Mumford & Sons - Ghosts That We Knew (Official Studio Version)

I do not own the rights to this song. After you listen please go buy their album off iTunes.
*This isn't the album version but their first live studio recording of the song months before the album was released. In my opinion it's a better version than the one on Babel. Enjoy!

[@b0ulbii]

It's the first time of my life that I've so many emotions with every song of a band. I cried the first time I heard "Ghosts that we knew". This song means so much to me. Thank you for the magic, Gentlemen. Thank you for that perfection.

[@catiemccarty9968]

I know they'll never see this but...music is honestly the only reason I'm alive and this song has helped me-and still is helping-me so all I can say is: thank you.

[@dirkvanhoeij3284]

Catie, dont give up this life of yours there are still so many awesome things to discover and people to meet :D

[@musicbymikew]

Catie McCarty Catie, I 100% agree with your statement. I turn to this song no matter what is going wrong in my life. It is just such an amazing, inspiring song. It is crazy how a song can make you feel better. Because I know this song makes me feel better. I hope the best for you.

[@ronninj]

Catie McCarty Music heals so many hurts x

[@luizfelipebrito2484]

+Catie McCarty This song helped and is still helping me too. "You're not alone in this" - Timshel by Mumford and Sons.

[@WhySoSerious55]

+Catie McCarty I hear ya on that. Music is so much to me and their music is such a big part of that. It's very therapeutic to me and I am grateful for it in my life.

[@musicbymikew]

By far my favorite Mumford song. My God. No words can express the emotions I feel when listening to this song. I love you Mumford and Sons.

[@thumperbangin2000]

Greetings from Springfield NH....

[@johngill1190]

Mike Welch so true 👍

[@Novalunosis90]

The have the perfect road trip music. I always want to travel when I listen to these guys. It makes me think of the sea, of cliff sides, and of friends, and people that I love.

[@newapple232]

I have listened to them on repeat for almost 3 months now. Incredible.

[@astoral20]

the life is not so happy.......the love doesn't exist, it's something mental, society demands money and materialism

[@debbiedupilka7646]

Ghost that we knew.....This song meant so much to my niece, my son and his girlfriend...it has given them HOPE for a family crisis. It is our song to all of us to know that she will be back and all will be good and she will ROAR like she's never done before, stronger than ever and healed from within! Praise God! You keep singing for you have touched many lives!

[@BARBRAPEACE]

This song is so deeper it's just so... I don't even have words to describe it. Just wow

[@breanaleabailey]

This is no doubt the most beautiful song in the world

[@sully2018]

This song is so perfectly written to convey the truth of personal failure, grace, and redemption. I personally believe he's speaking to God, but it could be a very important friend in his life also. I'm not trying to stir up any religious debate, I'm no great Christian, in fact I'm probably more agnostic at this point anyways, But this song stirs up very beautiful imagery of all the good things I enjoy/ed about the faith. If anyone even bothers to read all this, know I won't engage you in debate. I'm tired of it, to be honest. These are just some dots I've connected and I could be completely wrong, but I don't think that I am. "You saw my pain, washed out in the rain"(speaking to God of his past mistakes and brokenness) "Broken glass, saw the blood run from my veins"(possibly a reference to suicide or self-harm) "But you saw no fault, no cracks in my heart" (God sees no fault, because of the grace rendered through Jesus' sacrifice) "You knelt beside, my hope torn apart" (God came to him, ready and willing to help him heal from his wounds) "But the ghosts that we knew, will, flicker from view and we'll live a long life ("Ghosts" are the things that haunt us, past relationships, sins we've committed to ourselves, to others, and also the ones others have done to us. He's determined that they will all fade away in time and be no more by the grace of God) "So give me hope in the darkness, that I might, see the light, cuz oh it gave me such a fright" "But I will hold, as long as you like, just promise me we'll be alright" (He's placing his faith in God and asking for strength to overcome fear and let go of his past) "So lead me back, and turn south from that place"(Help me repent and never go back to the old places of pain) "And close my eyes, from my recent disgrace"(Baptize me and wash away the sins and behaviors from my past) "Cause you know my call, and we'll share my all"(Declaring and acknowledging God's purpose for him being here, and how it's a mutually beneficial relationship) "And our children will come, and they will hear me roar"(He's talking about all the folks gathered at the concerts, all those who listen to this music and are touched by it, he does tend to roar when he sings, which is awesome) "Hold me still, bury my heart on the coals" (He's asking God to help him continue down the right path, and make whatever sacrifice is necessary in order to stay the course. Coals in the bible were those from the sacrificial altar, when animals were offered to atone for sins, they are used metaphorically in the manner quite often in the bible) "Hold me still, bury my heart next to yours" (He's asking God to stay close to him, so he can sees what he sees, and feel what he feels) I'm assuming Marcus wrote this as both a personal testimony and continued prayer to God. I don't know about his past, but something incredibly painful happened and his healing and subsequent musical success is what he's been called to do. I see how many are touched by this song(myself included) and I can't help but think that's what these lyrics mean, but it's written with enough ambiguity so that it can speak to anyone, regardless of religious affiliation. To me that's what makes these guys masters and why I love their music so much. Be well and keep rocking Mumford and Sons my friends.

[@jbmartin5250]

+Ryan Sullivan Brilliant Ryan loved your interpretation. As far as I know Marcus is also agnostic at this point, although his father is a Minister so Marcus had very strong Christian influences. Most of the lyrics that Marcus writes have heavy spiritual undertones and I love them for that, its so real and raw without judgment. I relate to your story about being a Christian but leaning to agnostic. I went through ups and downs of that path for about 10 years. I am agnostic now and doubt very highly I will ever be a traditional Christian again. But that's my path everyone will have a different path. I am also 'over debating' like you said haha.... So I just wanted to say its great to see posts like yours that really grapple with the song and bring your own personal experience to it. Humans have much more in common than we realize... you can relate to his plea like it was yours, that's is what makes this kind of song writing so beautiful. Listen to U2 'still havent found what I am looking for' (Live at Slone Castle is a good one). I really related to that song.

[@sully2018]

Jeremy Martin Thanks man, and your U2 suggestion happens to be my favorite song of theirs, so we agree on that as well. I debated whether to even post a comment on this song, knowing how it usually devolves into meaningless subjective arguments by the end. So I appreciate the thoughtful reply, even though faith is a struggle, I haven't yet found a reason to dismiss it. So I'd rather dig for the truth than to turn my back to it. This is also true in the music world, and there aren't many bands who walk that line and still make good music, so bands like Mumford are a breath of fresh air for the struggling. I wish you all the best.

[@StudlyStudmuffin]

+Jeremy Martin it's funny, I grew up during that U2 song and heard the same thing, but later heard it had nothing to do with religion at all.

[@jbmartin5250]

+TheMacocko I am interested to hear where you heard that U2 song does not have to do with religion? I read Bonos biography and he told a beautiful story about how he came to understand Jesus in his own way. I love thinking of song interpretations so I would really like an alternative interpretation to these lyrics other than reading it as his religious / spiritual struggle (if you say its nothing to do with religion): I believe in the Kingdom Come Then all the colors will bleed into one Bleed into one. But yes, I'm still running. You broke the bonds And you loosed the chains Carried the cross of my shame Oh my shame, you know I believe it. But I still haven't found What I'm looking for.

[@CW-ve8lm]

I'm fairly sure that this song is about dealing with depression. The singer's significant other is someone who "saw [his] pain" yet she loves him anyway. Despite his mental issues, she doesn't see him as a broken person - she sees "no fault, no crack in [his] heart." Instead, she stays by his his side and "give[s him] hope in the darkness." The most poignant and telling parts of the song are, "I will hold on as long as you like," and "we'll live a long life." If he's reassuring her that they'll live a long life, his life must logically have been in danger - which suggests that he's been suicidal at times. So when he says "I will hold on as long as you like," he's promising to fight his demons and keep on living for her. It's a very bittersweet song, in that his depression isn't resolved or even managed - he's just coping. While it's certainly a good sign that he's feeling optimistic enough to imagine a long life and children, he still needs her to reassure him that they'll be all right, and then he can, in turn, reassure her and himself that he's holding on. It's a song about the coexistence of pain and hope.

