Bon Iver - "Heavenly Father" (Acapella) | Live at Sydney Opera House

Joined onstage by the beautiful harmonies of British folk trio The Staves, Bon Iver delivered a soul-stirring acapella rendition of 'Heavenly Father'. A perfect finale to their world premiere performances of 'Cercle' at Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE.
Now entering its eighth year, Vivid LIVE is a two-week celebration of ambitious contemporary music at Sydney Opera House and is part of Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas.
Produced by: Sydney Opera House
Audio Mix Engineer: Xandy Whitesel
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[@matthewtisi5472]

The fact this song is not on Spotify breaks my heart a bit every single day

[@Topher4]

Tyler Lukkasson where can I download it

[@hanbananamiller]

Matthew Tisi I LITERALLY JUST SAID THIS 30 SECONDS AGO TO MY MOM

[@hawkahu523]

I just pay for KZbin premium

[@Nathecatt]

The reason it's not on Spotify is that Spotify does not pay music artists for their music. Spotify is hated in the industry.

[@kristophermarzitelli553]

Agreed, wish it was.

[@sianlaing3866]

"I was never sure how much of you I could let in", gets me every time.

[@mungus530]

"Cause I'm a known coward in a coward wind" for me

[@kennethmadden]

Ya, great line.

[@dpuls911]

shut up

[@gwen8718]

Same 😞

[@littlemetalpixie]

Mine is the line "Cuz I just been up here for God Damn years filling up holes with God Damn fears." This whole song gives me chills actually, what a masterpiece.

[@samanthaquintal615]

I was lucky enough to be there that night. This was a once in a lifetime performance, I was left in tears, so much emotion conveyed in a single performance. Truly moving.

[@lifesedgeart9303]

I am so jealous of you but happy you got to experience that!

[@moneyatslander]

Me too. By myself so no distractions. Very close, side of stage. The intimacy was heartbreaking.

[@becbek]

It was amazing. I replay this to take me back to this night and this particular moment. Turning around to see everyone tearing up. It was so raw, so real.

[@leannajanebarnes]

I can just imagine 🙌🙌🙌

[@jamiefisher8411]

Oh my goodnessss

[@RoyGibson]

The absolute respect the audience have for this, no cheer half way through, no audience woop, just respect and silence.

[@aermotors]

You are 100/100 except the person at the end coughing for attention is a truly despicable humanoid.

[@Omar_Little]

american audiences could never

[@moneyatslander]

Was there. Was Heavenly. Have the Poster in my house as a daily reminder.

[@Mak933]

The Staves aren't getting enough credit here. These are some incredible sisters.

[@nickb442]

Holy shit is that...is that actually them?

[@alex0589]

@@nickb442 always has been.

[@Merrytuesdayoneandal]

Congrats to both parents involved.

[@nadias9995]

Came to find this comment

[@tomskimcdouglegaming806]

They are just backing musicians bro.

[@damonrobinson1493]

I just love Justin's "wooh" in the middle. He was so into it

[@jameshasell1297]

2:09 what a guy

[@SudeauxLux]

same

[@pieterswart7176]

yep new fav video

[@darekmalik4331]

absolutely...he is always into it

[@drooled]

I'm just amazed by the whole performance

[@Ezerlance]

When this kat screamed at 2:07 I knew this was real. It's perfect without being perfect. Damn. Welcome the hell back Bon Iver.

[@deannascofield4111]

man,....that's the power of music. it's my favorite part. so lost in the song.

[@cecline]

goose bumps

[@mechliouiabir4107]

E Lancelot okey im kind of new to bon iver songs i know evry song but i have prblm with the meaning but my question is where was he he is back from what ??

[@EVH_]

Justin didn't go anywhere, it's just been a long time since the previous record. Like 6 years!

[@Morrisopolous]

I've watched, assessed and gorged myself on this so many times and every time I see that bit, I've come to conclusion the Staves voices build up such an angelic sound he gets lost in the beauty of the whole fricking song

[@LePetiteRare]

I love the laugh from the guy when the song ends (3:55). The classical laugh that means with no words "wow, dude, what the hell was that?"

[@jeanpvx]

Noticed exactly the same :D "WTF just happened"

[@malibusurfer93]

It's that emotion that comes over you when you have nothing left to do but laugh. It's something that's experienced far too rarely, but so worth it when it comes about.

[@ghostie7790]

YES!

[@hfanti]

I'm pretty sure that was me. ;)

[@JamieMcJapan]

And it somehow sounded aussie too

[@lcrvelez]

Just came here for my monthly soul cleanse

[@avadventuregear]

Watched and listened to this in lock down during covid in 2020 with my fiancée. I would stroke her hair and tell her it would all be ok. It’s now 2024, she left in 2022 after I lost my job. I now have a job that pays me double and I’m alone but happy. Lying in bed enjoying this masterpiece. Brings back memories and also gives me hope for the future. ❤ much love.

[@S-cottjdhdnd]

❤

[@thinkmore7939]

@@S-cottjdhdnd

[@Morpheus42032]

Much love brother ❤

[@Shmancyfancy536]

Dogged a bullet IMO. Shallow relationships are toxic.

[@aritheory]

We seem to have led parallel lives. What a horrible few years its been eh. But don't worry man, we might be alone now, but we're also free now. Free to chill and listen to this masterpiece in peace. Sending you love, brother.

[@melissachamberssss]

Thing about this song is it's not one of those songs you later become desensitized to. It never leaves you.

[@Guitardudeftw]

Same with for Emma :)

[@JoJoMaMa_]

Haunted.

[@lailaamrabdelghany]

This version especially. I keep coming back to it.

[@Wockerable]

who is here in those crazy Corona times to calm down the soul and mind with this otherworldly performance?

[@JeffMarkie]

I know exactly what you mean. I've woken up with this song in my head and it's just needed.

[@stuartwelch6152]

Same here. Well wishes to everyone.

[@lufflyleigh]

Watching this seven months after your comment and it’s still corona times 😭

[@mattdaaamon]

One of the finest performances i have seen sometimes you just gotta go back to what you know.

[@embeach9006]

Ten months and it's still crazy Corona times. Mask up, music up.

[@jmsmith1767]

That foot stomp and “wooo” at 2:06 is freaking everything. The emotion bubbles up.

[@sherriestephenssnow4154]

💕

[@elledelos4879]

Stirred me right up!

[@Bistromemoza]

Damn right, got goosebumps all over

[@GavinsMarineMom]

That sooooo "got me"!

[@gordy7868]

Frightening isn’t it m8

[@johnbailey2850]

I'm convinced Justin Vernon, even if ever so briefly, has been to other side, and has brought a piece of it back with him for us all to experience.

[@coolwhhhhhhip88]

he is big on psychedelics so it's not too crazy of an assumption lol

[@sapiophile545]

I feel you, John. 👍

[@mkr836]

this is such a beautiful way of putting it. thank you.

[@ManofUlster]

Beethoven said the point of being human is to approach divinity as closely as you possibly can and then to disseminate those rays out to mankind

[@herbertshminkel9033]

Gaaaay

[@Japhex]

I don't understand, I've watched this tens of times and I still feel exactly the same way every time. Speechless and in awe.

[@lukasbaltzer5339]

listen to 8 circle

[@andrearundo4032]

You’re not alone, bro

[@henrywebstermusic1]

I had exactly that same feeling when I first came across this last year. I actually recorded some violin parts for it too, which was such a joyous experience - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHq0aHyeZ6x7f5I

[@Japhex]

@@henrywebstermusic1 this is amazing!

[@aermotors]

Full body chills and tears. Years later. Still.

[@mrigankabasuroychowdhury6329]

Bon Iver should put out an acapella album. :D

[@bigstackbricks]

Mriganka Basu Roy Chowdhury check out volcano choir

[@limbosvi6983]

There's two side albums

[@7amanito]

with Ladysmith Black Mambazo..

[@tamishgoyal5962]

thats your full name?

[@Richard-d1y]

Or an albums of just vocals like this.

[@HigeYatsu]

Man, how does this guy consistently write songs I feel like I've known my whole life? So gorgeous.

[@borion7775]

totally agree

[@DrewMaw]

Wow, that's a great way to describe this phenomena.

[@halfpintpixel]

pretty sure this song is a cover

[@SugarBear14]

It was actually written for the Zach Braff movie Wish I was Here. Zach asked him to write it specifically for the movie and he started writing the song immediately after he watched the pre-screening in his house. Beautiful song!

[@drmedwuast]

Which he does without ever using musical or lyrical clichés. No one in the world can to that.

[@ColumbusMHC]

I was at this show and my girlfriend and I were reduced to tears. Words don't do any of it justice.

[@P9rkour90]

what was your favorite song?

[@ColumbusMHC]

Hard to say honestly. I mean everyone has favourite Bon songs, but to pinpoint one from that performance is entirely different being that they rearrange and revisit their songs live. I guess probably Heavenly Father or Beach Baby, maybe Holocene... urghhhh.. too hard to pick honestly. No single song outweighed the entirety of their set that night. Would have loved to hear Haven.

[@P9rkour90]

James .Geraeds yeah, just by the video heavenly father seemed amazing. good stuff.

[@ChrisBourkeHello]

You're not alone. The same happened to me, tears of joy.. what a rare moment.

[@Fuzigish8]

That's so rad bro. Hope to see him one day.

[@brianjones1228]

If I had a dime for every time I've listened to this, I could afford to fly to Sydney on a time machine to actually see this in person

[@izaisruiz9212]

Justin Vernon is one of those musicians who was never born... he just walked in one frosty morn...

[@143moony]

Burden of Tomorrow?

[@frazermawson4094]

Haha what a great comment

[@alphestael4240]

speaking in tongues

[@TheGreenguy85]

@@143moony Was gonna ask if it was a tallest man reference

[@mariagraziafranceschi7355]

@@TheGreenguy85 adagio

[@L.O.Hammmm]

When Justin does the thing at 2:07 !!! Justin Vernon has a way of portraying his emotions so purely in his art. In my opinion that's what makes Bon Iver so great, the honesty in the music is like none other out there, and every single performance I've seen by them has that unique honesty that says "I know I'm playing for the masses, but these lyrics, these verses, this melody, this is all so personal" and that makes Bon Iver one of the best out there.

[@thatritebastard]

A complete and abject lack of bullshit.

[@seven7seraph]

thatritebastard well said haha

[@lindablack944]

amen brother

[@kevmcgill1424]

The best for a long time.. Been through so much hardship and many good memories guided through his voice.. goosebumps doesn't do my words justice! Best artist around.. by far

[@theoriginaljayz28]

Turtle Vision Films it was great... of course, I love Justin’s “They Might Be Giants” ball cap. I’ve loved Bon Hiver since 2007. Great music.

[@DickMcGuffin]

I knew I would cry before I started to watch

[@munchkinheaven7877]

me too

[@Jonsonofjohn]

brought me to tears REAL quick.

[@MikelangeloYoutube]

I didn't think I would, but then I did :/

[@yeshalloween]

I did too. I did too

[@STAYINGFROSTY]

the passion in his voice KILLS me. like murders me. i'm actually dead.

[@cozywon]

every damn time

[@JoJoMaMa_]

Here lies bubblesmybubbles. They were loved by many, and a friend to all. Ashes to ashes... 💐

[@taybagoogy1162]

no your'e not ?

[@ameliacartwright8595]

Oh the power of his voice was so strong that you returned as a ghost

[@redroots3103]

RIP

[@deblazz1044]

Legitimatley one of the greatest performances in the history of music... would have paid anything to see this live.

[@StuartDeRouen]

I agree completely. And his performance at Sydney opera house of Calgary

[@SwensiChipampe-kg1jt]

17th September 2024 . I’m crying listening to this song . Wondering why I’m here . I’m growing and it hurts . I’m trying to do better for myself but the resistance is killing me . I hope that when I look back at this comment some day , I’d be doing better and accepted my current situation. Made peace and moved forward with gratitude. I feel lost . I feel pain . Only I and God understand. But when you see this comment , check up on me just to make sure I’m doing better . Thank you .

[@amandabowler6502]

We’re only human. Hugs.

[@TinyDolphinMusic]

How did I once upon a time not like Bon Iver? Baffles my mind

[@JabzthaJackManc]

especially in loose fitting trousers Mark

[@jacewallace5552]

because their songs are overly produced? Seriously, the live/acoustic/acapella versions are 100x better.

[@Mysterios0]

Overproduced? I guess that's somewhat subjective, but I think Justin chooses to do variations on the songs for a reason. There's no reason we can't appreciate each one for what it truly is. If a song were a painting, it would be like seeing a masterpiece in a museum and wishing it were a portrait rather than the landscape it actually is.

[@JJJameson.]

Jace Wallace Curious thing,I actually think they are kind of purposely under produced in a lo fi kind of way

[@keilahq4239]

SAME

[@1Maleen2]

This is the only thing that keeps me going at the moment

[@joakima3884]

Stay strong man!

[@lewi_haskins]

With one reply you restored my faith in people!

[@poor_youtuber1390]

no,you lied....

[@FRANCKtheTANK01]

Sia's helping me a lot, this and many others! take care!

[@brianwaitzman]

It could be worse! It might be over soon....

[@CuraChildren]

Heavenly father Is all that he offers A safety in the end .. that is some deep stuff

[@noname-tj3rp]

God offers everything... creation, spirit, eternity.

[@pepitoal100]

@@noname-tj3rp and loneliness? Cuz that's all I've got since my parents die when I was 10 years old.

[@vert9372]

@@pepitoal100 God doesn't make bad things disappear from our lives because we'd want to. He wants what's best for you. Hang in there 🖤

[@burdett95]

Mario Valenzuela don’t worry brother, you’re the only one here who’s experienced life without the veiled delusion of religion. Hang in there.

[@deborahsiahaan9261]

@@pepitoal100 hugs for you, we orphans gotta stick together.

[@kasiecastleberry]

Lyrics *(WOO)* Ever since I heard the howlin' wind I didn't need to go where a bible went But then you know your gifts seemed heaven sent Just lead me to a choler, dad, that's the thing I don't know how you house the sin But you're free now I was never sure how much of you I could let in And I'm free now Won't you settle down baby here your love has been Heavenly father It's definitely lava Why you don't carry other names? Heard about a day where it dropped the know To go another day as we learn to close 'Cause I'm a known coward in a coward wind But you're free now You turn around now and you count to 10 To see you go now Well I know now honey that I can't pretend Heavenly father Is whose brought to his autumn And love is left in end I just been up here for god damn years Can you see now? Filling up hulls with god damn fears I am free now I know about it darlin', I've been standin' here Heavenly father Is all that he offers A safety in the end

[@lukeforeman842]

Its definitely lava?

[@kasiecastleberry]

@@lukeforeman842 🤷‍♂️ yup

[@chronicmango]

I think it’s “is brought to the altar”

[@TrevorChenier]

Can someone please have the song lyrics explained in a video with the song video and audio?? This would be so amazing ❤✨🙏🏾🪶

[@AliciaFlowers-fe9tn]

Something about this song makes me dont know how to feel.its an overload of feelings and I don't know which one to choose.its deep and wonderful.has a comment stated,he wasn't born..he just walk in one frosty morn

[@agt_24]

We are so lucky to have this

[@indiethebindi]

Been on repeat all day. Being there was simply magical

[@HerrSpatz]

Im still watching this, like, daily....

[@johnnytalksville5978]

this video has gotten me out of so many bad situations, I'm in recovery and have been for some time, and every time i feel like giving up, i play this video and instantly get in touch with a power which i cannot explain. We all have to just stop for a minute sometimes and remember love, love for the things we have, love for the people in our lives, love for ourselves, love for this beautiful colorful planet. We shall never forget where those dark roads lead us, we hold our heads high, we are all worth the gift of life, we are all beautiful. Tough times go away, but tough people don't.

[@seanr1013q]

much love!-me keep shining

[@courtneyr214]

Hope you're still doing well : )

[@jayaye6]

Hope you're still on the road to recovery Johnny!

[@elizabethalexandra5270]

🙌🏼🌺❤️❤️🙌🏼❤️you are a beautiful person.

[@t.nicklasson6906]

And for the love of those we loose. No other musical performance I’ve seen or heard touch my heart as much as this one. Amazing! Don’t know how many of those 3,2mn views are mine, but for sure the video I’ve watched most times on KZbin.

[@mehdileman3139]

The Staves do a fantastic job here. You got to have some love for the Staves.

[@Sentiisen-butwhichone]

Mehdi Leman yep! They were absolutely phenomenal ❤️

[@seanr1013q]

so much love for the Staves!!!

[@nemohomealone]

Jeez, those girls are the staves?! (Like the KZbin staves?!?!?!)

[@quinnlawrence3042]

I love the Staves! It blew my mind when I found out they work with Justin.

[@muppet1011]

This might be the most authentic piece of music I’ve ever heard. He means it and feels it.

[@Tharrel]

This song came closer to making me a believer than 12 years of Catholicism at school. “Is all that he offers, A safety in the end”

[@levi1933]

justin vernon is an atheist

[@Tharrel]

@@levi1933 So am I, but the song is a religious song.

[@levi1933]

@@Tharrel no. it’s not. anytime he praises god it’s ironic. he used a lot of satanic imagery

[@Tharrel]

@@levi1933 What? Where?

[@carolines2505]

@@Tharrel this song is definitely not in favor of religion

[@TomPMelanson]

This feels like losing something while you still have it. Like you know you're losing faith in the one you love. You both say things just to hurt each other. It's anger, frustration, regret, blame, caring, and this cold lump you can't get down your throat.

[@TheDreadnought]

The Staves are fucking magical. Love those ladies.

[@mikeg630]

At 3:16, "Well I know about it darling I've been standing here". I've never heard such real and raw passion come from an artist before. Gave me chills. Justin Vernon is one of the greats

[@alwaysfallingshort]

I love how imperfectly perfect this is. Like how their voices are almost strained after the 3 minute mark. But they're all top tier professional musicians. It's intentionally strained. It's crying out as a human, not as a performer. So gorgeous.

[@aermotors]

Pure emotion. Present day music is so fake and lifeless. This is what makes you feel alive.

[@nickholland7402]

One of the best performances, not just by Justin and The Staves, but all music, that I've ever heard

[@indirtysoil]

Something about "Well, I know about it darlin, I been standing here" at 3:17. It guts me every single time. There's something in that line that pulls up ancient things in me, things I can't even identify.

[@domenicarecords5470]

we are there with you

[@LukeJacksonFitness]

Exactly

[@martinhampton6964]

It’s because you know about it. You’ve been standing there (and you’re attentive, and sensitive): you know about it. And that is human

[@angelicag5273]

Anyone else got overwhelmed with chills and fainted at 2:08?

[@cozywon]

Every single time I listen to this

[@FRANCKtheTANK01]

it has become everyday fainting for me hands down

[@sugargreenwood2043]

Only tune I can continuously play on KZbin and never have an ad pop up. Ever. Gotta mean something.

[@KamilleBidanApologist]

Well, God. I’m back here again, and I’m trying to open my eyes, ear, heart. I’m back here again. Where are you?

[@SwensiChipampe-kg1jt]

Here’s right next to you

[@blainestokes4468]

The harmonization at 2:01 gives me chills every time

[@MjkL1337]

they are so goddamn good

[@blindingirisjake]

It got Justin too judging by the *stomp* “WOOH”

[@reggienewton]

goosebumps every single time. love the staves!

[@Zacharysharkhazard]

I’m so glad they kept that maj7 interval and made it a prominent piece of the chord, most choirs try to avoid dissonance but it’s so cool when they don’t and go for it

[@dmoder1019]

YES!! Goosebumps every single time!

[@benkimball1990]

Can't even go to sleep anymore without hearing this.

[@LTV249]

Ben Kimball your weak bro.

[@LTV249]

scuba steve I rather have people show their strengths then there weaknesses. your weak just like him. can't go to sleep without some sort of music is weak. a man never talks like that. please don't be a donkey and reply back to me with some nonsense response.

[@LTV249]

scuba steve homosexual like myself lmao... do you know who I am? I got a wife and kids. shut the fuck you donkey.

[@ratalmaguer2561]

I feel you on that . REPEAT!!

[@THEH0WLER87]

i have actually listened to this about 30 times today. One of the girls hit a mega-high note that I'm only hearing now though at 3:17

[@jessklein7126]

Wish I could hear it! Not coming through on my cheap speakers haha

[@jordanfrew3562]

Smolkenerbs420 damn! Now that you say it I can hear it, I'm a experienced sound producer and i don't know how I didn't hear it!! Probably caught up in crying that's why haha

[@THEH0WLER87]

Hahah so am i, i was listening on dt770's, mastering headphones

[@chrismorris2298]

Wow, thanks for pointing that out. There's some real intensity hidden in that one note

[@THEH0WLER87]

I know isn't there just. I wait for it in anticipation every time.

[@jestar7775]

I went to this show with my girlfriend as a casual fan of Bon Iver (1st album I thought was alright, Second album awesome). These days I get chills whenever I think back to this show. Holocene was amazing.

[@docholiday13]

Not sure anyone realizes just how hard this is to do. For people to sing in different octaves while standing right next to each other Live. And with Bon's random cracking voice. Props to these people

[@amandadiehl9715]

Or what a beautiful gift it is to hear harmonies.

[@docholiday13]

@LoveofVelvet You're not wrong. And neither am I...it's what makes this unique and brilliant. Most artists think that perfection is the only way. Here's a lesson to the contrary....No one is perfect in this world. But, together it won't make anything less worthy.

[@westernpigeon]

Who's Bon's

[@henrywebstermusic1]

100%! That bit where two of them are on the same note and one drops down a semitone - so so juicy and so difficult to pitch! Absolutely incredible. So I actually wrote some violin parts to go with this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHq0aHyeZ6x7f5I if you’re interested in hearing that - and I found it so interesting to hear how flexible they are having to be with the pitch. It’s not like they’re just nailing it, they have to respond to the different chords and everything that’s going on around them in the moment. Truly remarkable musicians.

