“Such a beautiful love song! Star crossed lovers, separated by fate but still stubbornly passionate for one another!” *Looks up meaning of the lyrics* “...oh. Oh dear.”
I gotta say, mishearing "you'll marry me" instead of "you'll bury me" in the last stanza completely changes the meaning of the song. I'm keeping my wrong lyrics, they're happier lol.
Lyrics Oh, fair and flighty love, my aerolite above, the only dove I see. Could you love me more if by the son and moon I swore that I would never flee? But I still taste you on my lips, lovely bitter water. The terrible fire of old regret is honey on my tongue. And I know I shouldn't love you, I know I shouldn't love you, but I do. I feel it in my soul, I feel the empty hole, the cup that can't be filled. I feel in in my blood, in the fire, in the flood, the beast that can't be killed. 'Cause even now you mark my steps, lovely bitter water. All the days of our delights are poison in my veins. And I know shouldn't love you, I know. I am not a fool entire, though I know what is coming: You'll bury me beneath the trees I climbed when I was a child. I know I shouldn't love you. I know I shouldn't love you, but I do.
What I love about this song is that it has multiple levels of meaning and they all work. It's a song about an infatuation. It's a song about an attraction to something that's bad for you, whether that's adultery, an addiction, or an unhealthy relationship. It's a song from a concept album centered around a book about a demon trying to lead a human to destroy themself. The music is lighthearted, it's bouncy, it belongs to a sweet song about new love, but the lyrics are about destruction. The singer isn't in complete denial, but they aren't quite ready to leave whatever this is behind.
Not only that but they don’t let it go despite knowing the consequences, therefore they deserve what comes to them, despite how easy it is to fall This song is the beginning of the album, but at the end the narrator realizes the truth, and overcomes evil And thank God we do not get what we deserve, and instead Christ took it upon Himself
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
i know this isn’t the point of the song but i just now realized “you’ll bury me beneath the trees i climbed when i was a child” is reference to their song Trees
This song is like watching a candle and a flame fall in the deepest love, and not being able to do anything, and not wanting to. Because it’s fiery and burning and beautiful, it’s the meaning of passion, and it will leave everyone in ashes when it dies. And does it mean you’re a little selfish? Or a little human, for wanting to bask in the sun before it burns out the world.
Do u want to know something...I would like to read them anyways. There is a place I can see ur work called poetizer download it and tell me ur name and I will follow u and read ur work everytime. Cos I think u got something unique there.
Yes these songs are inspired by the screwtape letters and if you read the book you can see the amazing connections between every song written in this album and the amazing literary work of CS Lewis. This song is about a trial that an adulterous woman is put through in the book of numbers which is in the Bible. The song dear wormwood I believe is written in the perspective of the Boston or “patient” that is assigned to wormwood when he became a follower of Christ and he wanted to change and he is telling wormwood that he will no longer fall victim to the temptation he puts before him as he is now a follower of Christ. He sees who is in Christ and he no longer has to listen to what the demonic figure tells him.
@@destinydewolf8637 while I agree for the most part, wormwood was the demon, he was just a underling to a much more malicious demon who was directly collaborating with satan. The man wormwood is assigned to in the book is the one who changes, and wormwood is punished for not being good enough to corrupt a corrupted soul who was willing to turn to christ.
My pastor was the one who recommended me to read that book. It gives an interesting viewpoint (though it may be hypothetical) into how we are tempted and controlled by those plotting against us. Remain on guard, and prepare yourself, prepare yourself prepare yourself. The generation that sees Isreal become a nation will see the second coming. Rejoice!
This song makes me feel like I’m inside this whole story. Like I’m watching this forbidden love happen and I’m unable to stop it before the lovers get in trouble. Like I know what’s happening but I can not control nor stop what’s happening. Maybe it’s two rulers from different kingdoms and I am their royal adviser, warning them about what could happen to them. But they pay me no heed. Or maybe they are of two different species a monster and a human, and I’m the humans best friend trying to warn her but she doesn’t listen. Or I’m the monsters mother telling him that he could die. But he doesn’t listen. They know they can’t love each other and so do I. I’m listening to their foolishness, and I decide to give in. To help them so they can love each other freely. Maybe some judgment, there will forever be people who won’t like it, but otherwise they are perfectly capable of being together. All in all this song makes me feel like a side character in a love story. I’ve no control over the situation, but I’m there and I’m watching. And I love it.
