It began in 2001 as a collaborative effort between Nina Persson (of The Cardigans) and Swedish singer, guitarist and songwriter Niclas Frisk (of Atomic Swing). The self-titled debut album A Camp was released later that year.
Persson and Frisk had recorded a collection of songs in 1998, but the project was suspended while they attended to other matters, including Persson's move to New York City with future-husband and fellow rocker Nathan Larson, an american film composer who had known some modest success in the 90s with his band Shudder To Think.
A second batch of recordings for the first A Camp record took place in Woodstock, New York, at the now-dufunct Bearsville studio. Work took place in a barn. Larson played bass. Kevin March (Dambuilders/ Shudder To Think/Guided By Voices) played drums.
The resultant album was released in 2001 in Europe, where it was a considerable success, and a significant hit in Scandinavia. The band toured extensively on the strength of the single I Can Buy You: the touring band included members of Soundtrack Of Our Lives as well as the above mentioned studio players. The album was awarded four Swedish Grammies.
In late 2007, NYC recording sessions included Joan Wasser, Nikolai Dunger, James Iha. The second album, Colonia, was released in January 2009.
A three-track EP named Covers, featuring interpretations of Pink Floyd's "Us And Them", David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging" and Grace Jones' "I've Done it Again", was released digitally in the United States on 9 June 2009 and in Europe on 16 June 2009.
Persson has continued to record and perform as a solo artist, and reunite with The Cardigans for occasional tours. There are not known to be any plans for further A Camp recordings.
Golden Teeth and Silver Medals
A Camp Lyrics
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When your romance goes to hell you
Better say farewell to what you thought was wealth
Ever get the feeling
That the paint has started peeling
Are you staring at the ceiling of your castle
Dreaming that you're someone else
Would you like to meet me in this song
(I've been hoping to)
Would you like to come and prove me wrong
(No, I'll agree with you)
Golden teeth and silver medals
Beautymarks and scars
That is what we got
Raindrops in a reservoir
And minutes in a jar
That is what we got
Maybe if I had another drink
I'd see the pattern in the blinking
Of the traffic lights
Do you think you're happy, Nicolai?
I don't know the answer Nina
Life is like a melody
A pendulum that swings
Between the major and the minor
It's a lullaby
I'm so glad I met you in this song
(it's just a breath I'll throw)
I'm so glad you're here to sing along
(My voice into the flow)
Golden teeth and silver medals
Beautymarks and scars
That is what we got
Raindrops in a reservoir
And minutes in a jar
That is what we got
I'm a little worried that the worst is yet to come
I'm afraid they'll leave us out here
Melting in the sun
We'll be second best until we know we have won
But until we do we'll sing this song
(Til we know we've won)
We'll sing until our need for it is gone
(We'll be singing this song)
Golden teeth and silver medals
Beautymarks and scars
That is what we got
Raindrops in a reservoir
And minutes in a jar
That is what we got
The lyrics of A Camp's song "Golden Teeth and Silver Medals" highlight the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the value we place on them in relationships. The opening lines suggest that when a romantic relationship fails, the things that were once considered wealth or valuable hold no resale value or worth. The song goes on to explore the idea that everything in life, whether it be beauty marks, scars, raindrops in a reservoir, or minutes in a jar, have the same level of significance, and are what we have to work with.
Furthermore, the song examines the idea of being content with who we are and what we have, even when it may seem like the worst is yet to come. The final lines suggest that until we overcome our "second-best" status and win, we will continue to sing this song. Overall, "Golden Teeth and Silver Medals" offers a poignant reflection on the importance of cherishing what we have, accepting our flaws, and finding contentment in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
That there is no resale value
When your romantic relationship is over, everything that you thought to be of value has become worthless and cannot be sold.
Better say farewell to what you thought was wealth
Once the relationship ends, you must also let go of everything that you believed to be riches or valuable.
Ever get the feeling that the paint has started peeling
Do you ever have a feeling that something is not right and is starting to fall apart?
Are you staring at the ceiling of your castle
Are you looking up, feeling trapped and isolated in your luxurious home?
Dreaming that you're someone else
Do you sometimes fantasize about being someone else who has it better or different from yourself?
Would you like to meet me in this song (I've been hoping to)
Do you have a desire to connect with someone and share your thoughts and feelings? 'This song' refers to a metaphorical space where two people can come together and communicate.
Would you like to come and prove me wrong (No, I'll agree with you)
Do you want to challenge my statement or perspective? Or would you rather go along with what I say?
Golden teeth and silver medals, Beautymarks and scars, That is what we got
We all have things that we like about ourselves, as well as flaws or blemishes. These are what make us unique and special.
Raindrops in a reservoir, And minutes in a jar, That is what we got
We have small, seemingly insignificant things that add up to make our lives, like drops of water that fill a reservoir, or minutes that we save in a jar.
Maybe if I had another drink, I'd see the pattern in the blinking, Of the traffic lights
The singer is suggesting that if they have another drink they may experience a moment of clarity or revelation and see patterns in the world around them.
Do you think you're happy, Nicolai? I don't know the answer Nina
The two singers are having a conversation, and one is asking if the other person is happy. The other person admits that they don't know the answer.
Life is like a melody, A pendulum that swings, Between the major and the minor, It's a lullaby
Life is like a song, with highs and lows that create a rhythm that can be comforting like a lullaby.
I'm so glad I met you in this song (it's just a breath I'll throw), I'm so glad you're here to sing along (My voice into the flow)
The singers are expressing their gratitude for the moment of connection they are sharing while singing this song. Even though it may be fleeting and temporary, it is still meaningful and worth cherishing.
I'm a little worried that the worst is yet to come, I'm afraid they'll leave us out here Melting in the sun
The singer is anxious about what the future holds and fears that they will be left alone to suffer.
We'll be second best until we know we have won, But until we do we'll sing this song (Til we know we've won), We'll sing until our need for it is gone (We'll be singing this song)
The singers are encouraging themselves and listeners to keep going, even if they are not the best at what they do or are unsure of their progress. They will sing this song until they feel fulfilled and satisfied with what they have achieved.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: HENRIK KARL PERSSON, JENS GUSTAF LANDEGREN, IMAN ESMAEILPOUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind