The Decemberists - A Beginning Song (Lyric Video)

[@joek7504]

One of my favorite songs, ever. To me it’s about regaining perspective: Ceasing to obsess & worry about little things that are out of one’s control, & instead stepping back & appreciating the beauty of the physical world surrounding you, which is a miracle to be able to experience.

[@briannierman1449]

This song is absolutely perfect. To me it's about the sacrifice, hope, pain, and love of being a parent. We sometime fails to see all the brightness around us when we are clouded by feelings of stress, competition, lack of sleep etc.. The pay off at the end of this song is brilliant. This band is a treasure.

[@razorgod65]

whoever does not understand this song or band..... your loss.

[@Dalek-0211]

what is the song called bc its good

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

@@Dalek-0211 A Beginning Song

[@1981AdamGs]

Colin has one of the most infectious voices. Definitely one of my favorite bands in the last 10 years.

[@Ahreman_egy]

very underrated band. should get alot more views. love from egypt.

[@lilystolarski6036]

Agreed - love from Australia😃

[@basilrose]

How can anyone be cynical or pessimistic when musicpoetry like this exists? So full of wonder in life. Thank you Decemberists for this gorgeous finale to your wonderful new album.

[@beccadavis8012]

A favorite for me. To me it’s all about being inspired by the brightness and good in another person. Not necessarily in a romantic way but more in a “ yeah, you make me want to be a better person” way. Awesome

[@TanukiSC]

This song is so personal to me. I’ve read so many comments about what people think it is about. I’m happy to stay in the space that is personal and very emotional to me. Enjoy this for the beauty and sound that touches you however it does. Peace to all of you always.

[@maryannslatteryburrows7228]

So sad for me too...

[@sparkss4]

I think this is the best song Colin has ever written. I don't really get its meaning but I'm sitting here, listening to it for the 3rd time in a row, with a huge lump in my throat, just in awe of the beauty and power of this song.

[@ZorroVenonoso]

+sparkss4 it kind of catches you with that final chorus harmony doesn't it?

[@kylefox2397]

I interpret it to be about not waiting for the "perfect time" to make a new start, because we tend to ignore all the reasons we have to live life right now. Here is my paraphrase: "Do I really need to wait? Is there really anything I want? Do I really need to be hopeful of things to come, when I am surrounded by the sunlight, the shadow, the quiet, the work, the beating heart, the ocean, the boys, and you, my sweet love?"

[@shae8877]

sparkss4 i realky like why would I now by the decemberists and 12.17.12

[@joew7328]

Like most there songs but my fave is sucker prayers. Very good band. Glad I got to hear of them. ☺

[@Jakevol2]

I think it's a song about hope joy and triumph. And the beauty of life.

[@joannacornwell8423]

I walked down the aisle to this song. Incredible. A little different intent for the music, but it was absolutely perfect. Thank you for this perfect song.

[@C0R3O]

I walked down the aisle in this song! It was beyond perfect!

[@drrcm81]

Did the doors open at 4:43?

[@ryanweyforth5722]

My cousin just played this at her wedding thursday! Had to shazam it! Lol Love it

[@withlove2963]

I had that thought too 😄

[@ryanhenson9537]

How beautiful!

[@annabellemurdock4440]

For me the greatest song ever written. I want it played at my funeral as for me that is what it is about, the beginning.

[@ChristopherBingham-xx8xl]

This is one of my favorite songs on What a Terrible World What a Beautiful World. The violins at the end are great.

[@Mako1989]

The most beautiful song I've ever heard. A bold statement, sure, but to me it's all about how a song hits you - it strikes a nerve I didn't even know was there.

[@Marcells44]

Me, and the doubts, and the thrill, and the hard choices, and the love. The fantastic, the brittle pleasure I live... thanks existence to allow me this feeling.

[@candleeyed]

listening to this near a beginning. I just got into a college, and I'm close to starting a new chapter of my life. like it's been for a while now, this song is going to carry me through it.

[@charleswilliam4210]

Should I be hopeful? Yes...yes I should. Because the light is all around me. Thank you for making such an incredible, poignant, pure love of music song.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

Just a masterpiece. The video perfectly evokes the rolling hills outside of Portland in my memories. This song has so many possible meanings (death, birth, relationships, etc.).

[@jeffbachman]

This song really helped me in the months immediately following my wife's death. To me it's about the anguish of loss but also the hopefulness that can accompany a new beginning.

[@GeraldCole17]

This song has such a wonderful "Irish Folk Song" feel to it. That's what drew me to it!