Omg this song saved me, I've noticed myself singing it to myself in my head to stop panic attacks. And I've noticed our caretaker alters singing it to the littles. It's adorable and awesome. I just want to say, thank you for saving us -Jayla
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
I know this is supposed to be all tragic and bad, but all I can think of is two characters I’ve been writing. One is an incubus, and the other is a hulder (a kind of Swedish forest spirit who has a cow tail and who is hollow, with a large hole where her back should be). At least in my version, both creatures steal souls of people who fall in love with them, so they both wear clothes that covers almost all of their skin, and they avoid touching anyone, or even really talking to people more than necessary. Then they finally met each other, and they’re both immune to the other one’s powers, so they can actually have a real, consensual relationship. This song fits them pretty well. The line “I feel it in my soul. I feel the empty hole. The cup that can’t be filled” obviously applies to her with her hollow back. Then “I feel it in my blood. In the fire and the flood. The beast that can’t be killed” certainly sounds like it’s talking about a demon, like him. This context makes the song a lot cuter. Plus I like imagining the violin parts being played by a demon, because that’s rad.
By “I’ve been writing” I mean that I keep writing ideas for characters in a google doc, and I keep beginning stories with them that I never finish, and I’m certainly not actually writing anything coherent, and am never going to show it to anybody.
I don't really think this song is about a relationship as some others say. It seems to be about ones struggle against temptation and their sinful nature. That seems to be the theme of this entire album. The album opens with someone who is struggling against sin. The alure of it draws them in. In "Bitter Water" we see an unsureness and conflict. They understand what they desire is wrong, but they desire it none the less. The line "you'll bury me beneath the tree I climbed when I was a child" even shows an understanding that this sin is destroying their life. As the album progresses, we see the "main character" continue to struggle against these desires, only to find ultimate victory by turning to Christ. "Soldier, Poet, King" is very obviously about Jesus. It's a sort of "heroic" song about his presence in this persons life. Later in the album you also get the song "Dear Wormwood", which has lines directly confronting their sin such as "you have always been there in my mind" and "I want to be more than the devil inside of me." Taking these lines into context, it leaves no ambiguity: "Bitter Water" is not about star-crossed lovers, nor is it about an abusive romance. It's about a life of sin to which the singer feels helplessly enslaved. But everything culminates at the very end of the album with "Thus Always to Tyrants," a joyful and triumphant song wherein the singer celebrates having finally found victory over the sinful nature of which "Bitter Water" speaks. Just my thoughts I suppose. There's been lots of interpretations, but given the overall album, the fact that this is a Christian band, and the themes of which they often sing, this seems to be the most likely explanation for me.
I love your interpretation, and I agree with you! There are a lot of christian undertones in their songs, and that's one of the reasons I've become such a fan. The writing is very thoughtful and the music is beautiful.
Never in my life did I think I'd end up somewhere where these lyrics applied perfectly, and yet, here we are. The great, riotous secret that I'll take to my grave.
That's spicy, I want to know but I know you wont tell me. I think you should write a criptic journal detailing your experience, then hide it somewhere for someone to find after your certain whatever you did wont affect you or anyone else negatively
@@adamzheng4362 Nah, based on the biblical context of what bitterwater is (which was something used to test if women were unfaithful to their husbands) it's most likely about adultury-- even coming from a non-christian look at it, but that doesn't mean it's not a good song!
Every song they make, just makes me want to run through a beautiful green forest barefoot in the morning with dew on the grass while wearing a flowy dress
I'm in loved with this song it brings me a lot of energy, I love the oh hellos it all started with the song soilder poet king that was such a great song fr
Ok I'm just going to type and try to let the words come out here. My best friend was in a really bad relationship for a little while and they've been out of it for a while but now I love her so much and the feelings are DEFINITELY reciprocated (we've talked about it haha...) but she isn't ready for a relationship yet out of fear from the last one. But my GODS I love this person so much. Every day I just find myself thinking about a future where we're together and I just blink and I'm back in the real world and I'm just like "huh?" Idk I just wanted to rant a little :]
update: it's been so long since I originally commented on this. Woah. But as is life, people grow and push through and love. We've been in a relationship for a while now, and recently just got promise rings. We couldn't be happier together. Love and communication are key
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
everyone talking about how calming and pleasing this song is when its talking about an abusive relationship that imagery from literal satan is so funny to me. its cherry wine all over again
It’s almost the point isn’t it? The song itself could be about sin and how hard it is to break away from it. It’s pleasing and brings comfort on the surface, but when you look deeper, it’s more malicious in nature. I think the light and cheery sound of the song with the lyrics being about someone that could be interpreted trying to break free from something, be it sin, or an abusive relationship, or anything else, was a deliberate choice by the artists, and I love it. Such good songwriting
This is about how tempting it is to engage in sin, and how hard it is to break away from it, similar to a toxic lover. You know you should break off the relationship but you can't bring yourself to do it. The Oh Hellos are a Christian band and this is a Christian song. I don't just think this because I'm Christian it's true. It's cool that others interpret it differently but it hits hardest within this context. I find this song very relatable. Praise Jesus, we need more good Christian music lol.
This will forever be my favorite song I got my heart broken freshman year I spent 3 years the saddest I’ve ever been (I had some attachment problems) and this song spoke to me and saved me from the dark place I was “terrible fire of old regret is honey on my tongue” reminded me of the pain but the amazing memories I had. “I feel it in my soul,I feel the empty hole.the cup that can’t be filled….the beast that can’t be killed” I thank god I’m finally over it and I give credit to this song for being the hand on my shoulder when I was too ashamed of myself to tell anyone.
I just realized this song could either be how the sinner is in love with sin, or how God is in love with the sinner. Possibly both. Chasing down something that will eventually get them killed. “Bury me beneath the tree I climbed when I was a child,” indeed.
1/9/22 This song will no longer be just a song. It will remind me of you as long as I live. In honor of you, I am here. Thank you for always remembering me. Years from now, I swear I would still come back here. :)
In my eyes, this is a song of A hero and villain who grew to love eachother, but unable to share their forbidden passion, their "bitter water" something they need, they want but can never make sweeter, the Hero understands this, they know regret of not fighting for their love will hurt like a burning fire, but they convince themselves that the result would be sweet like honey in the end the villain however much they try to deny it, cannot fill the hole in their heart, cannot kill the beast, their Love, they were mighty, but for all their power they were still longing, they could feel it wether it be through The flames or floods, their "Bitter water" still clings to them, marking every step, the Delights of their shared Life as children Poisons his ambitions. Finally, both conceded to themselves, they are no fools, convinced that the other cannot possibly share what they feel, and thus they wait, for when the other would bury them under the tree they grew up under someday, along with the Bittersweet love they could never share.
I understand the meaning of this song as intended, but to me it really seems like a queer person dealing with the pain of loving someone they shouldn't in a community where it really can't be accepted. their lover is bitter water to them, a poison that theyve been told is sin, but is so tempting regardless. The lines "I know I shouldn't love you but I do" really seem to add to this. A someone who has dealt with and is still dealing with this I heavily relate.
oh my gosh I was just listening to this song thinking about this, it's that doomed from the start, guilt in your gut. It feels like both you and your partner are so isolated from others that you become so very attached and it hurts. Like your both Eldritch horror creatures destined to be alone but you can't help but want them in a small sweet way far from your family.
No, it's about struggle with sin for someone, specifically involving adultery. They feel that the sin is not going to make them truly happy, hence why there is a hole in their soul and why their cup is unfilled. It's unfilled because to the person, only God can fill that hole in their heart
@@meagherman5364 did you know that the oh hellos have multiple songs about so-called christians using the bible as an excuse to spew hatred and vitriol towards minorities? and how those people need to recognize that they're perpetuating corrupt systems, repent, and seek forgiveness with the lord?? and then turn to actually showing jesus' love to others???? very funny that you claim to understand the meaning of this song given that the oh hellos have written songs about people like you.
Ok but imagine you’re a runaway princess living in a cottage in magical woods and you have a lovely garden, also there plain fields near by. You have a horse and A SWORD 🧚🏼♀️🧜🏽♀️👑🦋🕊🍄🌻🌹✨🍓🐎⚔️🧺🧹🧸🐝🐞🐸💖🔭⏳🕰📺🪕🫖🌊🌾🍃🪨🍂🎍🪴🌿🌱🍀☘️🎋🐇🦜
regarding the next song in the album, exuent, I relate this bitter water and the subject to be the same thing tbh. here the person loves it but later is finally able to overcome it cuz of Christ who dies in the next song, Caesar. it's my interpretation 😂
hear me out this is one of those songs where it’s a lovely day, happy weather and people gather in a circle with instruments everyone sings and in the inside of the circle people are dancing
okay consider: jaskier playing the intro little tab over a campfire or absently, then yen comments that she likes it, and he’s all “you flatter me, love” anyway so he’s working on the song and he Gets It but ciri sings with him!!! ciri sings with him in a tavern and she Nails it in that kid-happy voice, jaskier’s playing for her, and yen and geralt are chillin watching their family just be people. god
It depends on what it is about the song you like, but I know this group (The Oh Hellos) is considered folk rocks, so you could look up that genre. If you like the general semi-fantasy aesthetic (think adventurecore) that this has, I'd also recommend the band Of Monsters and Men (specifically the older stuff like their album My Head is an Animal) and artist Cosmo Sheldrake, who makes cool music with audio from endangered animals (you may have heard his song Come Along on TikTok a while ago). :D
@@underfirebutok If you haven't listened to them before, you should and tell me what you thought! I'd recommend their album the Horror and the Wild, but Love Run is also super good.
I was trying to play this song using a bot on Discord, but since the bots dont use youtube anymore, I tried using Soundcloud, and for some reason this song isnt available in the US.
This is about a girl, a friend and lover, who left - and me drinking to dull the pain. Here's to all you other pilgrims 🥃 May we get to where we need to be, and may we find love once again.
If The Oh Hellos and Of Monsters and Men were to do a collaborative song together I would be able to die happy.
Twilightwolf I need this more than anything oh my
i cant agree more ❤
definitely
oh can you imagine?
What’s Of Monsters and Men?
“Such a beautiful love song! Star crossed lovers, separated by fate but still stubbornly passionate for one another!”
*Looks up meaning of the lyrics*
“...oh. Oh dear.”
Wait... Why what?? I just thought of someone loving someone they regret or made them suffer..?!
😭
I assume it has to do with alcohol addiction, but I'll look it up.
Oh wow, firstly I was far off, but secondly that's... quite the meaning.
To be fair, open interpretation does imply that what you think it should be is valid, regardless of other’s interpretations.
the song is about the memories of a lost love, and how the person is gaining hope of getting over it.
I gotta say, mishearing "you'll marry me" instead of "you'll bury me" in the last stanza completely changes the meaning of the song. I'm keeping my wrong lyrics, they're happier lol.
singing along to your misheard lyrics made me feel a certain joy i wasn't expecting from something so simple lol
aw that is so cute!!! That's actually adorable ghshgshsgh that's so SWEET. Your brain is wonderful!!!!!
I'm now adopting your lyrics instead 😊
Oh me too! I didn't realized it until I read your commentD:
I gotta say, I love that
Lyrics
Oh, fair and flighty love,
my aerolite above,
the only dove I see.
Could you love me more
if by the son and moon I swore
that I would never flee?
But I still taste you on my lips,
lovely bitter water.
The terrible fire of old regret is honey on my tongue.
And I know I shouldn't love you,
I know I shouldn't love you,
but I do.
I feel it in my soul,
I feel the empty hole,
the cup that can't be filled.
I feel in in my blood,
in the fire, in the flood,
the beast that can't be killed.
'Cause even now you mark my steps,
lovely bitter water.
All the days of our delights are poison in my veins.
And I know shouldn't love you,
I know.
I am not a fool entire,
though I know what is coming:
You'll bury me beneath the trees I climbed when I was a child.
I know I shouldn't love you.
I know I shouldn't love you, but I do.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you!! However I think you mistyped in the first stanza. It should be “if by the SUN and moon I swore” instead of “son”
It's in the description but I guess this is helpful 4 anyone who didn't know
It was slowly bitter water but ok
Just found this band at 3am while fighting a panic attack, and it's so calming. I feel like things can get better
I hope you’re doing well:) I use music to fight panic attacks as well, and this is my go to album
The way u guys r putting it makes it seem like its some anime battle and u just launch music at the panic attacks
@@cannedtoothpaste what do you mean? That’s exactly what it is
@@cannedtoothpaste what do you mean? That’s exactly what it is
@@cannedtoothpaste what do you mean? That’s exactly what it is
What I love about this song is that it has multiple levels of meaning and they all work. It's a song about an infatuation. It's a song about an attraction to something that's bad for you, whether that's adultery, an addiction, or an unhealthy relationship. It's a song from a concept album centered around a book about a demon trying to lead a human to destroy themself. The music is lighthearted, it's bouncy, it belongs to a sweet song about new love, but the lyrics are about destruction. The singer isn't in complete denial, but they aren't quite ready to leave whatever this is behind.
i know this comment is old but i just wanted to say you said that so poetically
Not only that but they don’t let it go despite knowing the consequences, therefore they deserve what comes to them, despite how easy it is to fall
This song is the beginning of the album, but at the end the narrator realizes the truth, and overcomes evil
And thank God we do not get what we deserve, and instead Christ took it upon Himself
the metaphor... the banjo... the duet in the vocals... the instrumental break.... this is ADVENTURE MUSIC and im LIVING
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
@@Foreverboy13 ty for the recommendations I love canary :D
@@foxblaze11 np man
@@Foreverboy13Finding good tracks and artists 2 years later than intended? Who would've thunk it. As before, bless
i know this isn’t the point of the song but i just now realized “you’ll bury me beneath the trees i climbed when i was a child” is reference to their song Trees
This song sounds like my childhood.
Strange this is, i dont remember listening to this song when i was younger
Same! It brings back memories. I love thinking back to when things were so happy.
This song sound like a car commercial actually.
@@kgpspyguy WHAT
@@kgpspyguy Lmfao
Well no shit it came out in 2015 so you couldn't have heard it as a kid. unless you're like in high school
This song is like watching a candle and a flame fall in the deepest love, and not being able to do anything, and not wanting to. Because it’s fiery and burning and beautiful, it’s the meaning of passion, and it will leave everyone in ashes when it dies. And does it mean you’re a little selfish? Or a little human, for wanting to bask in the sun before it burns out the world.
That was so poetic!
Do you write poems?
@@jamina.4082 i do actually lmao! don’t know if they’re any good truly but I do my best :)
Do u want to know something...I would like to read them anyways.
There is a place I can see ur work called poetizer download it and tell me ur name and I will follow u and read ur work everytime.
Cos I think u got something unique there.
Its only for poetry writers though and nothing else...its pretty much simple and less fancy.
I believe the reference to Wormwood is a demon from CS Lewis’ book called The Screwtape Letters.
