Bon Iver - Re: Stacks - Live @ Hollywood Forever Cemetary 9/27/09 in HD

[@philipmcp]

I was at this show purely by accident. Was gifted tickets serendipitously. It "began" at midnight and included film screenings, curated playlists and monks chanting before Bon Iver took the stage at sunrise. By this point it was a kind of delirium from staying up all night in anticipation. A thick fog came in that morning--rarer at this geography in LA. I have never been to a show so silent during the performances, nor witnessed so many communal tears. This was the era of the 2008 recession, shortly after Obama took office. LA was, in many ways, in shambles. Shuttered businesses, scant opportunities. Who knows what people were projecting on this music. I was 23, formless, and taking in the release of music that was both so new and so familiar. The skyline, usually a kind of ambient orange haze, was an impenetrable grey behind Justin and his band. As if we were in a time capsule, holding it still for the music. A wonderful memory.

[@MrBrandon]

What a beautiful description of your memory. Thank you for sharing that.

[@tmbrtn7107]

Beautiful story and context-setting

[@Debby-g5u]

thanks for sharing your story

[@declanconnor5042]

Beautiful man

[@filipepedroso3985]

You're a very good writer

[@delcim]

"Emma is not a person. Emma is a place that you get stuck in. Emma is a pain that you cannot erase." - Justin Vernon

[@adamboof6769]

Delcio Gonçalves and its also a person lol

[@ztra_tila]

Love this quote, but honestly, the music seems boring for me... (And it's absolutely in order, of course.)

[@aidanfl]

@@ztra_tila why are you here then

[@TheEmmaKlein]

agreed.

[@theoriginaljayz28]

This is so true... Emma can be anyone. And it hurts. So terribly. This song puts me in a state of, “WTH and why?” I’d say it’s my self pity song, because it makes me cry. It’s so hauntingly beautiful, with a cute crack about the crow with his wiry legs crossed.

[@papancha.mp3]

Vernon to The London Times: "I dated a girl right before I went to the cabin, but she is not the ‘Emma’ person. Emma doesn't really exist. Well, she does, Emma is her middle name but we had split up long before I moved. I called her anyway and she's pretty freaked out. But as I explained to her, it was never about her. The record was me finally stopping a terrible, slow spin that had been building for years. Me alleviating memories, confronting a lot of lost love, longing and mediocrity."

[@Peteiredale8812]

What interview was this?

[@johntaff6886]

I was at this show and it actually was at sunrise. They started in the dark and fog and no one knew exactly where the stage was at first. One of the most amazing live experiences of my life.

[@x3rikaa]

luckyyyyyyyy

[@x3rikaa]

haha, same same. damn it. Im so sad he isn't a part of bon over anymore. Or do not plan to tour :((((((((((((

[@ElEcodelTren]

rika hubbard D: !! fuck

[@unothu]

omg I've seriously never been this jealous

[@DanielHuscroftt]

John Taff I've read this comment so many times, gives me chills

[@jamesprice5362]

This song was playing in the operating theatre whilst my daughter was born. Her love will always be safe with me.

[@iamyou111]

Thats beautiful

[@jamesprice5362]

Update: my second daughter was born two weeks ago. Again, via c-section. We had a playlist of songs on shuffle through the procedure and once again, this song was playing at the moment she was born. Some things are just meant to be. Their love will always be safe with me.

[@MylesRobinette]

@@jamesprice5362 That is so special. As a Dad who also played songs for his wife for 2 c-sections, I can totally relate. Thank you for sharing that and I absolutely love this beautiful song.

[@bballnsurf]

This is probably one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[@robeen46]

agreed!!!!! totally!

[@MrBarnyardos]

Has to be...

[@LordAudio]

Agreed! I highly recommend 29 #Strafford APTS from the live NPR show. I think I have listened to this 100 times in a week.

[@mrphim13]

yeah, what would we do without Justin?

[@bballnsurf]

@@mrphim13 I know, commented on this 5 years ago & still listening to this day!!!!

[@chrisdavis4035]

I don't know what I'd do without Bon Iver.

[@brendonparnell3065]

so many tears lost

[@sacitramei9676]

same

[@colinlamont5040]

Sophomore year 2008, I remember going across the hall to my friend's dorm room (Old Dorm Block, Reed College) and putting this album on for us to listen together. He went full on Hipster---all like, "oh yeah Bon Iver, it's okay, you know..." After a couple tracks, not a word was spoken for the rest of the runtime. At the end we were wiping the tears from our eyes, trying to laugh it off. "Okay, you were right, it's... it's a good album." Chris, if you're reading this, I'm sorry the charcoal drawings we did all over your walls didn't come out and you had to pay those maintenance fees.

[@eleven9286]

This comment made me cry a bit. I’m glad you had someone to share this album with.

[@japseyepolemonkey9540]

😂 last paragraph made me laugh for the first time in a few days. Thanks man

[@chillshark8241]

i hope chris sees this

[@tysparks598]

Lmao! Roommates made my 20s liveable. Miss them all, even the couple I despised.

[@user-dc7um4pr3f]

Fuckin' awesome story man. Great to hear that stuff and I hope you don't read this as sarcastic. This is truly great stuff and I love that y'all had a dope time in college. It's crazy that this era of music is now a memory and not the present. It still very much feels like the present when I listen to it.

[@ahri3887]

"Your love will be safe with me" is the best lyric I've ever heard

[@DerekMusic13]

"Everything that happens is from now on."

[@pradabears]

absolutely gorgeous lyric

[@BoxingNewsToday.]

@@DerekMusic13 “Things are not explained by the past. They're explained by what happens now. That creates the past. Alan Watts

[@DerekMusic13]

@@BoxingNewsToday. I love Alan Watts.

[@bradziegler7492]

“Everything that happens is from now on”. I honestly believe that that is the best lyric ever said.

[@strangetribe]

Must be strange .... The transition between being alone in a cabin in the middle of winter,writing intensely personal songs and then having to go to places and play them in front of so many people,. It almost makes me sad.. This song is so very beautiful

[@user-dc7um4pr3f]

In a way maybe it feels good though. When you're in a dark place it can feel very lonely because you do tend to be in the minority. But there's so many fuckin' people on earth. And the minority of people that can really connect with this song is still a massive amount of people. That's gotta be empowering for the guy and I'm happy for him.

[@olizkypx7802]

the chords just cleanse ur soul

[@Rohme.33]

they really do feel like rays of light, don't they?

[@tonysproule3408]

If they didn't you never a soul to begin with!

[@vhego]

That's what open D feels like

[@daisyjess3308]

Oliver McCabe give me goosebumps every single time I listen

[@BoxingNewsToday.]

I love the Alan Watts Quote. "Everything that happens is from now on"

[@drmedwuast]

@Jonny Where is that Alan Watts quote from exactly? Couldn't find anything about it

[@emmellanna]

james Doctor I think it means that he is experiencing closure; he can turn towards the future, what’s to come, without being pulled backwards by the past. Just my take though! :)

[@BoxingNewsToday.]

@@drmedwuastI’m a few years late but here you go, it’s from….. “Things are not explained by the past. They're explained by what happens now. That creates the past.

[@BoxingNewsToday.]

@jamesdoctor8079a little late but here’s the Watts reference…. “Things are not explained by the past. They're explained by what happens now. That creates the past.

[@BoxingNewsToday.]

@@emmellannaI’m a a few years late but here’s the reference….. “Things are not explained by the past. They're explained by what happens now. That creates the past.

[@Brandon-pw6pr]

Every time I listened to this song, i feel like I’m wandering in the mist at dawn, and suddenly I see the light, and it keep guiding me through the place where I’ve been trapped for years, decades.

[@apachedisco]

When I first heard Bon Iver I thought they were 10 years ahead of their time. Now I realize they are forever. A Forever band.

[@19JayBro96]

apachedisco They truly are

[@BrofistRev]

Every time i listen to this song i feel like its winter

[@pat587]

i thought i was the only one

[@rusellalenfernandez2410]

This song brings back memories of my summer in 2014. It was the year I finished my college years, and had the best time with my best friends. We almost made every night as special as the night before. We drunk iced cold beer on a riverbank near our neighbourhood and wait for the sunset, while bon iver songs are playing. It was perfect with the best people in my life.

[@stevelongonguitar2]

i THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONGS EVER WRITTEN. THE RHYTHM OF THE MELODY, THE SPACES IN THE MELODY, THE CHORDS, YOUR DELIVERY, BOTH LIVE AND RECORDED, MESMERIZES ME AND TAKES MY BREATH AWAY, EVERY SINGLE TIME I HEAR IT, SINCE THE DAY I HEARD IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, UTTERLY AND COMPLETELY BEAUTIFUL. I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO COMPLETELY DECIPHER THE LYRIC, BUT I DON'T CARE, I DON'T HAVE TO. THE MELODY, YOUR VOICE, THE HARMONY ALWAYS MAKE MY HEART ACHE IN THE WAY THAT ONLY TRUE BEAUTY CAN.

[@sherchanbishesh9583]

In my opinion this is what the lyrics mean. A game of love where you give your all and hope for the best. You get hurt and keep getting fooled. You know why you get hurt but still keep loving until there is no more love in you..or the hurt overpowers the love. Then you realise, you "excavate" from your "Qumran"..but you don't really want to accept the realisation cause of the immense hurt. So you just choose to move on, but the hurt from the past can't be erased can it? We forgive, but we actually can't forget. But we can get partially mended by another love.

[@danmaughan2142]

Sherchan Bishesh

[@mezmez05]

It's comparing love with poker. And when he says "there's a black crow sitting across from me" the crow is depression and it is holding the key to his happiness

[@AshleyMintz]

So true. The first time I heard this song, I couldn't even understand what he was saying because I was at work and it wasn't playing loud. Still, the music and melody were so beautiful so I had a guy figure out on his phone, what the song was. Luckily, the lyrics are as beautiful as the music/melody!

[@jtolibov]

2009? It's crazy to think it's been 13 years! Funny how music can take you back just like that. This album is timeless.

[@marisasuban8863]

Ouvindo em 2023

[@stonagerz]

"This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization It's the sound of the unlocking and the lift away" this song is incredible, and in this video he sings with much passions

[@Maino88]

This is something special. It's something to behold. It should seep into your every pore and fibre. 6 years since this was performed. How much water has flowed under the bridge since then. And yet this is so constant. Just remember it all folks. Every day is a heartbreakingly wonderful blessing.

[@Cheeseboardv]

Deep

[@AJtheRastaman]

+Maino1 a heartbreakingly wonderful blessing... Amen man.

[@ReloadedRemixesTube]

+Maino1 oooh, that hit me somewhere sweet and deep :)

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Constantly.

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Looking forward always.

[@NachiV]

Stuck here in a room, stuck down with Covid 19. My family is angry with me for getting it! Though I love to spend a lot of time alone, this isolation is painful! Listening to this song reminds me of the time two years ago when I first got a job in another city. I was alone then too, but it was beautiful! So much hope, a new life! It's funny how I remember the night streets so much, because I use to ride my bike listening to this song, buying fruits. Time just flies. Hope this Covid will pass, and we willl all find our hopes again. The life that we dreamed of. Full of light and introspection.

[@tjancijr]

I hope you're doing better now.

[@marendelarosa4604]

your love will be safe with me.. what a way to end this beautiful beautiful song. ugh ugly crying forever

[@damonficken3457]

Maren dela Rosa it also ended the entire album! And to this day when I listen through it I feel almost haunted and get a good tear or two when he closes this out. Truly magnificent song writing. Justin is the greatest musical talent of our time I truly believe that.

[@showimprovement]

i wish this song was endless, and just continued to play throughout my day and night...

[@CraigyC82]

The greatest thing about this man is he sings perfectly written songs (his own), imperfectly. Compare this stuff with the guff in the charts and it's humbling.