[@karlkaseweter7435]

For me, this song is about assessing the ordinary and spectacular events in one's life that go unnoticed while leaving this life and entering into your next. The transition from your souls many journeys and lessons that make up each chance to set things to right!

[@davidgreen2419]

This track is up there with Crane Wife 1 & 2 for me. Absolutely love it.

[@johnlariviere4252]

I cry my eyes out everytime I hear this.

[@Wayofthehibits]

The Decemberists have that effect on me.

[@JaymeforJesus]

I just found out yesterday that for my birthday present, my brother and sister-in-law got tickets to the December concert in July in Denver, Colorado, I am very much looking forward to seeing them in concert!

[@Zaxjenub]

This song was with me when I thought I found love yet what I've found was an empty space in myself. Unability to love. I'm starting to work on myself, trying to become a better human being.

[@kevinschultz9104]

Anyone else think this is their best album? It's something, considering their catalog of amazing work, but damn, I honestly think the Decemberists peaked with this one.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

So hard to say. So many good songs spread over the albums (I really can't think of any song they have that I don't at least like a little bit). Crane Wife is probably it for me though.

[@ChuckCheese1]

Yes! Their masterpiece for me.

[@melindar4303]

This is my *favorite* song from this album. Evokes sadness, hope, oneness with the universe (and with that, acceptance and peace). {sigh} But I agree with others--hazards of live is by far their best album. But, the evolution of the music suggests maturity, I think. Of course, our interpretations say more about us than it does about the band. Be mindful of your posts, people.

[@twistedimagev2]

I always thought The Crane Wife was their best album, but they are all so good its really hard to choose one best album. The Decemberists have consistently stayed my favorite band ever since I found them about 15 years ago. ♥♥♥

[@bittenco]

This song comes for me as such a strong message, confirming that for the very first time I'm doing things right (to myself and for others). Thanks, The Decemberists, it gives me energy to keep it on.

[@omix090]

wish you the best :)

[@bittenco]

+omix090 :)

[@omix090]

how are you now? I'm from italy and you?

[@annbrunjes6532]

I feel so deeply moved by this song . . . I lack the words to explain it.

[@mondler107]

Love that!! ❤

[@Lindasac]

He, Colin, is ecstatic by the end, in the light, all around~ ❤️ so much love~

[@johnwrath3612]

I love his enunciation. "Cwoordinate". Great song.

[@alpineinc1]

This one cut straight to the soul at first listen. Only the Decemberists can do that for me lately.

[@ConnemaraRose19]

These lyrics give me a reason to be alive and to do good things in this world. Well done, my friends, well done. Fantastic music.

[@Riffslinger77]

And that's how you end an album. Love this record so much. Even more than King is Dead, which I thought was nigh on perfect.

[@p.lew415]

its all the things. ill love it forever!

[@nazl1can]

Wish you come to Istanbul,Turkey. I've been waiting for 5 years. And still.. Should I be waiting?

[@simon68giddy]

Saw them live in Leeds last week, amazing! But they didn't do this song!! Was gutted, this is my favourite decemberists song, true genius!!!

[@CrazyZ66]

THIS is MUSIC!!! Simply thank you for this!

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Just the maturity of this song lifts me. Fantastic

[@maxismills]

goosebumps everywhere. loved this song since it was released!

[@matnitram]

oh dear this is more beautiful than I've imagined...

[@mick0438]

This song is great. It hit me in my soul. If not you I feel sorry for you. I am a man who has felt this and wasted it long ago. I would give all to have one more day of it.

[@SmashBrosmike85]

Boy, this song really sends me back. Greetings from Mexico, hope to see you here one of these days.

[@maryannslatteryburrows7228]

Cozumel for 2 weeks in 91. Beautiful. Changed alot since then..

[@connerrain4143]

I still don't get how this masterpiece has so few views

[@omaralmalky6213]

The Hazards of Love was an amazing album and definitely their best. If this album is as have as good as that one, i will be satisfied. This song is making me optimistic though, so beautiful.

[@Kingpugster]

This is my favorite song off of the album, but sadly not every song lives up to this one.

[@leedsmanc]

Crane Wife surely?

[@Fulldre]

leedsmanc Crane wife is also my favorite, but I think picaresque is their strongest album.

[@donaldfinigan8778]

Their songwriting has really gone up even another level. This album is just completely on a different plane.

[@TJ-ts4kx]

I loved her. Always will

[@DavidJohnson83]

Geez... Every song released from this album is so fantastic. Well done!