Or, you know, the plant used in absinth
you got it these songs are inspired by the book, but are very much up for open interpretation.
Yes these songs are inspired by the screwtape letters and if you read the book you can see the amazing connections between every song written in this album and the amazing literary work of CS Lewis. This song is about a trial that an adulterous woman is put through in the book of numbers which is in the Bible. The song dear wormwood I believe is written in the perspective of the Boston or “patient” that is assigned to wormwood when he became a follower of Christ and he wanted to change and he is telling wormwood that he will no longer fall victim to the temptation he puts before him as he is now a follower of Christ. He sees who is in Christ and he no longer has to listen to what the demonic figure tells him.
@@destinydewolf8637 while I agree for the most part, wormwood was the demon, he was just a underling to a much more malicious demon who was directly collaborating with satan. The man wormwood is assigned to in the book is the one who changes, and wormwood is punished for not being good enough to corrupt a corrupted soul who was willing to turn to christ.
My pastor was the one who recommended me to read that book. It gives an interesting viewpoint (though it may be hypothetical) into how we are tempted and controlled by those plotting against us. Remain on guard, and prepare yourself, prepare yourself prepare yourself. The generation that sees Isreal become a nation will see the second coming. Rejoice!
I’m currently in my sun filled garden pretending to be a witch and it’s the best feeling ever.
Im imagining im there with you too, cause that sounds beautiful!
It feels even better when you *are* a witch
@@archie9014 yesssssssss
@@abidoesyoutube people of any religion can be a witch but if your parents have any power or o do anything to you I would wait a little longer
To a Christian song by Christians?
I have the urge to scream-sing the last line of lyrics. It makes me feel some pure joy that you only feel a few times in your life. It's amazing
The bury me beneath the tree I climbed when I was a child verse, for some reason sounds really pretty to me...sorry if that's weird
This song makes me feel like I’m inside this whole story. Like I’m watching this forbidden love happen and I’m unable to stop it before the lovers get in trouble.
Like I know what’s happening but I can not control nor stop what’s happening. Maybe it’s two rulers from different kingdoms and I am their royal adviser, warning them about what could happen to them. But they pay me no heed.
Or maybe they are of two different species a monster and a human, and I’m the humans best friend trying to warn her but she doesn’t listen. Or I’m the monsters mother telling him that he could die. But he doesn’t listen.
They know they can’t love each other and so do I. I’m listening to their foolishness, and I decide to give in. To help them so they can love each other freely. Maybe some judgment, there will forever be people who won’t like it, but otherwise they are perfectly capable of being together.
All in all this song makes me feel like a side character in a love story. I’ve no control over the situation, but I’m there and I’m watching. And I love it.
I love these interpretations! I personally see the song as a relationship with alcohol, or “lovely bitter water” (:
The second one was the original idea for something i’m writing 🥺 now I think it’s gonna be the princess and a lady knight from the same kingdom
@@mrsmoth101 Jesus. That kinda blew my mind, but sadly, it makes so much sense...
Eyyy the second one is that this reminds me of in my book lol
This is beautiful :)
I get the feeling my language hasn't enough words to express how much I love the vibes of this whole album.
This song brings me nostalgia for a time that doesn't exist
I've waited so long for new music from these guys and they definitely did not disappoint!!
Omg this song saved me, I've noticed myself singing it to myself in my head to stop panic attacks. And I've noticed our caretaker alters singing it to the littles. It's adorable and awesome.
I just want to say, thank you for saving us
-Jayla
Its the holy spirit this is a christian song
@@carolinpurayidom4570ooh how?
Such a beautifully tragic song. Love it.
I love it this song, really. Is so smooth and lively.
do you still love it?
@@liliales.valley This band turns into one of my favorities. So yes, I still love it.
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
I know this is supposed to be all tragic and bad, but all I can think of is two characters I’ve been writing. One is an incubus, and the other is a hulder (a kind of Swedish forest spirit who has a cow tail and who is hollow, with a large hole where her back should be). At least in my version, both creatures steal souls of people who fall in love with them, so they both wear clothes that covers almost all of their skin, and they avoid touching anyone, or even really talking to people more than necessary. Then they finally met each other, and they’re both immune to the other one’s powers, so they can actually have a real, consensual relationship.
This song fits them pretty well. The line “I feel it in my soul. I feel the empty hole. The cup that can’t be filled” obviously applies to her with her hollow back. Then “I feel it in my blood. In the fire and the flood. The beast that can’t be killed” certainly sounds like it’s talking about a demon, like him. This context makes the song a lot cuter.
Plus I like imagining the violin parts being played by a demon, because that’s rad.
By “I’ve been writing” I mean that I keep writing ideas for characters in a google doc, and I keep beginning stories with them that I never finish, and I’m certainly not actually writing anything coherent, and am never going to show it to anybody.
@@thepip3599 kind of a shame though! that sounds so cool
@@Tom-zr6yn
You’re free to use the idea. Good luck.