[@marisasuban8863]

Listening in 2023... I love it❤❤❤ I heard it in a movie and already have all the songs . MAGIC ❤❤❤❤❤ MARISA - BRASIL 😊

[@caram960]

it is not often i find myself commenting on a youtube video, but when i do, it is usually in a moment like this, in the early morning hours with the moon alongside, surrounded by the darkness of my room and consumed by the sound. this time, the sound of a glorious voice by the man of justin vernon. i have loved the music of bon iver for a long while, for many of the same reasons that i’m sure others share, and other reasons i could not dare to explain, as some things just touch an inexplicable part of you. but with this song in particular- i decided when i was about the age of thirteen that this was my favorite song at the time. and what a young age thirteen was, for i could not understand the weight of the words, nor the agony behind the experiences it took for these words to be written. yet here i am, seven years down the road, with a whole lot of sore in my throat. for emma as a whole speaks to me in a new language now, and it’s almost as if he took the heart that was right out of my chest, and the words out of my own mouth. it is with a cheerful soul that i am writing this today. not for the love i already know, but for a love that is found abound the constellations. may we all find peace. ✌🏻🖤

[@nataliagutierrez5353]

The most magnificent masterpiece of all time. It's so beautiful to see him perform and go into a different universe within his own mind. Nothing in life is perfect, but this song is as perfect as it gets. Indeed, this my favorite song because only it can clear the "load" of stress I carry on my back. I love this band but even more I love this man.

[@johngallacher]

He's probably thinking about what's he's going to have for lunch! You have probably misread his expressions.

[@Cecil4029]

Nah.

[@walksoflife1415]

For me, this is probably the most powerful video on KZbin.

[@ASKpq]

'Your love will be safe with me'. Wow. What a line to close on. Incredible.

[@putitalain]

This music makes me cry and moves me deeply. I'm not a native English speaker, I don't understand what he really means. But I'm a musician and this music just moves me to the core.

[@Squirrelygirrley]

putitalain you sure sound like an english speaker!!! and yes, this song is something special. saludos

[@janetfuentes4639]

Music is just another language I think. The first time I herd this song I didn’t really understand the lyrics it was the guitar and the melody of his voice that moved me. I herd it on a Tv show and I immediately Shazammed it! Beautiful song!

[@DaleHitchcox]

I haven't been able to listen to this song without crying yet.

[@BeNeath0]

never heard sucha stunned and quiet crowed. NOT...A...SOUND!! Epic!

[@jakelong3802]

one of the most important musical performances of this era

[@mhartain5848]

I've heard all the fantastic covers. But none compare to the composer and his guitar. Simply perfect.

[@Aryo773]

This song hits me right in the heart. I heard on the day an amazing person and I broke up. It sure felt horrible, I listen to it and smile at the memories, but tear at the pain. Favorite band for sure!

[@samtolley1023]

Shit , how ya doing now that must have being so tuff

[@Aryo773]

+Sam Tolley Way better now, time fixes the emotions man. Give things time and they will fall into place.

[@PatrickCha13]

+Dark Shadows I feel you man

[@RobloxGuardian]

@@Aryo773how are you now?

[@JMB428]

Vernon has changed my whole outlook on contemporary pop music, folk music, and falsetto. Bravo.

[@KristianEgs]

This is pouring rain. This is paralyzed.

[@colionrichter2043]

That line gets me everytime

[@itsmader]

I saw him live at the start of the year, and I cried in front of my friends (and the strangers sitting near us) haha no regretssss!

[@catspajamasbooks]

This song forces you to stop everything and just be with your feelings. I love it so much.

[@ronaldreyensalada5942]

I came here by accident. This is the best accident of my life.

[@rflcptr2747]

I think we're all on the same page when I say: This song is in so many ways what I felt in my last years, what I feel right now and what I will feel in my next life time period (howeveryoumightcallit. I'm just glad that this song exists. Peace & love to all of you.

[@rawsonator118]

Probably the most beautiful song I've ever heard

[@malcolmk2878]

This is the year I fell in love with a sound that I had never experienced before. One that reached inside me and pulled something out that I had been afraid to feel my entire life.

[@bruh_youmad]

I've listened to this like a thousand times and i never ever got fed up with it. I don't think I'll find a special song as this one or at least for now.

[@soldobrecky1340]

I only listen to this album when I'm really sad and just the way it makes me get all my feelings out and face my problems with a clear mind afterwards is unparalleled, truly a masterpiece.

