Your Bones

Of Monsters and Men's song 'Your Bones' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The Icelandic band is known for their evocative lyrics and ethereal soundscapes, and this song is no exception. The imagery in the lyrics is both vivid and surreal, painting a picture of a journey through grief and the struggle to hold onto what remains after a significant loss.

The song begins with the creation of a boat made from feathers and bones, symbolizing fragility and the remnants of what once was. The act of setting fire to their homes and walking barefoot in the snow suggests a sense of abandonment and vulnerability. The distant rhythm of the drum and the storm they drift towards can be seen as metaphors for the inevitable challenges and emotional turmoil that come with loss. The baby lion losing its teeth and the troubled spirits on the narrator's chest further emphasize themes of innocence lost and the weight of grief.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes even more poignant. The birds leaving the 'tall friend' and the body hitting the sand evoke a sense of finality and departure. The million stars forming a tiger's eye that looks down on the narrator's face suggests a cosmic connection and the feeling of being watched over by a lost loved one. The repeated refrain 'Hold on to what we are, hold on to your heart' serves as a reminder to cherish one's identity and emotions amidst the chaos of loss.

The final verses bring a sense of closure, with the narrator awakened by the sound of a screaming owl and chasing leaves in the wind, symbolizing the search for meaning and direction. The farewell to a friend and the fire spreading, leaving only bones that will soon sink like stones, encapsulates the inevitability of death and the enduring nature of memories. 'Your Bones' is a poignant reflection on the human experience of loss and the importance of holding onto love and identity in the face of adversity.