I would totally love to read that! It’s so interesting !
I don't really think this song is about a relationship as some others say. It seems to be about ones struggle against temptation and their sinful nature. That seems to be the theme of this entire album.
The album opens with someone who is struggling against sin. The alure of it draws them in. In "Bitter Water" we see an unsureness and conflict. They understand what they desire is wrong, but they desire it none the less. The line "you'll bury me beneath the tree I climbed when I was a child" even shows an understanding that this sin is destroying their life. As the album progresses, we see the "main character" continue to struggle against these desires, only to find ultimate victory by turning to Christ.
"Soldier, Poet, King" is very obviously about Jesus. It's a sort of "heroic" song about his presence in this persons life. Later in the album you also get the song "Dear Wormwood", which has lines directly confronting their sin such as "you have always been there in my mind" and "I want to be more than the devil inside of me." Taking these lines into context, it leaves no ambiguity: "Bitter Water" is not about star-crossed lovers, nor is it about an abusive romance. It's about a life of sin to which the singer feels helplessly enslaved.
But everything culminates at the very end of the album with "Thus Always to Tyrants," a joyful and triumphant song wherein the singer celebrates having finally found victory over the sinful nature of which "Bitter Water" speaks.
Just my thoughts I suppose. There's been lots of interpretations, but given the overall album, the fact that this is a Christian band, and the themes of which they often sing, this seems to be the most likely explanation for me.
THAT DOES MAKES SENSE THAT MEAN THE OH HELLOS MAKES CHRISTIAN CONTENTS! :D
True, but isn't the relationship between someone and their toxic partner basically the same as sin or an addiction?
I dunno if you're Christian but what a beautiful interpretation of the song
I love your interpretation, and I agree with you! There are a lot of christian undertones in their songs, and that's one of the reasons I've become such a fan. The writing is very thoughtful and the music is beautiful.
This was a good read. I'm more fixated on the metaphor. A dehydrated person will readily drink bitter water, so too will the spiritually bereft.
Never in my life did I think I'd end up somewhere where these lyrics applied perfectly, and yet, here we are. The great, riotous secret that I'll take to my grave.
This song is about adaultry..
That's spicy, I want to know but I know you wont tell me. I think you should write a criptic journal detailing your experience, then hide it somewhere for someone to find after your certain whatever you did wont affect you or anyone else negatively
I hope it worked out well for you, all things considered.
@@barryb.benson8565 Actually, the song is about a toxic relationship.
@@adamzheng4362 Nah, based on the biblical context of what bitterwater is (which was something used to test if women were unfaithful to their husbands) it's most likely about adultury-- even coming from a non-christian look at it, but that doesn't mean it's not a good song!
What a beautiful song, such a joyful sound and lovely (if not melancholy) lyrics!
This gives me such strong 1600's knight vibes. Or like, King Arthur's apprentice, Merlin's daughter, I just like it.
Listen to soldier poet king, it's also a song by them and it kind of gives off similar vibes!
@@emileeeeeee yes I am also an animation memer, I've heard the song lmao. Not really my thing, but thank you for replying :)
Every song they make, just makes me want to run through a beautiful green forest barefoot in the morning with dew on the grass while wearing a flowy dress
this song hurts so much because how much i relate to it but also at the same time i cant stop listening to it pfft
There is not a single word to be added or removed from this beautiful thing. What a story in 3 minutes.
The last 50 seconds of this song are some of the best things ive heard in my life
Soldier Poet King got all they hype but Bitter Water has the best musical value, love this song ❤❤❤
Yesterday i found this band and I’m over the moon💗
I'm in loved with this song it brings me a lot of energy, I love the oh hellos it all started with the song soilder poet king that was such a great song fr
I should check out more of these songs, I’m really missing out
Ok I'm just going to type and try to let the words come out here.
My best friend was in a really bad relationship for a little while and they've been out of it for a while but now I love her so much and the feelings are DEFINITELY reciprocated (we've talked about it haha...) but she isn't ready for a relationship yet out of fear from the last one. But my GODS I love this person so much. Every day I just find myself thinking about a future where we're together and I just blink and I'm back in the real world and I'm just like "huh?" Idk I just wanted to rant a little :]
that’s extremely sweet~ i hope all goes well w/ the two of you
Did it work out?
How did it GO
update:
it's been so long since I originally commented on this. Woah.
But as is life, people grow and push through and love. We've been in a relationship for a while now, and recently just got promise rings. We couldn't be happier together. Love and communication are key
Love the voices. Love the lyrics. Love the music. 🎶
you like this type of music listen to good land by trampled by turtles, american poor by dead horses, i don't wanna disappear by Malcolm Holcombe, canary by honeysuckle, love letter by the wild reeds, windshield by greensky bluegrass.
everyone talking about how calming and pleasing this song is when its talking about an abusive relationship that imagery from literal satan is so funny to me. its cherry wine all over again
It’s almost the point isn’t it? The song itself could be about sin and how hard it is to break away from it. It’s pleasing and brings comfort on the surface, but when you look deeper, it’s more malicious in nature. I think the light and cheery sound of the song with the lyrics being about someone that could be interpreted trying to break free from something, be it sin, or an abusive relationship, or anything else, was a deliberate choice by the artists, and I love it. Such good songwriting
I love all of these songs so much they help me get to know my real self.