[@whyarepeoplesodumd]

This is by far the best song ever created. Thank you Mumford and Sons.

[@uGotToBeTheDumbest]

One of the greatest written in the past 10 years. No debating

[@rickspiece9475]

My son turned me on to this band..hes since passed but every time I hear this band I think of him..r.i.p

[@lexxluga]

So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light 'Cause oh that gave me such a fright But I will hold as long as you like Just promise me we'll be alright 2 Years i would feel embarrassed posting this but oh well.... Story of my life right here... i struggled with suicidal thoughts for as long as i could remember i'm stable now i guess ,but i never did relate to any band more than i did to this band no more emo rock no anger issues guess i can say there was light at the end of the tunnel.Not being able to talk anyone about it was hard but i never knew i could hang as much as i did because of this song. Thank You Mumford And Sons!

[@spiritov69]

Waauw....happy u are ok now! life is beautiful although difficult. ...but the tougher the battle - the sweeter the victory

[@lexxluga]

Thanks, couldn't have said it any better.

[@leona4951]

sending you light and love

[@Beaubeau3443]

watching my daughter dancing while this song was on gave me all the comfort and strength to see we can get through anything as long as we have God!

[@Temperancce]

My dad passed away in January, this song makes me think of him and I cry each time. Bury my heart next to yours, daddy just promise me I'll be alright.

[@edgarcuauro545]

It happens to me with my mom she passed on march, and is so hard to hear

[@Alex-mt4mc]

Meghan Rogers 🙂

[@jeanninenaehle2110]

You will be!

[@iad77]

My mum too, in February 2012 and feel the same about this song, gets really hard to sing along to...

[@eimearcrozier5923]

Same Xx

[@JuggernautJon7861]

I don't see how people can argue while listening to such a peaceful song. I love Mumford & Sons.

[@oliviariggs5825]

My friend told me to listen to this right before he moved. I understand why now. This touched my heart, a lot.

[@mikeisnumber58]

Best version of this song. Heard it live at Radio City. Never thought I would have one favorite song. You can feel the emotion and soul behind his voice, so raw.

[@cindigordon8407]

Forgive me O FATHER for my being a sinner. In The Name of Jesus, Thank You, and Amen.

[@ilovetulips100]

One of the most beautiful songs Mumford and Sons have ever recorded. It pulls at your heartstrings with the lyrics and music❤️

[@Douglas-yf6nb]

Man its so organic and true - i well up every time I listen and hear it.

[@MsCindy1959]

Lyrics are absolutely touching on a deep level.

[@Coverlucky21]

This band is so underrated, it's sad ... for people who don't know their music.

[@brandonslatton7115]

Underrated? This album won Album of the Year at the Grammys lol. Don't get much higher rated than that haha

[@OrangeClosetLight]

Pretty much no one on this planet doesn't know Mumford and Sons :D Even some guy in the african savannah is rocking out to this song while dancing around the fire with his tribe.

[@danielbottomley2780]

Their music is pretty darn awesome. And I come from Africa. Surprised what-so-ever??

[@bjanderson6128]

+OrangeClosetLight I'm in namibia. close enough I'd say 😂😂😂

[@GrantBurkhardt]

These guys are channeling something seriously special.

[@shadowplay1990]

It's hard to find a band nowadays that trully speaks to you. I feel every emotion they sing. Brilliant artists; true artists

[@IAmPGZW]

This became our song when I was going through the darkest period in my life. We held hearts and promised we will hold on and make it through... Little did we know the ghosts were too heavy for us to carry with us But after all is said and done, I would walk the same path with you, I would love you even more fiercely and I would allow you to leave as you did Because everything is worth it.

[@jacobbutler3834]

❤️❤️❤️❤️😞

[@IAmPGZW]

You know, fingerprints don't fade from those lives you touch. You touched mine in ways that still echo, many moons after. I am glad to have experienced you I am happy to have been afforded you And I miss you dearly. Where ever you are, I pray life is kinder to you, Kesego.

