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."
What They Call Us
Fever Ray Lyrics
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I've done all the tricks that I can
Cinnamon bun in the oven
There's a fire in my hand
Did you see the light this morning
Sometimes there's this extra air
Sometimes I can keep my mouth open
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
My plan was flexible
Don't get stuck anywhere
Can I just hold you for a minute
Some things just ain't easy to repair
The person who came here was broken
Can you fix it, can you care?
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
I've got a plan that's flexible
Just don't stop anywhere
It's a common misperception
This is not a band
Ready for a dissection
Now mommy's gotta work, see the land
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
I've got a plan that's flexible
Just don't stop anywhere
The lyrics of Fever Ray's song "What They Call Us" convey a sense of desperation and a plea for understanding. The opening lines of the song express an apology, indicating that the singer has tried everything they can, but they are still struggling. The line "Cinnamon bun in the oven" may refer to pregnancy and the idea that the singer is trying to hold on to something precious. However, it is also possible that the line is used metaphorically to signify a sense of warmth and comfort that the singer is trying to hold on to in difficult circumstances.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Did you hear what they call us? Did you hear what they said?" This repetition may suggest that the singer has been the subject of criticism or stereotypes, and feels misunderstood or insulted. The line "My plan was flexible, don't get stuck anywhere" suggests that the singer has been caught off guard by the judgment of others and is trying to find a way to adapt.
The last lines of the song suggest that the singer has experienced a significant personal transformation. The line "Ready for a dissection, now mommy's gotta work, see the land" may suggest that the singer has become more analytical and self-aware, and is now ready to take on new challenges. Overall, the song conveys a sense of struggle and the need to adapt and grow in the face of criticism and adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
First I'd like to say that I'm sorry
I am apologizing at the start, acknowledging that I have tried everything but it might not have been enough.
I've done all the tricks that I can
I have exhausted all the methods I had to succeed.
Cinnamon bun in the oven
I am pregnant.
There's a fire in my hand
I have the power and energy to take on anything.
Did you see the light this morning
Did you witness the beauty of the day ahead?
Sometimes there's this extra air
There are certain moments that feel exceptional or extraordinary.
Sometimes I can keep my mouth open
Occasionally, I find myself speechless or unable to communicate.
I will stay if I dare
I will only remain if I have the courage to do so.
Did you hear what they call us?
Have you listened to the names people call us?
Did you hear what they said?
Have you heard the criticisms they directed at us?
My plan was flexible
My strategy was subject to change depending on the situation.
Don't get stuck anywhere
Don't remain stagnant or get trapped in one place.
Can I just hold you for a minute
May I embrace you for a brief moment?
Some things just ain't easy to repair
Certain issues are difficult or impossible to fix.
The person who came here was broken
The person who arrived here was damaged or wounded.
Can you fix it, can you care?
Are you willing and able to resolve or address the problem?
It's a common misperception
There is a widespread misunderstanding or misconception.
This is not a band
This is not a typical musical group.
Ready for a dissection
Prepared to be carefully analyzed or dissected.
Now mommy's gotta work, see the land
Now I have to work to support my family and maintain my livelihood.
I've got a plan that's flexible
I have a strategy that can adapt according to the situation.
Just don't stop anywhere
Just don't become stagnant or give up on the journey.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Karin Elizabeth Dreijer, Olof Bjorn Dreijer
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@entitybreathing
LYRICS:
First I'd like to say that I'm sorry
I've done all the tricks that I can
Cinnamon bun in the oven
There's a fire in my hand
Did you see the light this morning
Sometimes there's this extra air
Sometimes I can keep my mouth open
I will stay if I dare
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
My plan was flexible
Don't get stuck anywhere
Can I just hold you for a minute
Some things just ain't easy to repair
The person who came here was broken
Can you fix it, can you care?
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
I've got a plan that's flexible
Just don't stop anywhere
It's a common misperception
This is not a band
Ready for a dissection
Now Mommy's gotta work, see the land
Did you hear what they call us?
Did you hear what they said?
I've got a plan that's flexible
Just don't stop anywhere
@FeverRayMusic
Hello Everyone! We had some malfunctions in the tech department. About 30 seconds of the video is missing. Taking care of it now!
@davwunderbrrd6944
we love it anyway :)
@stopbunsen
I thought it was a creative choice lol
@daymysonset2883
Love love love it!!!!!
@123okpaul456
I guess the words "some malfunctions in the tech department" could be used to describe the video itself 🙂
@Blanc_L_Bleu_ART
😅😅😅
@LegPuppy
what the world needs right now! Welcome back Fever Ray. You have been missed
@fenzirulfr
12 years later and I am still listening to the first album. This is giving me the feels
@GreyEyesReviews
I am SO excited about this new album. The tone in this track alone hits right at the core. Love it.
@billiewalker6844
Fever Ray finally returning got me relieved but angry like a mother who’s child just turned up again in a mall. Never leave us so long again 😭😭😭