[@jasonkeck3438]

I lived in Prague for 3 crazy years and this song always brought me peace from the angst of horrendous party hangovers so far away from home

[@arya-fe7cv]

it’s been years yet I still go back to this performance

[@faesito]

Lyrics: This my excavation and to Day is Qumran Everything that happens is from now on This is pouring rain This is paralyzed I keep throwing it down, two Hundred at a time It's hard to find it when you knew it When your money's gone And you're drunk as hell On your back with your racks as he stacks your load In the back with the racks and he stacks your load In the back with the racks and you're unstacking your load I've been twisting to the sun I needed to replace And the fountain in the front yard is rusted out All my love was down In a frozen ground There's a black crow sitting across from me His wiry legs are crossed He's dangling my keys, he even fakes a toss Whatever could it be That has brought me to this loss? On your back with your racks as he stacks your load In the back with the racks and he stacks your load In the back with the racks and you're unstacking your load This is not the sound of a new man Or a crispy realization It's the sound of me unlocking and you lift away Your love will be Safe with me

[@dallasonfire604]

I don't even know what any of that means. sounds nice musically though

[@Ebani]

@@dallasonfire604 There's a lot of mispells and errors so no wonder it wouldn't make as much sense as the actual lyrics, not that they make that much sense either...

[@jonasgustaf]

This is my favorite KZbin video. Ever.

[@thejayrush]

one of the most underrated artists right now, hes pure genious

[@aaronsandker8954]

He's totally not

[@Alex-fm3og]

I swear he's on the verge of tears at the end of this.

[@nakailagunderson4423]

This is my first time listening to this live, and I swear my soul transcended the second he started singing

[@95lewiscameron]

I have never been as captivated with any performance of any song before in my life, I am sat here in awe. I'm seeing him live two weeks on Saturday.

[@ronious11]

just found this song a couple of days ago...i can't get enough of it!! listen to it everyday! justins voice and the acustic guitar wow!! thats enough to melt anyones heart!! i've already said this about "I can't make you love me".......but i feel the same about this song..depressingly gorgeous baby!!!!!

[@capricornsotc597]

This song brokes me every time. Makes me think about the person I most loved in my life and the way we broke. There is no hate, just nostalgia, regret and painful. I’ll love you on the coming years D.

[@tsopuaifa]

When I need to get back where it's safe Justin helps me. Thanks man.

[@-Araina-]

Exactly-- his voice is the safe place

[@PreciseTennisStringing]

Your love will be Safe with me.

[@syllevineo]

Heard this on House MD and been in love ever since.

[@WikaWasie]

Which episode exactly?

[@estebanarancibia5126]

Final episode of season 4, when Amber is dying and the team is saying goodbye in the end

[@BloggerMusicMan]

I saw him play this last night in Lewiston. So pleasantly surprised to hear this as an encore. It was achingly beautiful.

[@beckster125]

this song has changed my life!

[@paolocamero2251]

Simply one of the most profound musical moments. Such a simple and delicate song but carries such massive weight and never fails to bring me to tears. I’ll always be a diehard Justin fan.

[@rulnacco]

I just love the way he finds his way back out of the place deep within himself that he has been in through the course of the song before thanking the crowd.

[@sbmak536]

I'd do everything to see one Bon iver's live.. 10 years and still here💪

[@paolocamero2251]

It’s life changing. I cried 4 times hahaha.

[@shainasantonil6302]

It's crazy how music reaches people. I just had a Spotify playlist last night and I remember hearing these lyrics subconsciously, and there was nothing else I wanted to do but find this song the next morning. Now, I'm here. 30 seconds into this video, I feel tears coming down. Amazing.

[@geapafin4592]

Whats the playlist? Drop it! Huhu

[@bwbobbywagner]

This song has literally saved me. It has carried me through times I thought i'd never get through. We are all so blessed Justin decided to make music

[@CO2-emissions]

can't count how many times i cried to this

[@MrBarnyardos]

When a song is this beautiful I like to learn it on guitar, practice the vocals. Usually a weekend of immersing in a song this way ticks the box for me and I move on. This song I can not stop playing. There is a very unique connection between vocal tone, melody and chords. Sincerely believe as a musician it's something special, not just from a lyrical perspective, and not just for the fact that it's so soulful and authentic, but musically has broken into new space. Certainly Justin's other material backs that up.

