Re: Stacks

Bon Iver's 'Re: Stacks' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the themes of introspection, loss, and the process of healing. The song's title itself suggests a reevaluation or reordering of 'stacks,' which can be interpreted as the burdens or experiences one carries through life. The opening line, 'This my excavation and today is kumran,' sets the tone for a personal journey of digging deep into the self, with 'kumran' possibly being a reference to the Dead Sea Scrolls and the act of uncovering ancient truths.

The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with their past and the consequences of their actions, as seen in lines like 'It's hard to find it when you knew it / When your money's gone / And you're drunk as hell.' The imagery of gambling away money ('throwing it down two-hundred at a time') could symbolize the risks taken in life and the regret that follows when things don't turn out as hoped. The repeated motif of 'on your back with your racks as the stacks as your load' evokes a sense of being weighed down by life's challenges and the effort to unburden oneself.

The song concludes with a sense of release and a glimmer of hope. The 'sound of the unlocking and the lift away' suggests a breakthrough or a moment of clarity, where the narrator finds a way to let go of the past. The final line, 'Your love will be / Safe with me,' implies a promise to protect what is cherished, perhaps a newfound love or a rekindled sense of self-love, after a period of emotional turmoil.