[@florelenav5819]

@@westernpigeon Justin Vernon

[@Morrisopolous]

The chuckle at the end says it all. He knows what he just witnessed, live.

[@KrisEganPhotographer]

This is the most perfect moment in live music that I've ever witnessed.

[@exarhell]

chris pratt is doing a great job keeping the rhythm there

[@TheGuitarifier]

Timoteimar looks more like Michael Shannon to me lol

[@AllensTalons]

@@TheGuitarifier took you quite a while to decide

[@fionaesc8219]

ThAt iS nOT chRIs PrAtt

[@madisonmccullough6480]

HAHAAAAA YAAA

[@beakin4309]

And Emma Stone at 2:53

[@redroots3103]

"Ever since I heard the howlin' wind, I didn't need to go where the bible went" Amen 🙏

[@revolutionaryfrog]

I truly believe that some people are simply vessels for divine music to flow through while they have time here on earth. I was not raised religious but I've always felt a yearning for a closeness to God even though I have a hard time believing. What an emotional ride this was.

[@i_eat_soap792]

People often mistaken God by attributing God to an extremely specific set of characteristics which is just wrong. God is really just the all encompassing source to everything and music helps you tune into that unity that makes you forget your separateness which is what we all long for. I encourage you to play music with spirituality in mind, you don’t have to be religious to allow yourself into the state of flow.

[@revolutionaryfrog]

thank you for your perspective. I will keep that in mind when I try to create music on the piano or guitar @@i_eat_soap792

[@captainpiefox9133]

Man, I don't even know where to begin with Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon. There's something so seemingly normal about him, but in every little thing he does, he has a magic that nearly no other human has been able to harness before. His ear is so subtle, so complex, and so unique. He makes music out of everything, from the little sounds he hears elsewhere, to the dribbling, effortless flow of his fingers on a nylon-strung acoustic. Vernon uses unconventional things to create walls of sound, like sample work or a half dozen saxophones. And he puts so much love, emotion, and nonverbal self expression into the sounds he makes. If I could not understand english, Vernon's ideas alone would still be able to make me cry on a regular basis. And then there's his poetry. It's so indescribably complex; using an elaborate codex of words and phrases, as well as true coherance of other things. In every song, Vernon gives out a personal story, and at the same time, he writes cryptically, creating what is essentially a hodge podge of indecipherable sentences. And yet, somehow, there's a story in there, every time without fail. And the beauty of Justin's music is all of the aforementioned things, as well as a creative space for all sorts of people. And he implements the ideas and cadences of other people within his works, and that willingness to listen to others' ideas and work alongside them illustrates Vernon's ability to merge his own thoughts and creative sparks with those of colleagues and artists, which would make Bon Iver one of the biggest group collaborations possibly of all time. I have nothing but love for Bon Iver, DeYarmond Edison, Volcano Choir, or anything else Vernon has associated himself with. He has a completely different understanding of music, and he is a master of what he does. No one else could quite replicate exactly what it is that Justin Vernon does. He's an anomaly. Hey, thanks for reading this, if you did. Means a lot

[@snoozieboi]

Thanks for putting it into words, could not agree more.

[@TheMarvymart]

You said it well, man

[@deannascofield4111]

Seriously, why is this not viral? I am so moved every single listen and I'm on at least the 200th repeat.

[@dougaduncan]

The best musicians are channeling something, more than themselves. Something that even they don't understand. I don't know that it's even a religious thing. But it reaches into you, and pulls something deep within out. Something within yourself that you didn't even know was there. It startles you. Thanks for helping me experience that.

[@thecozyconstellation]

YYAASSSSSSS i totally get what you're saying!

[@dorisco1]

The Duende

[@adamholt84]

He actually majored in religious studies in college

[@bradhelbron7880]

So true.....it somehow touches you to the very core of your soul

[@pLaIrVaIdNoGx]

precisely

[@emileeeaton9640]

If this song doesn't put you to tears ..you haven't lost your way and hopelessly fought to return only to be left to question everything you were supposed to have ultimate faith in your life. One day you'll get it maybe when your 30 50 or even 90

[@derekkorff-korn7161]

I’m tearing as I’m writing this. I don’t know, life has been very difficult, but this music helps a bit

[@charlyrogers5711]

3 years ago I lived in London. 3 years ago I met a man that was a sad man. I wanted to very much befriend him and sure enough, it happened. We spent the entire day together smiling and sharing stories of our lives. By the evening we had made it back to his flat (amazing bathroom). We ate Thai and he showed me this song by Bon Iver and the video made me very emotional. I could feel everything my new friend had felt about his life. After the night I hugged him and went on my way. 2 weeks later I message him and he had told me he moved back to the countryside to be with his family to deal with some mental health problems. I could never remember his number and I lost it when I bought a new phone. Jay where ever you are, whoever you may be now or even if you're still alive I hope one day to meet you again and that you have healed. You were and are a beautiful friend. Xx

[@MoeffMaehUndMuh]

Thank you for sharing that story xx

[@charlyrogers5711]

@@MoeffMaehUndMuh Thank you for listening stranger

[@willianbizarro]

Hope he read this!