[@95lewiscameron]

I agree with the last part, people should listen to all of their work, it truly is amazing, and hearing everything they have to offer makes the whole thing so much better but that doesn't mean everybody has to know what "Emma" signifies... Loving an artist's music isn't about knowing everything about them.

[@ulmo5536]

Such a Deep and beautiful song

[@EternalBlue_T1210]

Every time I listen to this specific live version of this song I want to cry :(

[@KingwellMusic]

That guitar and his voice sound fantastic and buttery, God bless America.

[@jakofaxle]

i was in stunned silence for the entire 2 hour gig. he was like a musical priest preaching to us. amazing

[@julessantana9416]

Literally liked the video before I even saw it... this song helped me not kill myself so in any of its formats, I love it and need it ❤️

[@bdomflo]

This song will always be in my all time top 10. This performance is one of the best things i've seen.

[@deecrft]

I would have sold my soul for a chance to listen to this live.

[@Paulo.1984]

dont ever sell your soul....

[@vuyonkasawe5825]

This song brings me peace. It’s such a perfect ending to an album filled with so many raw emotions. This is closure and acceptance in musical form. Thank you Justin

[@HeyyBayys]

this show was a foundational experience. this song inspired my favorite tattoo I have on my body. Every time I doubt anything in my life, I return back here and immediately feel settled.

[@x3rikaa]

How can something be so damn beautiful. Hope you're well where ever you are justin!

[@alewhois]

I always go back to this video. It makes me feel so pacefull.

[@Nempty94]

such a beautiful sounding guitar

[@ahojkaro]

Bon Iver - you have a wonderfoul voice and I love you so for yours songs!

[@jecatugstak]

crispy realization

[@mcrmaog4life]

This song helped me get through a rough time, I listen to this and I feel like everything will be alright.

[@JarkerousGaming]

One of his best performances

[@thecatisonthebookshelf2004]

I'm so happy he's back now, this is one of my favourite piece ever :')

[@burrito270]

I love this song so much. Especially this live version. Justin Vernon is a legend.

[@sophielev5327]

my favorite song in the world

[@ojmodric]

genuinely can't understand how someone could dislike this.

[@Hanibaltherogue]

This song always brings me to some place, i dont even remember to ever have been and yet i miss it so damn much...

[@brighttSUNNIES]

You will, and you won't be sorry about it at all. Trust me. The Bon Iver concert is worth every tear.

[@Paulo.1984]

My ex wife and I met in India, volunteering in Kolkata. This became "our song". AT out small, amazingly beautiful wedding, she made the words and sang this song as her wedding vows. She used to call me "mi amor" (my love in spanish). So she went like "Listen mi amor. Listen very well. The journey that we had, I wouldnt have had it, any other way., and your love is safe with me" The chorus said "we will, we will, we will, we will! (make it...). We didn't. She left less than 2 years after the wedding an that was 5 years ago. She walked out the door....and that was it. I see her walking out that door every single day of my unbearable and miserable life!!!!!!

[@BelleeeMusic]

Hmm, this is life.. laying in the sun with your best friend.. and listening to the most amazing band ever..

[@HeavyIndustrialTech]

Your love will be, safe with me... Moved on but she's still there in my heart.

[@fiveshorts]

Beautifully put. I had trouble watching this all the way through. The pain of the beauty of it. I just wish Jaco Pastorius were still alive, to play with him on this as he did on early Joni. It would have been just as miraculous.

[@mgmcgregorross69]

Im gonna play this live at my wedding. Singing directly to my future wife.

[@jms1401]

Ross McGregor this is a break up / hopeful song dont lol

[@mgmcgregorross69]

@@jms1401 to me its a song about a new beginning

[@superstartrademan]

If I seem lost... This is where I'm found.

[@kmm4499]

I’d never heard this song until last October when my friend’s sister played it at his funeral. Now I listen to it to think about Paul and the brief light he brought to my life. Miss you, friend. I hope you’re finally at peace

[@nhdarling2]

Glad this is still here 15 years on.

[@annettwarnke4519]

Beautiful, great, wonderful! Best greatings from Germany