White Winter Hymnal

I was following the, [x8]

I was following the pack,
All swallowed in their coats
With scarves of red tied 'round their throats
To keep their little heads
From fallin' in the snow
And I turned 'round and there you go.
And Michael you would fall,
And turn the white snow
Red as strawberries in the summertime. [...] [x3]

(White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes)

I do not remember when I first heard this song, but I know that I wanted to do something with it from the start. The unique and visual lyrics, complimented by the nostalgic, harmonious music, convey a deep meaning. Although a member of the group mentioned in an interview that the song was produced to focus on the vocal harmonies, I think otherwise. Above, I bolded the parts that both support my idea and help me imagine the symbolism as a visual scene. From my point of view, I believe the concept of the song centers on the loss of innocence. The scarves of red are probably things that prevent the process of growing out of childhood (To keep their little heads from fallin' in the snow), possibly the naivety of children. The fall signifies the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood, and, in turn, results in an injury that causes bloodshed, which is symbolized through red strawberries. The strawberries in the summertime seems to be ironic, since this gives a somewhat positive connotation to an event that is generally thought of as sorrowful. 

- Photoshop CS5

- Wacom Cintiq and Bamboo Pen and Touch

- Approximately 7 hours