Fall

Devendra Banhart's song 'Fall' is a poetic exploration of the cycles of life and nature, using rich imagery and metaphors to convey its themes. The lyrics evoke a sense of change and transition, much like the season of fall itself. The opening lines, 'Fall, oh catch since once burned your bread but when the night comes,' suggest a moment of reflection and the inevitability of change. The mention of burning bread could symbolize past mistakes or losses, while the night represents a time of contemplation and renewal.

The recurring imagery of cornfields in fall and the widow spreading like cornfields further emphasizes the theme of natural cycles. Cornfields in fall are a powerful metaphor for the end of a cycle, the harvest, and the preparation for a new beginning. The widow, who 'leaves no trace,' could symbolize the transient nature of life and the inevitability of moving on. This imagery creates a vivid picture of the natural world's rhythms and how they mirror human experiences.

The repeated farewell to the 'snake' in the lyrics, 'So long snake you're still old,' adds another layer of meaning. The snake is often a symbol of transformation and rebirth, shedding its skin to renew itself. However, in this context, the snake remains old, perhaps indicating a resistance to change or the persistence of certain aspects of life despite the passage of time. The song's melancholic tone and repetitive structure reinforce the themes of continuity and the cyclical nature of existence, making 'Fall' a contemplative and evocative piece that resonates with the listener on multiple levels.