, it offers a glimmer
of hope. The protagonist acknowledges that the healing process is not going to
be easy, portrayed in the lines “Still I am careful not to forget
How it was with you when I
Finally felt like I was clean and could genuinely
Believe I was healing.”

This indicates that, even though the protagonist is in agony, he realizes that he
has at least experienced a brief moment of respite. It suggests that the process
of healing is not a sprint, but rather a marathon that requires ample patience
and self-care.
The Significance of The Title
The title “Wash” is significant in that it denotes a renewal of some sort. It
implies that the protagonist was possibly soiled with unhappiness, despair,
and shattered dreams, and is now trying to scrub them off. Yet, it goes beyond
just external cleansing, hinting at an inner cleanse as well. This is supported
by the line “Could genuinely believe I was healing,” which shows that the
protagonist is beginning to feel like they’re rediscovering a sense of self-worth.

Conclusion
In essence, “Wash” by Bon Iver is a poignant ode to emotional upheavals, the
search for inner peace, and the process of healing from emotional agony.
Through its mystical yet intimate melody and cryptic yet profound lyrics, it
strikes a chord with many of us who have experienced heartbreak, self-doubt,
and aches. Ultimately, “Wash” reminds us that healing is a process that takes
time, patience, and self-care, and that even amidst the darkest of days, there is
always a glimmer of hope.

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About Jennifer Bell

Jennifer is a freelance writer from Montana. She holds a BA in Creative Writing and English, as
well as an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Games and Simulation Design.

Her passions include guitar, bass, ukulele, and piano, as well as a range of classical instruments
she has been playing since at school. She also enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, yoga,
eating well, and spending time with her two cats, Rocky and Jasper.
 Jennifer enjoys writing articles on all types of musical instruments and is always extending her
understanding and appreciation of music. She also writes science fiction and fantasy short
stories for various websites and hopes to get her first book published in the very near future.

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