[@dadamosky6894]

This is invoking R.E.M.'s "Automatic For the People" for me. Incidentally, it's one of my favorite albums of the last 25 years.

[@dadamosky6894]

***** Make that the last, almost, 30 years. Geez! I feel old now.

[@neilemms5831]

***** It was less than 23 years ago. No need to feel too old. I personally don't hear the similarity, but this is a great song - and a great album closer (something The Decemberists are particularly good at).

[@SimonFox999]

+dadamosky When I first heard Make You Better, all I could think of was Automatic For The People. I don't find this one as obvious in its similarities, but after reading your comment I started listening with a different ear... and I started to hear the distorted cello / ebow guitar type sound, which brought to mind Sweetness Follows... and then I started to get a Monty Got a Raw Deal vibe in the guitars, and a Find the River sentiment in the lyrics... time to go back and revisit some of that mid-period R.E.M. I think :-)

[@ARIXANDRE]

So beautiful and underrated. Love from Brazil

[@rascalphoto]

Favourite song on their most epic album. All around me.

[@kyleraines4811]

For most bands it takes me a while to really like their new songs or songs I just found by them but with the decemberists I always love their songs the first time I hear them.

[@aleckelly2706]

Doesnt this song just hit the spot perfectly?

[@hungerformore18]

Such a mellifluous voice! This is my favourite song from the album

[@Metfansince12]

Love this album so much. I’d really love a rerelease of the box set. Pretty please ❤

[@legolas2980]

Wow, I'm absolutely in love with this song

[@jonahandneeleyshow]

That bass tone...wow!

[@hsamek4946]

I love this song. I love the band, too sad there is no new music or concerts in Europe. They are fantastic.

[@kavalere]

This is their best song I've heard.

[@simon68giddy]

gives me goosebumps every time i hear this song. Amazing.

[@dondodoo4815]

So beautiful, this song gives me goosebumps.

[@robindavisphoto]

Reel it back in from the generic waftings and make it about an iconic powerful story, for at least one song this time… make us think something is happening or about to happen to someone we care about. That is why I love you guys so so much.

[@peaceandraven119]

This song makes me sad, and I have no idea why... Fantastic album. Listen to it all the time. Can't wait for their next one.

[@linkfamilymusic]

Love it. These guy's music is different and beautiful!

[@EnosEverything]

Great sound... Great track... It ain't Hazards of Love but it's a massive improvement on the last album

[@Chipwhitley274]

Of course it isn't The Hazards of love... The Hazards of Love was a departure album... The King is Dead was a return, and at most, if this album is an improvement, it is a modest one. Of course opinions vary, but I'd find it difficult to prove that is was a "massive" improvement, because The King is Dead was a good album. I don't really understand the tendency to hold an album up against one that was a deviation, treating that deviation is if it were the quintessential sound. If I were in the mood for the Decemberists and set all their music to play... The Hazards of Love would be an interruption to the genre I was in the mood for, while The King is Dead, and What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World would both be the sound I was looking for, because they are in the style of the majority of their work.

[@michaelwarrick8103]

***** Seriously. What was wrong w The King is Dead?! Great album.

[@CameronClarkeOG]

Michael Warrick it's fuckin lame is wot

[@Leftyboro]

Cameron Clarke When it was released The King Is Dead was their best album. Now it is their merely their second best.

[@AllOneVoice]

Leftyboro well I don't know about best or second best. Neither are anywhere near as imaginative or unique as The King Is Dead or this new one (they're great projects don't get met wrong). My guess is you're more a conventional sound fan?

[@simon68giddy]

Simply beautiful! What a song!!

[@PeteD1884]

Richard Thompson mentioned this band in some interview or other, so I had to hear them. Yeah, it is sort of special.

[@bluebird28tl]

Beautiful. Simply beautiful.

[@byrlalexander5548]

Love his voice !!!!!!!!!!!

[@caramason56]

Love this band 😊❤️🎶🎶🎶. Thanks for sharing

[@Ching1888]

Such a relevant song in the current climate. Hopefully more creative and finely written music comes out the back of it.

[@ctsay6987]

"The boys." "Like a cannonball". He does a good job of very subtly including his kids, his family in this album. That's gotta be painful spending that much time on tour. I think that separation influences the sound of this album a lot. It's very reflective on relationships and the changing of things and his own childhood. Most of the songs are melancholy. No Rocks in the Box. I still really like it and I can relate. See ya in Salt Lake! I'm psyched.