This is about how tempting it is to engage in sin, and how hard it is to break away from it, similar to a toxic lover. You know you should break off the relationship but you can't bring yourself to do it. The Oh Hellos are a Christian band and this is a Christian song. I don't just think this because I'm Christian it's true. It's cool that others interpret it differently but it hits hardest within this context. I find this song very relatable. Praise Jesus, we need more good Christian music lol.
Such a happy and beautiful song juxtaposed with such devastating, sad and haunting lyrics. Beautiful.
IM NOT CRYING, YOU ARE
"I know I shouldn't love you, but I do."
Am I an atheist absolutely obsessed with the oh hellos? Yes, I am
dam
@@hoggo7448 Damn snacks reference?🧐🧐
@@L1zz707 i have been seened i mas become tree
@@L1zz707 also damn yes
As a Christian, respect
Why am I crying
Someing about this song speaks too me and idk what but I feel it
This will forever be my favorite song I got my heart broken freshman year I spent 3 years the saddest I’ve ever been (I had some attachment problems) and this song spoke to me and saved me from the dark place I was “terrible fire of old regret is honey on my tongue” reminded me of the pain but the amazing memories I had. “I feel it in my soul,I feel the empty hole.the cup that can’t be filled….the beast that can’t be killed” I thank god I’m finally over it and I give credit to this song for being the hand on my shoulder when I was too ashamed of myself to tell anyone.
I've been repeating this song like 11 times 😍
wow, just wow, im in love w this music rn
Always amazing!
I just realized this song could either be how the sinner is in love with sin, or how God is in love with the sinner. Possibly both. Chasing down something that will eventually get them killed. “Bury me beneath the tree I climbed when I was a child,” indeed.
The whole album basically uses biblical metaphors for a failing relationship
The chorus is so much fun to sing out loud.
1/9/22 This song will no longer be just a song. It will remind me of you as long as I live. In honor of you, I am here. Thank you for always remembering me. Years from now, I swear I would still come back here. :)
Well spent my Quarantine listening to The Oh Hellos songs❤
I love this. Perfect for what it’s about
I’m addictive to this song
Addicted *
14 seconds into the song and im already like: YES I LOVE THIS SONG♡
The angelic release after the final "I do" was beautiful.
In my eyes, this is a song of A hero and villain who grew to love eachother, but unable to share their forbidden passion, their "bitter water" something they need, they want but can never make sweeter, the Hero understands this, they know regret of not fighting for their love will hurt like a burning fire, but they convince themselves that the result would be sweet like honey in the end
the villain however much they try to deny it, cannot fill the hole in their heart, cannot kill the beast, their Love, they were mighty, but for all their power they were still longing, they could feel it wether it be through The flames or floods, their "Bitter water" still clings to them, marking every step, the Delights of their shared Life as children Poisons his ambitions.
Finally, both conceded to themselves, they are no fools, convinced that the other cannot possibly share what they feel, and thus they wait, for when the other would bury them under the tree they grew up under someday, along with the Bittersweet love they could never share.
I've been looking for this song T-T .. I'm glad I found it!!!
I love The Oh Hellos! ❤️
everyone else's favorite song from this album: Soldier, Poet, King
my favorite: this one! as well as the duet of Pale White Horse/Where is Your Rider.
This song is pretty old now but its still a great song that I listen to all the time
I understand the meaning of this song as intended, but to me it really seems like a queer person dealing with the pain of loving someone they shouldn't in a community where it really can't be accepted. their lover is bitter water to them, a poison that theyve been told is sin, but is so tempting regardless. The lines "I know I shouldn't love you but I do" really seem to add to this. A someone who has dealt with and is still dealing with this I heavily relate.
oh my gosh I was just listening to this song thinking about this, it's that doomed from the start, guilt in your gut. It feels like both you and your partner are so isolated from others that you become so very attached and it hurts. Like your both Eldritch horror creatures destined to be alone but you can't help but want them in a small sweet way far from your family.
No, it's about struggle with sin for someone, specifically involving adultery. They feel that the sin is not going to make them truly happy, hence why there is a hole in their soul and why their cup is unfilled. It's unfilled because to the person, only God can fill that hole in their heart
Im non binary trans masculin and this song helps me so much with my dysphoria :3
luv it
amen captain me too
Speak brother!
This song is built upon the connotations of the rejection of sexual sin, to which you are victim to. Repent unto the Lord.
