White Winter Hymnal

Fleet Foxes' 'White Winter Hymnal' is a mesmerizing song that captures the listener with its hauntingly beautiful harmonies and enigmatic lyrics. The song's repetitive structure and vivid imagery create a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, evoking a winter scene that is both serene and unsettling. The lyrics describe a group of people, referred to as 'the pack,' who are bundled up in coats and scarves, trying to protect themselves from the cold. The repetition of 'I was following the' suggests a sense of conformity and the loss of individuality as the narrator follows the group.

The imagery of 'scarves of red tied 'round their throats' is particularly striking, as it conjures up a sense of both warmth and danger. The red scarves could symbolize the blood that is later mentioned in the song, hinting at a darker undertone beneath the seemingly innocent winter scene. The line 'And turn the white snow red as strawberries in the summertime' is a powerful metaphor that juxtaposes the purity of the white snow with the violence of blood, creating a stark contrast that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

The mention of 'Michael' falling and turning the snow red adds a personal and tragic element to the song. It suggests a moment of loss or injury, which disrupts the peaceful winter landscape. This moment of violence and its impact on the narrator and the pack can be seen as a commentary on the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can change. Fleet Foxes' use of rich, evocative language and their signature harmonies make 'White Winter Hymnal' a poignant and thought-provoking piece that resonates deeply with its audience.