“Take Note, There’s Still a Hole in Your Heart” – Volcano Choir, “Dancepack”

My wife and I often listen to Bon Iver, as Tom is a big fan of Justin Vernon. Justin also has another musical project called Volcano Choir, which we both also enjoy, for the most part. One song from Volcano Choir is called “Dancepack,” and while Tom doesn’t really care for the song’s arrangement, I’m particularly taken with the lyrics, which displays Vernon’s lyricism at his finest.

Like poetry, music has the uncanny ability to reveal emotions and truths that sometimes evade us in our day-to-day consciousness. Volcano Choir’s “Dancepack” is one such song that resonates deeply with me in particular, its haunting lyrics reflecting deeply on the struggles of moving on from pain and loss. The title itself is evocative, hinting at movement, rhythm, and celebration. Yet, the lyrics reveal a much more somber layer beyond the expectation of such a title.

“Dancepack” invites listeners into a realm where introspection meets urban chaos. Being that introspective, analytical essays are my peanut butter and jelly, this song was a perfect topic for one of my musings. The song’s lyrics capture fragmented moments and sentiments, painting a vivid picture of city life that’s both bustling and lonely. From these fragments emerges a broader narrative of internal pain and self-discovery.

The song begins with a series of questioning lines depicting a scene of disarray and restlessness: trees in a west-end lot, a dwindling pack of cigarettes, and an interaction with the police. The environment appears chaotic, and the reference to “piss on my boots” suggests a degree of degradation and a loss of control. This initial scene is juxtaposed with the image of the “dancepack looking for a crash pad spot,” suggesting a group seeking refuge or a place to let loose and escape the burdens of their surroundings.

The mention of being “all loan” and “at the top of the pack” portrays the loneliness of the individual in the crowd. The wordplay on “loan” instead of “alone” hints at the burdens of debt and the pressures of modern living. Meanwhile, the phrases “lay to the people and maid to the pines” and “riding her line” evoke a tension between urban life and the natural world, hinting at a deeper yearning for connection and grounding amidst the city’s tumultuous hustle.

Vernon then shifts the scene to “smoking outside the Computell,” which evokes a sense of modernity and detachment from nature. But then, there’s a reassurance, “I’m already never gonna fail you,” suggesting a longing for stability and commitment in a world that seems fleeting and unpredictable.

“There’s Still a Hole in Your Heart”

Dancepack’s core message is repeated as a haunting refrain, and it’s the line that inspired this essay: “Take note, there’s still a hole in your heart.” It speaks to the unfulfilled desires and unhealed wounds that linger beneath the surface, despite the distractions of city and suburban life. No matter how much one might attempt to bury these feelings with the hustle and bustle of urban existence, the emotional void remains.

Via the brilliant presentation of Justin Vernon, this line, so oft repeated, presents us with a vivid image: a heart that, despite time and efforts to mend, still bears an unhealed wound. The hole symbolizes an absence, a void left behind by a lost love or unfulfilled dream. It speaks to the universal human experience of yearning for something that’s gone or never even was.

The duality of the words “take note” is telling. On one level, it’s a call to acknowledge pain, to confront it rather than deny its existence. On another, it could be seen as a gentle nudge to remember the memories associated with the pain. Taking this perspective would suggest that the acknowledgment of past suffering can also be a path to healing.

Also, the juxtaposition of the song’s title “Dancepack” with this dramatic, introspective line is both striking and symbolic. Dance is often seen as a celebration, a form of liberation and self-expression. Yet, beneath the rhythmic beats and synchronized movements, even the most graceful dancer carries their own emotional baggage—their own “pack” of memories, regrets, and traumas. We all dance with our burdens, so to speak. The “Dancepack” is, therefore, a poignant metaphor for how we move through life with our personal histories and pains.

One could even argue that dancing, in this context, represents life’s attempt to move on, to continue despite setbacks. To dance is to try and fill the void, to bridge the hole in our hearts with moments of joy and connection. Yet, the weight of the “pack”—our past and the lingering effects of heartbreak—always remains.

“My Young Little Soul’s Unlearning to Walk”

The second half of the song offers potent reminders of the compromises we often make in modern life, such as “you’re shoveling shit and they pay you to talk” and “my young little soul’s unlearning to walk.” We often find ourselves sacrificing authenticity for survival, perhaps even regressing in personal growth and self-awareness in the process.

Vernon then offers a series of contrasting images: “Clover green” evokes freshness and life, while “a towel sopping wet in the street” brings forth a sense of something discarded and out of place. The song dances between moments of hope and despair, suggesting that life is a constant oscillation between these two poles.

The mention of a “warm winter coat,” though, provides a semblance of comfort. Yet, it’s juxtaposed with the chilling image of a “cold tow through the corn rows.” Again, there’s an interplay between warmth and cold, between comfort and discomfort.

The song closes with an invitation or perhaps a plea: “Take note, and elope for the fore.” This could be interpreted as an urge to run away, to seek a future free from the weight of the past and the present.

“Dancepack” by Volcano Choir is a beautifully complex narrative. This song urges us to confront our vulnerabilities, to recognize that healing is an ongoing process. Life is full of contradictions; we can dance with joy one moment and feel the weight of our past the next. But, we also can find the strength to move forward, to continue dancing despite the weights we carry.

One may even say that “Dancepack” is a masterful ode to the human condition, speaking to the universal experience of pain, loss, and the quest for healing. Vernon and company’s lyrics remind us that while time may dull the edges of our wounds, the imprints remain, guiding our dance through life. This song serves as a poignant reminder for us to pause and recognize the voids within ourselves. Only by acknowledging these can we hope to genuinely heal.

Here’s a great video for “Dancepack” made by David Dean Burkhart on YouTube.

~ Amelia <3