@@meagherman5364 Being non binary is not a sin nor is it a sexual thing it is an identity
@@meagherman5364 did you know that the oh hellos have multiple songs about so-called christians using the bible as an excuse to spew hatred and vitriol towards minorities? and how those people need to recognize that they're perpetuating corrupt systems, repent, and seek forgiveness with the lord?? and then turn to actually showing jesus' love to others???? very funny that you claim to understand the meaning of this song given that the oh hellos have written songs about people like you.
Great Job!
You guys are such an underrated band.
I'm in love on your songs
Ok but imagine you’re a runaway princess living in a cottage in magical woods and you have a lovely garden, also there plain fields near by. You have a horse and A SWORD 🧚🏼♀️🧜🏽♀️👑🦋🕊🍄🌻🌹✨🍓🐎⚔️🧺🧹🧸🐝🐞🐸💖🔭⏳🕰📺🪕🫖🌊🌾🍃🪨🍂🎍🪴🌿🌱🍀☘️🎋🐇🦜
i wish life sounded like this
This song is so nice it makes me cry
These guys are just magical!
This song reminds me of a book I just read called Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson
Lovely bitter water. Water it still remains...
a sua música é TÃO boa, estou completamente apaixonado 💛
traz um sentimento incrível, uma paz imensa e uma forte vontade de viver!!
Vixe, tem que ler a letra com calma, vontade viver não é bem como descreveria ela haha
I have no clue what the lyrics are. I simply black out when listening to this song and wake up more relaxed.
aaAAAA this song feels like pure joy and adrenaline THANK U
1:23
2:28
THESE PARTS>>>
Love this band
I was once the sword and now the poet and a hope to be the the ruler someday
No, that's reserved for Lord Christ Jesus
i really luv this
IT FITS THE CHARACTER WELL AND IT HURTS THAT IT FITS. AAAAAAAARGHHH
regarding the next song in the album, exuent, I relate this bitter water and the subject to be the same thing tbh. here the person loves it but later is finally able to overcome it cuz of Christ who dies in the next song, Caesar. it's my interpretation 😂
This song reminds me of last winter i can almost feel the cold at the ends of my fingers
my new fave song!
i like to imagine someone is singing to a dragon "oh fair and flightly love, my areolight above, the only dove i see"
i love this
This is my favorite song about alcoholism.
It’s actually about adultry
@@coconut_cow1398 these people not realising that it is designed so it can be about any vice
@@noaht8592
It's literally about adultery tho. "Bitter Water" is in reference to "the ordeal of the Bitter Water" in the bible.
@@kodomoshawn6729 do you know what a double meaning is?
@@kodomoshawn6729 it is in reference to adultery but its still designed to be vague and indirect so that it is applicable to any vice
hear me out this is one of those songs where it’s a lovely day, happy weather and people gather in a circle with instruments everyone sings and in the inside of the circle people are dancing
That sounds pretty chill. To me it's about renouncing sin and coming back to the Lord Jesus Christ
I just finished reading The Screwtape Letters (the book that inspired this album). Gotta say, that made me understand this album a lot better.
As a Christian, this book is near and dear to my heart
I'm not a fool entire, but yes I didnt know what's coming. And instead of a tree, I was buried in my own thoughts instead.
this would be a really good credit song for a feel good fantasy/cottagecore movie
I feel like this would go over the end credit for something like onward
okay consider: jaskier playing the intro little tab over a campfire or absently, then yen comments that she likes it, and he’s all “you flatter me, love” anyway so he’s working on the song and he Gets It but ciri sings with him!!! ciri sings with him in a tavern and she Nails it in that kid-happy voice, jaskier’s playing for her, and yen and geralt are chillin watching their family just be people. god
Does anyone can recommended some of the songs similar to this? I can't get enough of these kind of songs!
It depends on what it is about the song you like, but I know this group (The Oh Hellos) is considered folk rocks, so you could look up that genre. If you like the general semi-fantasy aesthetic (think adventurecore) that this has, I'd also recommend the band Of Monsters and Men (specifically the older stuff like their album My Head is an Animal) and artist Cosmo Sheldrake, who makes cool music with audio from endangered animals (you may have heard his song Come Along on TikTok a while ago). :D
The Amazing Devil has the same vibe, but more medieval sounding.
@@SnowWhitesBite Ooh, noted!
@@underfirebutok If you haven't listened to them before, you should and tell me what you thought! I'd recommend their album the Horror and the Wild, but Love Run is also super good.
This reminds me of hiking in the Appalachian mountainsides
thank God i finally here
I was trying to play this song using a bot on Discord, but since the bots dont use youtube anymore, I tried using Soundcloud, and for some reason this song isnt available in the US.
This is about a girl, a friend and lover, who left - and me drinking to dull the pain. Here's to all you other pilgrims 🥃 May we get to where we need to be, and may we find love once again.
shivers
A song about alcoholism brought me back from having a bad depersonalization episode.
Is it just me, or does this song remind me of the tale of Altair and Vega? Or even Geb and Nut?