Dreijer was born on 7 April 1975 in Gothenburg, Sweden. In 1994, they formed the indie rock band Honey Is Cool, where they served as the lead vocalist and guitarist. Together with their brother Olof Dreijer, they formed an electronic music duo The Knife in 1999, and have spanned a series of successful and critically acclaimed albums.
What would you do if one decade into your career you suddenly saw one of your songs turned into a worldwide hit, won six Grammis in your native Sweden and your latest release was declared album of the year by one of the world’s most influential music websites? If you’re Karin Dreijer, the answer is to take a couple of years off and return as a solo artist under a new name: Fever Ray.
In Dreijer's's own words: “I had so many songs to record that I just had to make an album. I thought I was going to have a longer break but I guess it will never happen. I can't stop working. My aim was to finish the album and, now that it's done, I'm a bit restless (good that The Knife has an opera to write then). During the last years, I discovered that I like to sing too, so I hope that my newly found live band Fever Ray will make it to the stages next year. We are rehearsing and building something beautiful and brilliant."
NOW
Fever Ray Lyrics
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And eyelash
Reappear
In a flash
Now's the only
Time I know
Early morning's
What's forsaken
I do not need
There is water
There is snow
Settling down
Door and room
Keep it tidy
Keep it like home
Now's the only
Time I know
Come here sparrow
Watch my hand
Black and blue seeds
That's what my hand can
Now's the only
Time I know
Do my hair
And paint eyelash
Reappear
In a flash
There is more
I'd like to know
Nine-fifteen
Then I'm done
Quiet front seat
And drive around
Through the water
Through the snow
The lyrics of "Now's the Only Time I Know" by Fever Ray are introspective and meditative, touching on themes of memory, time, and identity. The first stanza evokes a moment of fleeting recognition as dark features "reappear in a flash" - perhaps the singer has caught a glimpse of themselves in a mirror or a photo of a loved one. The refrain "Now's the only time I know" indicates that in this moment, the present is all that matters, and everything else is secondary. The second verse is similarly grounded, with a focus on domestic details like keeping a tidy home and caring for a bird. The final stanza speaks of routine and the passage of time, as the singer reflects on a ritualistic morning routine before heading out in their car, traveling through changing landscapes.
On a thematic level, "Now's the Only Time I Know" is a powerful meditation on the present moment and the importance of embracing it fully. The lyrics encourage mindfulness and staying connected to the present, rather than getting lost in nostalgia or worrying about the future. The song also touches on themes of self-identity, as the singer seems to be grappling with their own appearance and sense of self. Ultimately, the song's message is one of acceptance and gratitude - appreciating the small moments and finding joy in the everyday.
Line by Line Meaning
Dark brown hair
I am reminded of someone's dark brown hair
And eyelash
Specifically, it's their eyelash that comes to mind
Reappear
I can see it clearly in my mind's eye
In a flash
It's a fast, fleeting memory
Now's the only
This moment is all that matters
Time I know
I can't predict the future or change the past
Early morning's
The most productive part of my day
Greatest deed
Accomplishing something early gives me motivation
What's forsaken
I don't need to dwell on what I've given up
I do not need
I'm content with what I have
There is water
Nature provides basic necessities
There is snow
I appreciate the beauty of earth's elements
Settling down
Creating a space to call my own is important
Door and room
I value privacy and security
Keep it tidy
Orderly surroundings make me feel calm
Keep it like home
A sense of familiarity is comforting
Come here sparrow
I appreciate the company of animals
Watch my hand
I have a connection with nature
Black and blue seeds
I am planting something that will grow
That's what my hand can
I'm capable of nurturing life
There is more
I have a desire to learn and explore
I'd like to know
Expanding my knowledge brings me fulfillment
Nine-fifteen
Time passes quickly
Then I'm done
I have a routine that keeps me on track
Quiet front seat
Driving alone is peaceful
And drive around
I have the freedom to explore my surroundings
Through the water
I'm not afraid to take risks
Through the snow
I'm willing to endure hardship in pursuit of my goals
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KARIN DREIJER ANDERSSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind