Mykonos

"Mykonos" by Fleet Foxes is a richly layered song that explores themes of escape, forgiveness, and the enduring bond of friendship or brotherhood in the face of personal turmoil. The song is often interpreted as a narrative about supporting a loved one—be it a friend or a sibling—through a difficult period, possibly involving addiction, mental health struggles, or the consequences of significant mistakes. The Greek island of Mykonos serves as a powerful symbol of refuge and purification, a place where one can go to 'dissipate shadows of the mess you made'. In Greek mythology, Mykonos was the site of a great battle between Zeus and the Titans, which adds a layer of meaning about conquering one's inner demons.

The lyrics are written from the perspective of an observer and supporter who, despite being affected by the 'mess', offers unwavering support. Phrases like "Brother you don't need to turn me away / I was waiting down at the ancient gate" suggest a deep, long-standing connection and a plea for reconciliation and acceptance. It speaks to the pain of watching someone you care about suffer ('I remember how they took you down / As the winter turned the meadow brown') while ultimately respecting their journey towards healing, even if it means physical distance. The closing lines, "When out walking brother don't you forget / It ain't often that you'll ever find a friend," serve as a heartfelt reminder of the value of true companionship, a final offering of love and wisdom.

The song begins with an abrupt, forceful event—a door slamming, which kicks up a cloud of dust, enveloping the narrator and another person. This is immediately followed by the sound of footsteps descending, suggesting a departure or a significant, impactful change. The narrator then addresses someone, presumably the person who is leaving, stating that they will go to Mykonos. This journey is characterized by a vision of a serene and gentle coastline, a place where the sun might have the power to erase the 'shadows of the mess' they've created. This implies a past filled with turmoil and mistakes, and Mykonos represents a sanctuary, a place for cleansing and starting anew.

The imagery then shifts to the natural world, with the narrator observing 'pallid animals' and 'snow-tipped pines'. These images seem to emerge from the 'orphaned mind' of the person being addressed, suggesting a sense of desolation, loneliness, and perhaps a creative but troubled imagination that is active throughout the night. The chorus repeats, reinforcing the idea of Mykonos as a destination for healing and escape from the consequences of one's actions.

A significant shift occurs in the bridge of the song, where the narrator speaks directly to a 'brother'. This term could be literal or a term of endearment for a close friend. The narrator pleads not to be turned away, revealing that they have been waiting at an 'ancient gate'. This 'ancient gate' could symbolize a long-standing point of connection, a threshold to their relationship, or even a metaphorical entrance to a shared history or understanding. The narrator acknowledges the other's departure, saying, 'You go wherever you go today'.

The song then delves into a memory of this 'brother' being 'taken down', a moment of defeat or hardship that coincided with winter turning the meadows brown. This imagery connects emotional pain with the death and decay of the natural world. Despite this painful memory, the narrator reiterates their acceptance of the person's journey. The final verses offer a piece of advice and a poignant observation: when out in the world, the brother should not forget that finding a true friend is a rare occurrence. The song concludes with the repeated phrase 'You go wherever you go today', a mantra of release, acceptance, and perhaps a hopeful farewell, letting the person find their own path to wherever they need to be.

"Mykonos" was written by Robin Pecknold, the lead singer and principal songwriter of Fleet Foxes. The song was recorded in 2007 and was included on their second EP, Sun Giant, which was released in 2008. Initially, the Sun Giant EP was intended to be a tour-only release, but due to high fan demand, it received a wider official release. Pecknold mentioned that for a long time, "Mykonos" was conceived as a soul song with big piano chords, but it lacked the layered context he desired. After completing their debut album, he revisited the song and decided it could be arranged to sound more like the tracks on that record, leading to its inclusion on the EP.

The song was produced by Phil Ek, a prominent producer in the Pacific Northwest music scene known for his work with bands like Built to Spill and The Shins. Ek had a pre-existing relationship with Pecknold and had helped the band record their first demo. "Mykonos" was released as a single in the UK on January 27, 2009, and in the US on May 5, 2009, on different record labels (Bella Union in the UK and Sub Pop in the US). The single featured different B-sides for its UK and US releases. An alternate, shorter version of the song was also included on the deluxe edition of their self-titled debut album.

