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.
It's Not Easy to Be Human
A Camp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what used to please me just don't please me anymore
Animals kill in the jungle, people would like too
But it's not that easy to be human anymore
Animals kill in the jungle, people would like too
But it's not that easy to be human anymore
The song "It's Not Easy to Be Human" by A Camp is a contemplative piece that comments on the struggles and complexities of being human in the modern world. The opening lines reveal a sense of disillusionment with the world around us, with the singer confessing that what used to bring them pleasure no longer does. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the ways in which consumer culture can make us feel empty or the ways in which modern life can be overwhelming and stressful.
The repetition of the phrase "It's not easy to be human anymore" suggests that the singer is feeling a sense of despair or hopelessness about the human condition. The second verse suggests that humans have violent tendencies that rival those of the animal kingdom, but that there is something that sets us apart and makes it difficult for us to act on these impulses. This raises interesting questions about what it means to be human and what separates us from other animals.
Overall, the song feels both introspective and culturally critical, with the singer grappling with big questions about existence and purpose in the modern age.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not easy to be human anymore
The complexity of the world has made it difficult to navigate as a human being
And what used to please me just don't please me anymore
My desires and interests have changed as I have grown and become more aware of the world
Animals kill in the jungle, people would like too
Humans have an innate desire to compete and dominate like animals, but society has imposed restrictions on violent behavior
But it's not that easy to be human anymore
The challenges of modern society make it harder to be human and maintain a sense of morality and compassion
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: NATHAN PETER LARSON, NICLAS PATRIK FRISK, NINA PERSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vivek Singh
If he's angry that's fine but if he smiles that's the problem
Jefrryy
OMG His eyes and that smile drain everyones urine
Vivek Singh
@Jefrryy 😆😆
Mr Personal
So true
ricardo robinson
Facts bc when he smiles hes actually angry
Vivek Singh
@ricardo robinson lol 😆
Mouad Naf
only ref to make it on a video game cover. speaks volume about his presence in the field
YMT Studio
Which?
TiBoy P
@YMT Studio PES 3 and 4
Akbar
@YMT Studio on PS 1 too, good old days