[@malorie5665]

I have listened to this nearly everyday for the past 3 years. It does something to me.

[@rubyrayne8]

I just discovered it last week and I think I’ve listened to it like 50 x. It also does something to me.

[@exarhell]

1:45 when her "wooo" expands to "wow".... amazing

[@TheGuitarifier]

Timoteimar sounds more like "woah" than "wow" but I get your point lol

[@steinarborgen2484]

so this is how souls are born

[@chriskinsey2377]

This is hands down the best live performance I've ever seen. So raw and human

[@aermotors]

I love this comment so much. Raw and human and beautifully imperfect descriptions of this. Thank you ❤

[@abramdebew8976]

the wooh in the middle was because of the chills that those girls gave him with that harmonization

[@charlesfoster8119]

I’ll never forget this night. The recording here is beautiful, but nothing will top the live acoustics of the Opera House.

[@dassteam]

The harmonisation (and forgive me for not knowing their names) between the two female vocalists is absolutely phenomenal . I cannot even begin to describe the amount approbation, admiration and respect I have for their performance. This is true beauty for what it is worth. I am stunned.

[@hughritchie4477]

there's 3 of them, They're sisters and they're called The Staves :)

[@kontoast]

THE STAVES

[@Naarmmmm]

wow wow just wow! so jealous of all the people that were so lucky to watch this live😭

[@Doctoresq]

hey, that was me! it was indeed breathtaking

[@Naarmmmm]

+Donovan Janks so lucky! They didnt stop in my country during the Asia tour😢 Would make it my mission to witness them at least once :D

[@StinkyFeatus]

I wish scalpers didn't buy loads of tickets :'(

[@yliamsk7]

Same!!!

[@KargoolElvalie]

Fransiska N i was there, the most beautiful day of my life

[@vincentdumashie9515]

Imagine a Bon Iver and Mumford & Sons collaboration...... Tears will flow,

[@BeatJugular]

This is such a beautiful version. Also, shout out to the engineers, the recording is incredible

[@beefheart1410]

Heavenly Father...... Is all that he offers, a safety in the end? All my goodness..... All my goodness to show.

[@leonardogabrielestenta9419]

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" This song is a refreshingly holy water for souls

[@hereforaniceday708]

So lucky to have witnessed this. I cried all through this song.

[@rdg2794]

The staves are incredible mixed with the other vocals, for an incredible melody of harmonies and angelic voices, transporting us from current events to a place of humming bliss

[@Lydia-l8f]

2:00 to 2:37 is my favorite part, the harmony and raw emotion is so powerful and absolutely beautiful

[@danirving1280]

who else would LOVE to see an a capella Bon Iver album??

[@lanethepane43]

I'm like "Oh this is good! That's cool that they have the whole Opera House to themselves, I bet they are so comfortable so that's why they sound so good." *watches end where the place is packed full of people & realizes they are just amazing*

[@ShitFlickCritic]

Who the fuck disliked this, who honestly sat through 4 minutes of the most amazing music ever and thought '.....nah.'

[@ickZdeh]

Probably those who are not agree with the lyrics if you know what I mean ;-) There is no reason to dislike a masterpiece like this

[@jamesonbornholdt7302]

The most amazing music ever is a bold statement... Personally this is my favorite live performance of a song on KZbin 👇 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ7Kd6WJqNxorq8 But a close second still shouldn't be disliked 😉

[@TylerWatkins-gd5ww]

Tied up in the semantics of using the words god and damn next to each other probably. Lotta simple minds out there, ya gotta rise above it

[@madinarobson4208]

Justin Vernon is a transcending musician. There's something about the emotion and vulnerability in his voice that makes us feel understood. That makes our pain feel understood and validated. It is so profoundly moving how music can be so powerful and so healing. It's mad and it's beautiful and sometimes, it makes all of the difference.

[@hfp4377z]

Midwest is best!!! The most genuine people you will ever meet!

[@lukula2934]

So true...Healing and wounding, like any blessing worth the name.

