Since the age of 16, Kai Gundelach has been a fixture in Oslo's renowned cl… Read Full Bio ↴Since the age of 16, Kai Gundelach has been a fixture in Oslo's renowned club scene, first as an underage space disco enthusiast with a knack for getting past doormen and later as a DJ warming up for some of his teenage heroes. Kai's true musical ambitions, however, lie in writing introspective and honest pop songs, a craft he honed alone in his bedroom while earning a living playing records. Kai began to share his songs under the moniker Gundelach in late 2014, which led to him being handpicked by Say Lou Lou to support on their album tour, along with the release of his first track "Alone In The Night" in Norway and Sweden. The track now has over 1.4 million streams on Spotify.

After sending demos to Joel Ford (Autre Ne Veut, Oneohtrix Point Never, Cyril Hahn), the two began a collaboration and recorded Gundelach's debut EP in New York alongside Al Carlson (Ariel Pink, Tim Hecker, Neil Young). The first single from the EP, "Spiders" went into heavy rotation on Norwegian radio P3 as well as grabbing #1 on Hype Machine, being played regularly on BBC1 and getting attention from Pharrell Williams on his Beats1 show. Gundelach’s intricate electronics overlaid with wispy vocals and pulsating beats, have since earned him “ones to watch in 2016” status from Spotify, TIDAL and NRK P3.

Holy Water
Gundelach Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Holy water, no more long silences
I'll that holy ocean, no emotion
I'll ride ya
I'll ride ya
Holy water, no more long silences
'Ll ride that higher distortion, no more than raw emotion
Holy ocean, holy water
Ah Holy water

I don't wanna waste my time on this
Suddenly I know what I've been missing
I don't wanna blame it all on love
But I wanna be all you're dreaming of
I was in the shadows to persist
But isn't any world better than this?
I don't wanna waste your time on me
I'll ride your holy water, no more long silences
I'll ride that higher distortion, no more than raw emotion

Holy ocean, holy water
Holy, holy water

Overall Meaning

In the song "Holy Water" by Gundelach, the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and a desire for a deeper emotional connection. The repetition of the phrase "Holy water, no more long silences" suggests a plea for more open communication and vulnerability in a relationship. The mention of riding the holy water and higher distortion represents a willingness to fully immerse oneself in the intensity and unpredictability of emotions.

The lyrics continue with an acknowledgment of not wanting to waste time on trivial matters and a realization of what has been missing in their life. There's a conflict between not wanting to solely blame love for their feelings but also desiring to be the person that the other dreams of. The line "I was in the shadows to persist, but isn't any world better than this?" reflects a sense of dissatisfaction and a search for something more meaningful.

The repetition of "Holy water" at the end reinforces the theme of seeking emotional purification or renewal. It could also symbolize the desire for a transformative experience that brings clarity and purpose to their life.

Overall, "Holy Water" is a song that delves into the complexities of love, longing, and the quest for emotional fulfillment. It encourages open communication, emotional vulnerability, and a willingness to embrace the intensity of raw emotions.

Line by Line Meaning

Holy water, no more long silences
I have found solace and clarity, ending the periods of emptiness and lack of communication.

I'll ride ya
I will fully embrace and engage in this experience with you.

I'll ride ya
I will truly connect with you and cherish our time together.

Holy water, no more long silences
Once again, I have discovered a deep sense of peace and understanding, leaving behind the moments of quietness and distance.

'Ll ride that higher distortion, no more than raw emotion
I will embrace the intense and passionate feelings, allowing them to take me to new heights without restraint.

Holy ocean, holy water
This profound and transformative experience is likened to a sacred and purifying body of water.

Ah Holy water
Ah, this holy water brings me a sense of sanctity and enlightenment.

I don't wanna waste my time on this
I no longer desire to invest my time and energy in something unfulfilling or meaningless.

Suddenly I know what I've been missing
In an instant, I have realized what has been absent from my life and understand its significance now.

I don't wanna blame it all on love
I don't want to attribute all my experiences or emotions solely to love.

But I wanna be all you're dreaming of
However, I yearn to fulfill all the desires and aspirations you have envisioned.

I was in the shadows to persist
I have remained in the background, enduring and persisting through difficult times.

But isn't any world better than this?
But isn't any other reality or existence preferable to the one I've been living in?

I don't wanna waste your time on me
I don't want to be a burden or consume your time without a purpose.

I'll ride your holy water, no more long silences
I will fully embrace and partake in the profound and meaningful experiences you offer, leaving behind the moments of distance and quietness.

I'll ride that higher distortion, no more than raw emotion
I will immerse myself in the intense and passionate emotions without any limitations or filters.

Holy ocean, holy water
This extraordinary and purifying encounter is comparable to a divine and sacred body of water.

Holy, holy water
This is truly sacred and purifying water.

Writer(s): Kai Gundelach

Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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