The Meaning Behind The Song: Skinny Love by Birdy
The Rise of Skinny Love
In 2008, a then-12-year-old girl named Jasmine van den Bogaerde, who would later go by the stage name “Birdy,” won the UK talent competition “Open Mic UK.” She caught the attention of various record labels and producers, and in 2011, she released her self-titled debut album, which featured a cover of “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver.
Birdy’s rendition of the song quickly became a viral sensation, and the music video for the song reached over 200 million views on YouTube. It was also heavily featured in TV shows, movies, and commercials, most notably in the hit TV show “The Vampire Diaries.”
But what is the meaning behind this hauntingly beautiful song?
The Emptiness of Love
“Skinny Love” was originally written and performed by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, and it’s about the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The song’s chorus, “And I told you to be patient, and I told you to be fine, and I told you to be balanced, and I told you to be kind,” speaks to the narrator’s desire for his lover to be okay and to move on from their relationship, even though he himself is struggling to do so.
The term “skinny love” has been interpreted in a variety of ways, but one common interpretation is that it refers to a love that’s empty, not full. The narrator feels as though his love for his partner is inadequate, or not enough to sustain their relationship.
Like many love songs, “Skinny Love” is both heartbreaking and relatable. Many people have experienced the pain and confusion of a failed relationship, and this song captures those emotions with raw honesty.
The Power of Vulnerability
One of the reasons why “Skinny Love” resonates so deeply with many listeners is because of the vulnerability that Birdy brings to her rendition of the song. Her soft, delicate voice conveys a deep sense of sadness and longing, and her simple piano accompaniment adds to the song’s haunting beauty.
Birdy has spoken publicly about her struggles with anxiety, and her willingness to be open and honest about her mental health struggles has endeared her to fans all over the world. She brings that same vulnerability to her interpretation of “Skinny Love,” making the song feel even more raw and emotional.
The Timelessness of Music
Since its initial release in 2007, “Skinny Love” has become a modern classic, with its popularity continuing to grow year after year. It’s been covered by numerous artists, including Ed Sheeran, who called it “one of the best songs ever written.”
The fact that a song about heartbreak and emotional emptiness can resonate so deeply with so many people is a testament to the power of music. There’s something timeless and universal about music that allows it to connect with people across different cultures and generations.
The Meaning Beyond the Song
Ultimately, “Skinny Love” is a song about the complexity of human emotions. It’s about the struggle to come to terms with the end of a relationship, and the desire to find meaning and purpose in life even when things feel empty and uncertain.
But beyond the lyrics and the melody, “Skinny Love” is a reminder of the power of vulnerability, the timelessness of music, and the way that a single song can bring people together and touch their hearts in profound ways.