[@suziq6322]

What a beautiful song.

[@hiyaasamantha]

lovely song! one of my favorites from this wonderful new album ♥︎

[@sudhindrak]

What a wonderful song.

[@vogelpitts]

I adore them.

[@lostwookiee4246]

the most beautiful song

[@lawrenceblasi1117]

Love the new album. Can't wait to hear it live tonight.

[@rat_king2801]

Love this song

[@penze_]

It was a joy to listen to this song for the first time on the first day of 2018 :)

[@HaganConnell]

What instrument is Colin Meloy playing in this? It has four strings, but I can't relate the finger placements he uses for G and D to an instrument I know.

[@dabigsqueezy]

Such a beautifu lyric. I love this song!

[@annabellemurdock4440]

great song to see in spring.

[@TheDimachaerus]

This song has encapsulated my life.

[@samir3323]

This song has encapsulated my life. Thats because your a simpleton!

[@samir3323]

TheDimachaerus toy joo!

[@andrewsheilds7528]

you guys are still amazing. your still a great band with a great sound. Your just not the decemberists anymore. there's none of your old character and wit and humour. there's no sea shanties, no character pieces, no chances taken. I miss the way you guys told stories, the way you build worlds for us to have little glimpses at. I know you told us you had to change some, but not this much. I'll still be here, still go to your concerts, like I said you guys are still fantastic to listen to. but I'll miss the old times.

[@paulsmith7425]

+Andrew Sheilds - not sure where you are coming from. Saw them in concert and the creativity, the words, the innovation were phenomenal. I'm 63 and rarely have seen this combination. this song especially.

[@Sunkyoshipbitch]

You say they've matured from a fun, niche genre to a well rounded ensemble with a depth and sound that's completely unique? I feel you there, man.

[@super76]

you've just described what happens to every band that puts out albums for years...Colin is still an incredible song-writer and the sound is like no other band. I am offended by part of your comment, but in the best possible way. The older songs are great, and the evolution of their sound makes those older songs even greater.

[@Jgdyar]

Absolutely fantastic video here. Big props to the team behind it.

[@sierrasnider26]

I adore this album , they are one of few bands that give me those chills, the chills of what music feels like inside and out

[@annabellemurdock4440]

Sierra Snider

[@annabellemurdock4440]

Agreed.

[@hugg8484]

This song is my mantra..I wish I could share it with the world.youd all understand then.

[@MrPenguinFingers]

Fun fact: although Colin sings “The tenor of your Shins,” this song is actually by the Decemberists, not the Shins.

[@trevor7520]

is th is true

[@barnabyfinn]

Big if true!!!

[@ayangchang8336]

It's the timbre of your limbs and the bright.

[@Warwallaby]

I bet they’d make a great cover 😮

[@sarafoster3693]

Shockingly, shins are actually a body part and not just a millennial band (who I love)... but I don't think this lyric has anything to do with the Shins the band

[@rosench11]

FOCUS ON, MAKE EYE CONTACT, LOVE DEEPLY ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS STANDING/SITTING/PLAYING/SETTING/RISING/BLOWING IN THE WIND/ASKING YOU TO PLAY TRAINS - INSTEAD OF CONTINUING TO LOOK PAST THEM AND INTO THE SPACE FROM WHICH YOU THINK SOMETHING BETTER AND BRIGHTER WILL BE COMING. You'll miss just about everything. So stop it. It's all around you.

[@indianajones91]

My favourite song from the new album, by far!

[@christinegeiger7142]

happy new year everyone. this is one of the most hopeful, beautiful songs ever. And one that we should commence to coordinating our sights towards a better year ahead.

[@and3311]

Damn, such an incredible song & beautiful arrangement ❤️

[@simonfaulkner7731]

I want to get this tattoo'd on my arm. Does anyone know the font that's being used? So wonderful to see so many people love the song like I do!

[@coreylipow180]

This song makes me feel like, What am I doing with my life?

[@maryannslatteryburrows7228]

Absolutely...sadness to hope for me...had to change my perspective....

[@sdjdavies42]

Masterpiece

[@ronaldbronk807]

Let the light diffuse! May the light spread to you.

[@garyholdsworth53]

Great tone from that Lakland bass. Wonder what effect is being used

[@hokogan]

Sounds like the same effect he used for The Rake's Song. It's some great fuzz, whatever it is.

[@4gunner]

Such a great song.

[@alankilroy04]

Lovely song

[@sassulusmagnus]

Great tune.

[@nicolaan6991]

Beautiful melody!