[@KarimTheilgaard]

I'm in love with the shivers they bring to my skin.

[@hiimcalledmark]

Mumford and sons just seem to capture me with their music, it sends me into a world of my own. Hauntingly beautifal

[@R3B3LLD3V1L]

Thank you guys for making True music that touches the soul.

[@kenny-et9ks]

Lyrics: You saw my pain washed out in the rain Broken glass, saw the blood run from my veins But you saw no fault, no cracks in my heart And you knelt beside my hope torn apart But the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view We'll live a long life So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light 'Cause oh that gave me such a fright But I will hold as long as you like Just promise me we'll be alright So lead me back, turn south from that place And close my eyes to my recent disgrace 'Cause you know my call And we'll share my all And our children come and they will hear me roar So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light 'Cause oh that gave me such a fright But I will hold as long as you like Just promise me we'll be alright But hold me still, bury my heart on the coals But hold me still, bury my heart on the coals So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light 'Cause oh that gave me such a fright But I will hold on as long as you like Just promise me we'll be alright And the ghosts that we knew will flicker from view And we'll live a long life

[@ColdHumor]

This song released when my Grandpa was dying from a out of nowhere, very sudden cancer all over his body. He passed away January 7th, 2012. My teacher didn't believe me at the time that I had to miss the test due to his last days, so she still failed me. I held on despite that, and though the years of hardship eventually got to me. I still stay alive for some reason. My life hasn't been as happy without him and I've sunk so low. Hearing this song again...just reminds me of a younger man who was hopeful and the fact my grandpa said during his last month that he wasn't worried about me from his death. Because I was going to be the one to make it. I wish I could of lived up to his expectations...

[@MrChlayten]

you still can do It and have all the time left to overcome it, nothing is lost

[@ColdHumor]

@@MrChlayten Thank you.

[@olindacoutinho2430]

[@lisamcanarney4603]

This guy gets to my soul. I need to hear his voice and the band at least once a day!! Happy bday, friend.

[@pirateonaboat]

Spent a week in a cabin in the woods with good friends and listened to M&S for the first time. I have never felt closer to God. Relying on ourselves for food, water, and fire wood and discussing the worlds and societies problems at night with drink inhand and m and s playing. Everyone needs to experience something like that.

[@copperhead112]

these guys are some of the last true lyricists

[@tetrapharmakon6336]

copperhead112 Not the last ones. Try The Antlers !

[@eltipobigotudo2162]

Try the Lumineers too!

[@Earth_32]

I like say this is great song just hear the wonderful words being sung to your soul it make think how Great GOD is to make the men to sang so wonderful and to hear it in the song that is being sung now

[@JamesTeranov]

+Leslie Russell God also created hitler... Would you go away with this god business and keep it to yourself.

[@evilherojain4412]

Leslie Russell You don't appreciate the fact that they had to practice years to be where they are, but simply say that there was a gift from "God" which makes you sound ignorant.

[@pierreprinsloo6515]

Most amazing song ever thank you @#Mumfords&sons this was me and my grandmother's song before she past away you are my last living memory of what we had to share together you guys are the best .....

[@NatashaGracey]

"You know my call and will share my all." Absolutely beautiful.

[@futureboz2445]

These words spear my soul ... I can't work when I hear this, I just listen

[@josemariapadillamarquez8802]

Each and every one of theirs songs are almost perfect... and I say almost cause perfection doesn´t exist... but they are so fucking close :)

[@KarmaHoax]

I feel every emotion when I listen to Mumford & Sons. I can always feel the pain & love in their songs. I hurt once upon a time but am healed, that I have to thank each member for. I always come back to them, no matter what I am going through! Sigh No More was awesome & now we got Babel! :-D

[@curlyonegurl]

I first heard this song at the Dixon Stopover on the 18th . It made me cry; it reminded me of a friend who was dying of cancer. She died on the 29th; today we go to her visitation. I have listened to this song over & over the past few days. Thankfully, she had "hope in the darkness."

[@staceyferguson6100]

this will be my wedding song 😊

[@nanukamikeladze161]

How can someone dislike this?

