Nature Is Ancient
Bjork Lyrics

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It's bright in the middle
With a shell around it
It's called life

It goes wherever it wants to
Don't try to predict it
Then you'd offend it
It's meant to surprise

Chorus:
Nature is ancient
But surprises us all
(2x)

Rescue me
From level-headedness
An unnecessary luxury of being calm

[Chorus 2x]

She's got dark hairs on her head
And blood on her arms
She sneaks up from behind
Come on - you deserve it!

[Chorus 4x]

Nature is ancient
So ancient

Nature is ancient
Ancient

Overall Meaning

The first verse of Björk's song "Nature is Ancient" describes life as a bright energy that is enclosed within a shell, giving the sense of something bursting with vitality and protected by a tough exterior. The line "It goes wherever it wants to" represents life's unstoppable force and how it moves unpredictably, making it futile to predict its course. To attempt to do so, in fact, would be an offense to life because it is meant to surprise us. It exemplifies a perspective where life is an autonomous entity that has its own will and intelligence. The chorus emphasizes the idea of how nature itself is ancient, having stood the test of time and always surprising us, no matter how much we think we know about it. The metaphor of life being something that cannot be controlled is poignant and profound, representing the inherent complexity and mystery of existence that cannot be explained or fully comprehended.

The second verse describes how being too level-headed and calm can be luxury, indicating that these traits are not always beneficial. Nature is a force that disrupts calmness and tranquility, and being in such an environment can be grounding and life-affirming. The final lines of the verse describe a powerful figure, likely a goddess or mythological entity, with dark hair and blood on her arms. The violent imagery contrasts with the serenity of the previous lines, accentuating the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of life's energy.

Line by Line Meaning

It's bright in the middle
Life is a source of light and energy, full of opportunity and potential.

With a shell around it
Despite life's potential, it is still fragile and must be protected from harm.

It's called life
This is the essence of existence, and its wonder should be embraced.

It goes wherever it wants to
Life is unpredictable, and attempting to control it goes against its very nature.

Don't try to predict it
To try to understand life is to risk reducing its beauty and power.

Then you'd offend it
To attempt to grasp the entirety of life is to risk offending the very force that brings it into being.

It's meant to surprise
Life is full of wonder and mystery, and surprises are an integral part of its essence.

Rescue me
I am in need of assistance, guidance, or aid.

From level-headedness
Being calm, rational, and in control goes against the nature of life and its unpredictability.

An unnecessary luxury of being calm
Attempting to control life or predict its outcomes is a waste of time and energy, and instead we should embrace its surprises.

She's got dark hairs on her head
The natural world is full of diversity, and we should celebrate and accept these differences.

And blood on her arms
Despite its beauty, the natural world is also harsh and brutal at times, and this must be acknowledged and respected.

She sneaks up from behind
The natural world is full of surprises and can strike at any moment.

Come on - you deserve it!
We should embrace the unpredictability and wonder of life, even if it is harsh or painful at times.

Chorus
The natural world is ancient, unpredictable, beautiful, and surprising. We should embrace its wonder and diversity.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BJORK GUDMUNDSDOTTIR, MARK THOMAS BELL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

steven

2y↑11

It's bright in the middle
With a shell around it
It's called life

It goes wherever it wants to
Don't try to predict it
Then you'd offend it
It's meant to surprise

Nature is ancient, but surprises us all
Nature is ancient, but surprises us all, all, all

Rescue me
From level-headedness
An unnecessary luxury of being calm

Nature is ancient, but surprises us all
Nature is ancient, but surprises us all

She's got dark hairs on her head
And blood on her arms
She sneaks up from behind
Come on - you deserve it!

Nature is ancient, but surprises us all
Nature is ancient, but surprises us all
Nature is ancient, but surprises us all
Nature is ancient, but surprises us all

Nature is ancient
So ancient
Nature is ancient
Ancient

All comments from YouTube:

D Snelson Alexander Rex

4y↑74

This album still sounds like it’s from the future. Björk is my favorite visionary.

Matthew Nienkirchen

She is from the future, but she has to use our machines to make the music. Seems frustrating.

Laimont Lynch

4y↑42

Way ahead of Her Time....

steven

2y↑11

ꕥ

4y↑28

This song kind of reminds me to St. Vincent's self-titled album.

Circolombisque

2y↑2

Gotta say I get more of a Post feeling than Homogenic from this song

PURGE

4y↑36

This album was not released in 1997, Change my mind

Armando Osuna

@Weird Guy I'm not sure what gave you that impression about me, because I'm constantly asking people how they get exposed to new artists or new music. I've heard Spotify is a popular Avenue but I mostly depend on YouTube, even tho I think it's function to find new talent can be elusive.