[@aermotors]

He is human and he is real. Unlike 99.99999% of “artists” today. Pure love and emotion. It doesn’t get more real than this.

[@mikemiller510]

Cause I'm a known coward in a coward wind. I felt that

[@sethlevinson5287]

If this had been vinyl, I'd have wore it through by now. Can't get enough.

[@beefheart1410]

Me again! I can't stop replaying this. There's something about this that feels very old. I don't mean old fashioned, I mean like a perennial wisdom is very old. I guess it's the mix of acapella - which logically must be the oldest form of music making, - combined with the theme of loss of faith in the face of hurt and damage (which could evoke something as archetypal as the book of Job) all topped off with the pure raw emotion in his voice. You can instinctively feel that he believes and means this and that it is very personal to him. The fact that it is so moving to others suggests to me that he has tapped into one of the archetypes. In other words, truly elemental art.

[@nicholasraditya5553]

this is actually the best accapela perfomance i have ever seen, those heaven voices and justin's voice, omg

[@ajw2277]

How do I absorb this into my soul

[@jamesnikraftar8148]

Some things are beautiful enough that you're glad to have been born to hear it.

[@Kmann2202]

I set this as my browser's home page. I need this constantly in my life.

[@MrJavi62]

Wish I was here...

[@Stillicidio.]

I see what you did

[@del_84]

You are

[@QueerAndUnplugged]

You were.

[@JabzthaJackManc]

you forever will be

[@TheDawningRemedy]

We all was

[@coopercollins8910]

The world needs more of this. This is real music.

[@KatieJV89]

I will ALWAYS come back to this video

[@thecommongoodtube]

I’ve watched this same video probably 50 times over several years…it still hits the same every time.

[@rfrick11]

I have to reassess my entire life after watching this about 100 times. I think Justin might be the second coming.

[@JKINGALBS]

If you have heard anything better in your entire life than what comes after 2:00 you are lucky. Absolutely insane sound.

[@joelhollingsworth7209]

I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve watched this video upwards of 1,000 times. Absolute perfection of a performance

[@colbyhunt2257]

Joel Hollingsworth same here man this & Calgary live @ SOH

[@alecwerber5259]

I was in this place for so long, and this song was one of my few connections I had to god. This song changed my life.

[@Joe-sc2jp]

Everybody loves Justin as they should, but I just want to say how unbelievably amazing The Staves are!

[@burgesja]

This is 100% the best video on KZbin

[@matguerra333]

Good God. Goosebumps all over, I was worried life could no longer make me feel this great. When Justin screams at 2:08 it's magical. The power of music! Thank you.

[@seanr1013q]

much love!-me

[@jumper898]

I legit listen to this at least 5 times a day.

[@justinclair77]

Nancy Hole SAMESIES

[@quintongreen9970]

Ever since I heard the howlin' wind I didn't need to go where a bible went But then you know your gifts seemed heaven sent Just lead me to a choler, dad, that's the thing I don't know how you house the sin But you're free now I was never sure how much of you I could let in And I'm free now Won't you settle down baby here your love has been Heavenly father Its defiantly lava, Why you don't carry other names? Heard about a day where it dropped the know To go another day as we learn to close 'Cause I'm a known coward in a coward wind But you're free now You turn around now and you count to 10 To see you go now Well I know now honey that I can't pretend Heavenly father Is whose brought to his autumn And love is left in end I just been up here for god damn years Can you see now? Filling up hulls with god damn fears I am free now I know about it darlin', I've been standin' here Heavenly father Is all that he offers A safety in the end

[@daraflj2829]

Thanks!

[@spaghetto9836]

The lyrics sure are confusing, damn 🤣👍

[@mutintasings6765]

Thank you ❤️

[@lukula2934]

Quinton, (cool name) Are you sure about that line, "It's definitely lava" ? I've listened several times and I don't he's saying that.....No big wup either way..just sayin'

[@mutintasings6765]

@@lukula2934 it doesn't sound like it, but there is lava somewhere there lol

[@I.Williams]

If I was only allowed to click "like" on one video in the whole youtube library it would be this one. Amazing performance. My all time favourite video on this platform!!!

[@awwwwwshit]

i can't describe what this does to me. i can't stop listening. this and 8(circle) both w the Staves are absolutely incredible pieces of art. this shit literally transcends art. i've read almost all of the comments on this video and i agree w 99% of them. This song is absolutely the TRUTH

[@blueboyjournal]

"This shit literally transcends art" --- hmmm,

[@abbybarefield2321]

dude where did you find 8(circle) with Justin and the Staves!!!! must know