Here are direct quotes from Bon Iver (Justin Vernon)
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on "Skinny Love"
So Emma seems to be the subject of a lot of these songs? Who is/was she?
Well, it’s not a “she” question as much as it’s a “what” and “when” question. It’s old love. And in this case, old, sore, lost love.
Were these songs written forever ago or are they just about “forever ago”? If the latter, did you ever set out to write this record before?
About forever ago. They were all written at the same time. I was unable to deal with my personal shit within the constraints or boundaries of my other musical projects or personal environment.
There’s this peaceful resignation going on all over For Emma. It suggests there’s been some time and distance between you and the stories you’re telling. Is that the case?
In time, yes. But in earnestness and closeness of feel, they are current, or were when I wrote them. They hadn’t escaped or dissipated yet until I dealt with them, no matter how long ago they existed. It’s kind of like the sores are still open. Just scarred over. So it’s like me sitting and examining these scars. Trying to rip them off. Discard them. Or at least explain them, so I can be at peace with them.
”Skinny Love” seems this one is about the moment you knew things were destined to fail.
Well, this wasn’t about who you think it would be about. Part of the trouble with the old haunting love, is that it fucks with your future loves, and can damn and/or ambush your relationships. That’s who this is about.
Here are direct quotes from Bon Iver (Justin Vernon) Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on "Skinny Love"
So Emma seems to be the subject of a lot of these songs? Who is/was she? Well, it’s not a “she” question as much as it’s a “what” and “when” question. It’s old love. And in this case, old, sore, lost love.
Were these songs written forever ago or are they just about “forever ago”? If the latter, did you ever set out to write this record before? About forever ago. They were all written at the same time. I was unable to deal with my personal shit within the constraints or boundaries of my other musical projects or personal environment.
There’s this peaceful resignation going on all over For Emma. It suggests there’s been some time and distance between you and the stories you’re telling. Is that the case? In time, yes. But in earnestness and closeness of feel, they are current, or were when I wrote them. They hadn’t escaped or dissipated yet until I dealt with them, no matter how long ago they existed. It’s kind of like the sores are still open. Just scarred over. So it’s like me sitting and examining these scars. Trying to rip them off. Discard them. Or at least explain them, so I can be at peace with them.
”Skinny Love” seems this one is about the moment you knew things were destined to fail. Well, this wasn’t about who you think it would be about. Part of the trouble with the old haunting love, is that it fucks with your future loves, and can damn and/or ambush your relationships. That’s who this is about.