[@TheChromePencil]

The emotional power in their music lies all in the vocals. It's quite amazing how they do it.

[@Aprilforevergreen]

Early days were their best, heartfelt, earthy and lots of energy....this is my cycling song...

[@angelgabriel2560]

perfect!!!!

[@lordtracon]

I lost a girl that loved me because all i could be was her ghost.

[@suju3056]

Try again and see what happen and be genuine

[@dasdantheman]

These guys don't appeal to many people for one reason only; they speak from the soul. They sing with heart and if your not in it for heart you will miss this band and hit shite like katy perry. Keep it up brothers and speak truth.

[@MrDramm]

so powerful..... makes me reflect on the past and mistakes have made and at the same time to look to the future.... amazing song

[@jhssuthrnmama]

Toward the end, one of the stringed instruments is out of tune. I can only imagine it's on purpose, b/c no way do guys of this level of talent play out of tune and leave it that way on the recording! Interesting effect.

[@pankaondrums]

Yeah, I realised that too, but I think it's just great that way :) I think the banjo is in another tonality, but I just guess :D

[@mfr1005]

nexmite28 Atonality is common now in modern music. It brings tension to the listening experience, which might be what they went for. It's an artistic choice.

[@jhssuthrnmama]

Michael Russo Atonality is *usually* music lacking a specific key, not a note that is not quite on any pitch. But yes, that's along the lines of what I am thinking.

[@danielchanis]

I could cry, I came up this song on the radio while driving on an empty road in Calgary, heavy thick snow was slowly coming down, vast white emptiness ahead... this song is as close as perfect as that vision of pure calm, whiteness, and expanse was.

[@OwenKing94]

This is my favourite song. It's relaxing and breathtaking; just outstanding music.

[@love4madsky1527]

Amazing song!!!!! Beautifully written and absolutely wonderfully sung!!!! Brings tears to my eyes and sends chills down my body...

[@StudlyStudmuffin]

I can't believe the music I'm finding in the last five days! I stumbled across Orla Gartland by accident and it lead me to here. This is only the third (new to me) artist[s] that I have listened to in the last five cause I can't stop listening to the songs long enough to move to the next.

[@mccalanna]

this puts my mind, body, and soul at ease. I like falling asleep to this song.

[@Sauve20]

Nevermind, listening now. I have definitely heard this song before. Never connected the two. Awesome!

[@lorrainejohal79]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this album, I bought it the day it came out..... the real hard copy

[@BlancXsoledad]

Oh man, I was there at the Monterey Stopover as well. God that was ...life changing? eye opening? experience. I'm not sure on how to explain, but I finally understood what people mean when they say a piece of music (or literature, etc) touches their soul. Stay thirsty, my friends, and in Mumford we trust.

[@HeritageStacking]

Why did I have to find this song. Your music is so awesome. I was touched. WOW. I have to dry my eyes now. BRB.

[@mcrlover394]

Heard this on the radio an hour or so ago. I am forever thankful to that radio station for playing such an amazing song. I'm in love with it now. :)

[@snakekeeper8526]

Can't help but cry everytime 7 years later and still gets me. True beauty in this.

[@koolperson99]

And a group this unique, original, and talented couldn't win one Grammy in the US..... quite pitiful to say the least.

[@gagauta321]

Love this song so much! As well as the others off "Babel". Mumfors & Sons are purely amazing and Marcus' voice is breath-taking!

[@nevergiveup1024]

I listened to this song, really just listened to it and tears came down not because I was sad but because Mumford and Sons are perfection.

[@IEatSoulsForFun]

I almost lost my little brother this past July so I understand your pain and I'm so sorry for your loss,may he rest in peace

[@jasonshiers5771]

I chose this song as we buried my mum earlier this month. I like to feel it gave everyone there hope that things will be better, despite the pain we all felt that day.

[@TheMorejack7]

Honestly, these guys are the real deal. They just played in Hoboken NJ, 10 min. From my house. Of course I did not know, now I have drive to Rochester NY, 5 hours away. Dawes is opening for them. Could be a classic show.

