In 2011, he released the album Solidarity Breaks under the name Bernhoft, now based in Oslo, Norway. The album eventually claimed the #1 spot on the Norwegian album charts, and while having gained a solid fanbase ever since the beginning of his solo career, Bernhoft finally rose to national fame.
Choices
Bernhoft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It’s always what you make it but then you and I are the same
Choices
Peculiar how you throw them in my face while you abstain
This is all about equality
I’m sure you’ve heard of the term somewhere
You’ve made your own reality, no need to deal with me
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Show my face so there’s someone to aim for
And I won’t even try to disclaim
Though I shat on the fan
I did what I had to
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Why won’t you look me in the eye no more
It’s just gonna be yourself looking back
And you...
Choices
You say I made a bad one but how about yourself
Voices
It’s a cheap independence if you drift like a snowflake
You try to hide behind absurdities
Take a break and I’ll walk on water
Princes
Wake up and smell the coffee now I’ll just stay awake
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Show my face so there’s someone to aim for
And I won’t even try to disclaim
Though I shat on the fan
I did want had to
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Why won’t you look me in the eye, no more
It’s just gonna be yourself looking back
And you...
Over the hills and then even further away
And that’s Norwegian style
Send me your bills
I will pay them with interest
And all the best, all the best, all the best
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Show my face so there’s someone to aim for
And I won’t even try to disclaim
Though I shat on the fan
I did want had to
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Why won’t you look me in the eye, no more
It’s just gonna be yourself looking back
And you...
The song "Choices" by Bernhoft speaks about equality and how we all have the power to make our own realities. The lines "It's always what you make it but then you and I are the same" and "You've made your own reality, no need to deal with me" highlight this idea that we all have choices and should take responsibility for our own lives. However, the second verse also mentions how some people try to hide behind "absurdities" and use "cheap independence" to avoid taking responsibility.
The chorus repeats a call for the other person to "shout out" Bernhoft's name and look him in the eye. This may suggest that he feels like he's being ignored or overlooked, as he asks the other person to acknowledge him. The final verse includes the line "And that's Norwegian style" which could be interpreted as a nod to Bernhoft's Norwegian heritage or a reference to a particular cultural trait.
Overall, the theme of the song seems to be about the power of choice and how we can all take control of our own lives, but it also acknowledges the challenges of being seen and heard by others.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s always what you make it but then you and I are the same
Regardless of the choices we make in life, we are equal
Peculiar how you throw them in my face while you abstain
It's strange that you judge my choices while refusing to make your own
You’ve made your own reality, no need to deal with me
You have the power to shape your own life, so you don't need to rely on me
Why don’t you shout out my name?
Why don't you acknowledge me and give me the attention I deserve?
Show my face so there’s someone to aim for
Put me in the spotlight so I can have a goal to work towards
And I won’t even try to disclaim Though I shat on the fan I did what I had to
Even though I may have made mistakes or caused issues, I did what I felt was necessary
You say I made a bad one but how about yourself
You criticize my choices, but have you considered your own mistakes?
It’s a cheap independence if you drift like a snowflake
Claiming independence is meaningless if you lack direction and purpose
Take a break and I’ll walk on water
If you need time to regain focus, I can take charge and help you out
Wake up and smell the coffee now I’ll just stay awake
You need to wake up and face reality, while I will remain alert and active
Over the hills and then even further away
And that’s Norwegian style
My determination will take me beyond the limits, as is typical of Norwegian spirit
Send me your bills
I will pay them with interest
And all the best, all the best, all the best
I am willing to take care of your problems and wish you the best in all aspects of life
It’s just gonna be yourself looking back
And you...
When you look in the mirror, you will only see yourself and your own choices
Contributed by Molly Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@robbybanks8917
8 years later and I still listen to this song almost everyday. Love this tune, Bernhoft you are the master of looping!!!
@brunadeoliveiracarvalho748
Wow! Me too! 🇧🇷
@JoaoMota93
12 years now <3
@AppleJuice009
These Norwegian people are so talented, you can find raw talent in a small village and no one will know about it. Bernhoft should get more credit for his work, he is genuinely brilliant. Ja, vi elsker dette landet...
@kamillab7717
People. This is no auto-tune. Live recording. Nothing but pure talent. Seriously.
@ShyanTheLegend
Talent doesn't exist. Only dedication and passion and 1000s of hours of practice
@kamillab7717
I totally agree, but I think talent is something you can practice - after 1000s of hours you get talented
@ShyanTheLegend
Kamilla Brandal talented means youre inherently good at something. as far as i know, the closest thing to being born with certain abilities is your IQ level
@michal26691
Talent is how easily you can learn particular things. If you can learn, for example, a guitar lick in an hour, when every other person needs a few days, that's talent. In this case, it doesn't matter - this guy is amazing, that's all.
@thomasnicolaisen7312
@alakazam fam I`m not disagreeing with you, however I`m telling you that I could spend three quadzillion hours trying to learn and do what Bernhoft is doing, and I promise you it will be horrible! I my self am a musician, I play guitar, bass and argueably the drums, but I could never combine the voice, the guitar, the loop-skills Bernhoft has in any way! The voice he has was God-given and he has perfected it!
I know you can`t practice yourself to a good voice/vocal no matter how much dedication an passion you have. It`s a "you either got it or not"-thing. Trust me I`ve tried! I love singing, but when I sing, my cats leave the house!