On Wednesday, April 6, 2016, I attended my first Mumford & Sons concert and discovered what it was like to truly fall in love. Nevermind the fact that music is just an incredible gift and Mumford & Sons' music is one from above, but the band is all from London, which ultimately means they have golden accents. I've been a fan ever since their first major album "Sigh No More" came out in 2009, so seeing them live was definitely on my bucket list. As I stood in the 5th row on the floor, singing my voice raw and letting the music seep into my soul as Marcus Mumford gave us every ounce of energy he could possibly bestow, I just kept wondering how some people have never even listened to them. I honestly just couldn't even fathom a logical reason for such a tragedy. So, to save all you hopeless wanderers (pun intended) out there, here is a newbie's guide to Mumford & Sons, and these are only my top 10 songs.
1. "Awake My Soul"
"In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die
And where you invest your love, you invest your life"
This song is about being alive with the dear one's in your life. It's a song about being free and becoming yourself by letting go.
Watch the video here.
2. "The Cave"
"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 makers hand"
This song is about our time on earth and being there when we are most needed. It's about being aware and being present. It's a song you harmonize to, no matter your lack of singing ability.
Watch the video here.
3. "White Blank Page"
"Tell me now, where was my fault
In loving you with my whole heart
Oh tell me now, where was my fault
In loving you with my whole heart"
This song is more serious. It's questioning a man's love for a woman he holds, by a man who is willing to lie down his life for her. It's heart wrenching and relatable in the most important of ways.
Watch the video here.
4. "Below My Feet"
"Keep the earth below my feet
For all my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Keep my eyes to serve my hands to learn"
This song is about the mistakes that shouldn't be regretted, for they needed to happen to come to a larger realization.
Watch the video here.
5. "Holland Road"
"And when I've hit the ground, neither lost nor found,
If you'll believe in me I'll still believe"
This song is about never ending hope. It's about a faith in something bigger that will lead you to the end, to the Holland Road, despite those who attempt to hold you back.
Watch the video here.
6. "Lover Of The Light"
"But love the one you hold
And I'll be your gold
To have and to hold
A lover of the light"
This song is a sweet serenade to someone that has been done wrong, but forgiveness is just around the corner, and you hold that person like gold.
Watch the video here.
7. "Tompkins Square Park"
"I only ever told you one lie
When it could have been a thousand
It might as well have been a thousand"
This song is about a fleeting love. It's fast and passionate but gone all too soon, and they are both aware of the sudden ending. It's devastating and raw.
Watch the video here.
8. "Believe"
"Say something, say something
Something like you love me
Less you want to move away
From the noise of this place"
This song is about figuring someone out after knowing them for so long, new things coming to light. It's about trying to hold onto a dying love, just hoping for one simple reason to stay.
Watch the video here.
9. Snake Eyes
"It's in the eyes
I can tell you, will always be danger"
This is a blaming song. You messed up, you let this crumble between your fingers, this is your fault. This is a bitter song, this is a mistake song.
Watch the video here.
10. "Broad Shouldered Beast"
"But wasn't it you who said I was not free
And wasn't it you who said I needed peace
And now it's you who's floored by fear of it all
And it's alright
Take it out on me"
This is a song about being someone's person, about being their steady, stable, constant wave. This is a song about being selfless, about being dependable.
Watch the video here.
They're perfect for every occasion. Whether it's a late night summer drive with the windows down and the volume on max, a pity party after a nasty break-up, or just to hang in your hammock with a good book, this band has a song for it all. There's just something about authentic music that can just put you in an unmatchable mood. Happy listening!
P.S. You're welcome