[@philipfriel3116]

well said Catie , i love this band , the best original band i have heard in the last 20 years . get in there Marcus

[@sziv2000]

This music is standing between a sad me and a completely depressed me. Don't ever stop playing.

[@champagne2005]

Why does everything always have to come down to Religon? I dont believe and frankly dont care what invisible friend anyone chooses to believe in, if it works for you great, im happy for you. What comforts me is songs such as this, simply beautiful and I need add no more..

[@CreampieSamuri]

Art. Their music is nothing other than some of the worlds most beautiful, and true, art.

[@d33pdream]

this song is too perfect for life. tears everytime.

[@robertbanks4844]

they played this way back in March at The Ryman in Nashville...a lot of shed tears due to the sheer beauty of the song followed by a standing ovation that lasted several minutes...still brings chills to think about it

[@MrsMusicfreak725]

Mumford & Sons is the best band out there. That's all that needs to be said.

[@thenomad9091]

Utterly utterly fantastic music, by superb and passionate REAL musicians, paying their dues. Respect.

[@gmspence]

So many meanings in this so, can't help but listen to it over and over

[@adinaclements4131]

Love your song so much!! It makes me feel better about losing my cat too early. He was only five and we had a gigantic bond with each other. I love you Mumford and sons!

[@Mcbeefy67]

Everything about this song is perfect from the lyrics to the guitar.

[@greekusjax]

man you know a song is good if it can get some tears out of you and you arent even thinking about the words

[@andysgrl33]

I have heard this song before but hadn't paid attention to the lyrics...holy hell, I am in tears right now. M&S have touched my soul and have left a mark in my heart.

[@Wolfy83]

This is an amazing band. The more that I listen to their music, the more I love it!

[@kimshand4427]

I can't get enough of these guys. .there voice is intriguing and unique absolutely powerful with emotion!

[@19grant97]

I love them because they are one of the bands in this world that sound as good live as they do on there album love them and this song just touches base

[@lukebrown24]

Absolutely beautiful song... personally I think it's about a man with depression in a relationship with someone he doesn't want to lose.. Rising from a personal hell through courage to hope but needs her help. So beautiful and relatable ... we all have ghosts in our past

[@crasu111]

I saw them at rockness this weekend they played some new songs, it was amazing. So excited

[@senatormason]

This made me cry the first time I heard it. These guys are genisuses. In a world of auto-tune and songs glorifing sex, drugs and alcohol, M&S is a breath of fresh air. I love you.

[@pruplemango]

I'm ready for a new album any time now. I need it.

[@McChristian471]

Definitely buy the album, it's completely worth it. There are no 'filler' tracks, each one is brilliant in it's own right.

[@Beansateyou2]

If Mumford and Sons were a sunday, you TheFryersmuck would be the cherry on top! Greatest Band alive.

[@TheSarapunchmusic]

If there is such a thing as beauty in music, honestly, this song is.

[@UnassumingPresence]

So beautiful. Wish more people knew about this band so they could share in the happiness you get when you listen to them.

[@15musician1995]

This isn't music. It's art.

[@MrGullybloke]

Will be seeing this amazing band in October . Can hardly wait!

[@CRUSTYCLAM1]

Lovely meaningful song. Want this to be played at my funeral. Wish I could be there to listen to it. Wish full thinking but you never know!!

[@dshocko88]

Saw them in Galway a few days ago...If anyone gets the chance to go and see them live do it because it will be the best band you will see live !!!

[@TheCambo789]

Stop arguing people. Just enjoy the music! Peace is the only thing that can keep us happy and far from hurt and despair.

[@bloodybagal]

Since we're talking about losses, I lost my lucky penny. 'Twas a painful loss, but whomever took it up is now the luckiest man alive.

[@myhannah1102]

holy mother sweet lord this is beautiful

[@dadrummer12345]

There is only one thing this band has given me... complete and utter HAPPINESS

[@Nichole2228]

It's like they've looked at my whole life and then wrote these lyrics. This song makes me cry.

[@lilllllyhorn]

'So give me hope in the darkness that I will see the light' Beautiful lyrics.