PDLIF

Album: Single release only (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and a handful of collaborators created "PDLIF" (Please Don't Live in Fear) while self-isolating during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Over a rising three-note saxophone and pealing piano, Vernon croons words of hope and comfort.

    Please don't live in fear
    We can't see from here right now
    Send it off from here
    And free your mind


    Said Vernon: "It serves as a subtle reminder that, though apart, we're never alone; the importance of collaboration and community remains as strong as ever."
  • Vernon centered "PDLIF" on a sample from Alabaster dePlume's 2012 track "Visit Croatia." It was Polica drummer Drew Christopherson who introduced the Bon Iver frontman to the song, and it immediately inspired him.
  • That's L.A.-based artist Kacy Hill crooning the chorus. Her 2014 track "Experience" made several prominent top songs of the year lists.
  • Bon Iver is donating 100% of "PDLIF" proceeds to Direct Relief, the humanitarian aid organization coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofits, and businesses to deliver personal protective equipment to responders across the US and the world.
  • Bon Iver gave the song its live debut during an October 22, 201 concert at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. It was the first of two special shows Justin Vernon and co. put on to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their eponymous second album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Paul Williams

Paul WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

He's a singer and an actor, but as a songwriter Paul helped make Kermit a cultured frog, turned a bank commercial into a huge hit and made love both "exciting and new" and "soft as an easy chair."

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Chris Isaak

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.