The rhyme scheme in "Mykonos" is somewhat loose and follows a pattern that serves the narrative rather than adhering to a strict, traditional structure. In the verses, there's an ABCB pattern, as seen in lines like 'dust on us (A) / hollow sound torn up (B) / gentle coast (C) / mess you made (D)'. The focus is more on slant rhymes and assonance, which gives the lyrics a more organic, poetic feel. For example, 'Mykonos' and 'coast' create an end rhyme. The rhythm is one of the song's most compelling features. It has a driving, almost urgent tempo, often described as having a '60s backbeat. This propulsive rhythm, carried by the acoustic guitar, creates a feeling of movement and travel, perfectly complementing the theme of journeying to Mykonos. The interplay between the steady musical rhythm and the more fluid, conversational rhythm of the lyrics creates a dynamic tension that draws the listener in. The song's structure features a significant rhythmic and melodic shift at the bridge, which provides emotional release and emphasis on the core message of support.

"Mykonos" showcases Fleet Foxes' signature blend of literary and musical craftsmanship. The song is structured as a narrative poem, telling a story of departure and support. Musically, it's defined by the band's renowned vocal harmonies, which create a soaring, almost sacred atmosphere reminiscent of a church choir or classic 60s folk groups like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The song features a dynamic arrangement that builds in intensity. It begins with a steady, driving rhythm on acoustic guitar, creating a sense of journey and urgency. The vocal delivery from Robin Pecknold is earnest and emotive, conveying a wistful melancholy. The instrumentation is primarily folk-based, but with a grandeur that elevates it. The shift into the 'Brother, you don't need to turn me away' section marks a change in dynamics and emotional tone, becoming more direct and pleading. This transition is a key part of the song's power, highlighting what makes Fleet Foxes' music special: the use of distinct parts that combine to form a cohesive, emotionally resonant whole.

"Mykonos" is one of Fleet Foxes' most popular and enduring songs, serving as an entry point for many fans into their music. Originally released on the Sun Giant EP in 2008, the song gained significant traction and was later released as a single in 2009, peaking at number 51 on the UK Singles Chart. Critically, the song was well-received, with publications like Billboard and The New York Times praising its beautiful harmonies and emotional depth. The song's animated music video, directed by singer Robin Pecknold's brother, Sean Pecknold, also garnered acclaim for its unique and imaginative papercraft aesthetic. "Mykonos" has been certified Gold in the United States and the United Kingdom. Its influence extends to other artists; for instance, the singer Uwade Akhere gained Robin Pecknold's attention with her cover of "Mykonos," which led to her being featured on the Fleet Foxes album Shore. The song is a staple of the band's live performances and is often cited by fans as a favorite.

"Mykonos" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that deepen its emotional resonance.

• Mykonos: The titular Greek island is the central symbol, representing a sanctuary, a place of healing, and an escape from a troubled past. Historically, it's known as the place where Hercules defeated the giants, adding a mythological layer of overcoming immense struggles or inner demons. It's a 'vision of a gentle coast' that promises to 'dissipate shadows of the mess you made,' symbolizing hope and redemption.
• The Slamming Door: The opening line, 'The door slammed loud and rose up a cloud of dust on us,' symbolizes an abrupt and disruptive event, a point of conflict or a sudden departure that leaves confusion and turmoil in its wake.
• Winter and the Brown Meadow: The line 'I remember how they took you down / As the winter turned the meadow brown' uses the changing seasons as a metaphor for emotional devastation. Winter and the browning of a meadow represent a period of decay, loss, and hardship, mirroring the character's downfall.
• The Ancient Gate: The narrator 'waiting down at the ancient gate' is a powerful metaphor for steadfast, enduring friendship or familial love. The 'ancient' quality suggests a bond that is deep-rooted and has stood the test of time, an unwavering point of return or connection.

The most significant recurring phrase in "Mykonos" is the chorus: "And you will go to Mykonos / With a vision of a gentle coast / And a sun to maybe dissipate / Shadows of the mess you made." This refrain acts as the song's central thesis, appearing after verses that describe turmoil and inner conflict. Its repetition reinforces the idea of Mykonos as a constant source of hope and a destination for redemption. It's not a question of 'if' but 'when' this escape will happen ('you will go'). Another key recurring element is the address to 'brother'. This word frames the song's emotional core, establishing an intimate, supportive relationship. The phrase 'You go wherever you go today' is repeated multiple times towards the end of the song, transforming into a mantra of acceptance and letting go. This repetition signifies the narrator's resignation and supportive stance, allowing the 'brother' to forge his own path while reminding him of the rarity of true friendship.