Hjálmar (the name has two meanings, either it means helmets, or is simply t… Read Full Bio ↴Hjálmar (the name has two meanings, either it means helmets, or is simply the given name Hjálmar) are an icelandic reggae band that has been playing together for about 4 years. They did two albums as the original line-up with a couple of swedish guys on board: Hljóðlega af stað (eng: Starting Quietly), (2004) and Hjálmar, (2005). They enjoyed much success in Iceland, and made icelandic reggae something to talk about and listen to. They toured a bit during the summer of 2006 and ended with a farewell concert in Skriðuklaustur, Iceland on August 20, 2006.

They have now made a come-back after this short break, but the swedish half has left the band and now it consists of the icelandic founding members + a couple of guys from icelandic jazz band Flís. They have just released a new album - Ferðasót (e.Travelsash) which has been well received in Iceland.

Later in 2008 they begun recording a new album and traveled to Jamaica to record there. The trip was a good success and a documentary was made about it.
They have released two singles in 2009, the songs "Heyrist Hverjum?" (Who Hears?) and "Manstu" (Remember). Their fourth Album release is scheduled in September 2009.

Anniversary
Hjálmar Lyrics

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I whisper love words in his ear under the sheets
asking for a kiss, a kiss before he leaves
he's walking away, away with his back to me
listen I have to remind him again that it's anniversary

I let the day go by
I don't know what I hear
celebrating the year

shouldn't be a reason to cry

I do not know why, why I hang around
I seem not to exist in the day what do I stand on solid ground
but when we're alone and the sun finally goes down
hey pull me in so I can hear your heart beat
wide along awake it sounds

I let the day go by
I keep my smile on tight
well it's our day and that is why
it shouldn't be a reason to cry

oh what a perfect day
why do I want to stray
well this is how we fade
our love has gone without a trace

he's walking away, away with his back to me
listen I have to remind him again that it's anniversary

it's been another year
I don't know what I hear
celebrating the year
just like the words I want to hear

oh what a perfect day
why do I want to stray
well this is how we fade
our love has gone without a trace

Anniversary

Overall Meaning

by Hjálmar is a poignant reflection on the struggles and complexities that can arise in a long-term relationship. The song begins with the singer whispering love words to his partner under the sheets, asking for a kiss before he leaves. However, the partner seems distant and uninterested, walking away with his back to the singer. The singer has to remind his partner that it's their anniversary, suggesting that perhaps the partner has forgotten or doesn't care about their relationship as much as the singer does.

As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the difficulties of their relationship. They seem to exist in different worlds during the day, but when they're alone at night, the partner pulls the singer close so they can hear each other's heartbeat. The singer struggles with the conflicting emotions of wanting to stay in a relationship that has faded and moved on without a trace, and feeling like they should be happy and celebrating their anniversary together.

Overall, Anniversary is a moving exploration of the ups and downs that can come with a long-term relationship. It highlights the importance of communication and effort to keep love alive, while acknowledging the pain that can come from staying in a relationship that may no longer be fulfilling or healthy.

Line by Line Meaning

I whisper love words in his ear under the sheets
I express my love to him while we are intimate in bed

asking for a kiss, a kiss before he leaves
I request a kiss from him before he goes away

he's walking away, away with his back to me
He is leaving without facing me

listen I have to remind him again that it's anniversary
I need to tell him again that it's our anniversary

I let the day go by
I don't do anything special for our anniversary

I don't know what I hear
I am not sure what to feel or think

celebrating the year
Commemorating another year together

shouldn't be a reason to cry
It should not make us sad

I do not know why, why I hang around
I question why I am still with him

I seem not to exist in the day what do I stand on solid ground
I feel invisible during the day and unsure of my place

but when we're alone and the sun finally goes down
However, when we are by ourselves and night comes