Himinninn er að hrynja en stjörnurnar fara þér vel
Ólafur Arnalds Lyrics

These heartfelt lyrics from Ólafur Arnalds's song "Himinninn er að hrynja en stjörnurnar fara þér vel" delve into the delicate and poignant themes of memory, loss, and mortality. The opening lines evoke a nostalgic reminiscence of childhood innocence and curiosity, as the singer reflects on a moment shared with a loved one when they were still young and carefree. The imagery of playing in the park sets a scene of simplicity and joy, a time when life seemed full of wonder and possibilities.

The conversation about death between the singer and their companion introduces a somber and existential dimension to the lyrics. The question of what happens after death carries a weight of uncertainty and fear, especially for the child who voices their concerns. The singer's response, "you forget everything," suggests a belief in oblivion as the ultimate fate, where all memories and experiences are eventually erased. The uncertainty of what lies beyond, the idea of losing one's very essence, is a poignant and unsettling realization for the listener.

The poignant exchange between the singer and their companion highlights the vulnerability and fragility of human existence. The plea "You did not want to die. Never forget" captures a sense of longing and resistance to the inevitability of mortality, a yearning to hold on to the essence of being even in the face of its impermanence. The loss of what once was, symbolized by the fading remnants of their past connection, is described with a gentle yet profound metaphor of things slipping away with a "softest squeeze."

As the lyrics progress, the singer's introspective questions reveal a deep sense of personal loss and confusion. The poignant query "How did I forget? How?" reflects a sense of disbelief and remorse at the fading of memories or the inability to hold on to the essence of what was once cherished. The theme of forgetting resonates as a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the impermanence of human connections, and the bittersweet journey of growing up and navigating the complexities of life and loss.

In conclusion, through its introspective and evocative lyrics, "Himinninn er að hrynja en stjörnurnar fara þér vel" captures the universal themes of memory, loss, and mortality with sensitivity and depth. The song invites listeners to contemplate the fragile beauty of human existence, the inevitability of change and loss, and the enduring power of memory and connection amidst the transient nature of life. The poignant storytelling and emotional depth of the song create a resonant and introspective listening experience, inviting introspection and reflection on the complexities of existence and the enduring significance of memory and human connection.