Mumford & Sons - The Cave

[TheUnshapedMantis]

I've seen a lot of people relating the meaning of this song to Plato's allegory of the cave. While this is an interesting interpretation, it is not what the lyrics were intended to represent. Marcus Mumford is an avid reader of the Catholic writer and theologian G.K. Chesterton, and has referenced him on several occasions. The lyrics of this song were inspired by Chesterton's biography of Saint Francis of Assisi. "The Cave" refers to a cavern in which St. Francis spent a great deal of time in deep prayer and contemplation. Directly quoted from the book, "The man who went into the cave was not the man who came out again...He looked at the world as differently from other men as if he had come out of that dark hole walking on his hands...This state can only be represented in symbol; but the symbol of inversion is true in another way. If a man saw the world upside down, with all the trees and towers hanging head downwards as in a pool, one effect would be to emphasise the idea of dependence. There is a Latin and literal connection; for the very word dependence only means hanging. It would make vivid the Scriptural text which says that God has hung the world upon nothing." 

[mrcaykums]

im under a lot of stress right now and this song and all of there songs help a
lot

[garrettstone]

I can't get enough of this wave of modern folk music. Found this band called The Vietnams. Absolutely perfect balance of folk and indie. I recommend everyone who sees this finds these guys. You'll be hooked just like I am.

[emmawylie]

I love this song so much. It is so beautiful. I heard it for the first time last year, and I was obsessed. I heard this song on the radio today and I cried for a good 30 minutes. Thank You for making beautiful songs and writing such beautiful lyrics

[noahedmondson]

First song I heard by them when I was in middle school and it became my favorite song and ever since then I've been obsessed with M&S and music like this. I'm now about to be a college freshman and this is still my all time favorite song.

[williamorleans]

its totally addicting....my favorite song from the group....

[jamesrandall]

The Allegory of the Cave in music! Nice moves!

[Pallotar]

I was dealing with heavy stuff in my life when I first heard this song. I was lying in my room listening to random music, and when I heard this song I felt myself shatter into millions of pieces, I broke down sobbing in bed. I lost to my years of depression, the final chip being a massive seizure that took 8 years of my memory from me. I had pretty much given up. But the song told me exactly what I felt, told me I was not alone, and that we can still be happy. I have truly found myself on the other side. My seizures are under control, I am making something of my life, and I find happiness in what should have been the worst moments of my life. Thanks to my family, friends, and the artist who helped me figure out I don't have to do this alone.

[SNIPERFRHIRE]

I could almost cry because of all the heart put into their songs ;) If I could learn these songs on a guitar I'd be SO happy!

[brooke]

This song makes me so happy, like I can't explain it properly. Especially at 3:17, my heart starts to beat faster and I can't stop smiling

[roedeer]

You guys wanna know why I'm still among the living? This band. I've watched my mom die, my dad leave me, seven pets be buried in the backyard and my grandfather pass away this weekend. At his funeral, this damn band played. The first time I tried to slit my damn wrists? This song played in my head. Bless them twelve times over.

[TheUkester]

Someone wrote here once that this song helped him get past thoughts of suicide. Naturally, that was removed from here. Can't have raw honesty here in the comments section. Cursing and name-calling, sure.

[secave]

I'll never get sick of this. There's something so unique about this band, not many out there like it apart from The Renzullo Project. Just awesome.

[rachael]

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

‘Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's land

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

‘Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

[tovolo]

if you pause in the middle of the song and keep on playing it, you have to go back to the beginning to have that good felling from the song.
 

[lotusflowr_]

This song helps me calm down because I'm stressed out because rational thought destroys my soul & this touches me & snaps me back to reality with hope.

[givenfam]

I miss someone when i listen to this song i wish i talk to her but now she left me, you know who your are Sabrina Denny i miss you, you meant everything to me i love you <3

[gemmie]

I adore this song. It’s uplifting! This song is, to me, very unique and uplifting. Awesome!

[Synn]

Dear X,

it's been four years. i still haven't gotten over what you did to her, or to me. she was so innocent. some days, I think about what I would do if I ever got my hands on you. I loved her more than I loved myself. why couldn't you take me instead? I begged you... you wouldn't have it.

I forgive you. I can't hold what happened over your shoulders or mine. this world is already too hateful. I want you to know that you'll never forgive yourself and I hope you truly realize the pain and suffering you caused all of us.. it will return to you tenfold.

I love you Allison, forever and always

-N

[jakebarbee]

What is bad is that I am just now finding out about this song.