The band formed as the solo project of sing… Read Full Bio ↴Biography Hyacinth House
The band formed as the solo project of singer Mack Johansson 2003 when he studied to become a producer and sound engineer at the university of Växjö. Consequently the debut album involves no less than 17 musicians! However, during this process the band started to take shape under the working name “Hyacinth House”. The name never changed but instead seemed very fitting, hinting towards the jam sessions that toke place in “hyacinth houses” during the golden age of jazz in New Orleans, rather than the Doors song.
The first members melting into concept were gifted guitarist Andreas Berg, talented cello player Kristina Löfstedt and Mack’s brother Fredrik Johansson. The later picked up the banjo, harmonicas and the dobro to fit into the soundscape.
In 2005 the first self-titled album was finished. But despite being a brilliant, diverse and non-conform work, it never won the attention of any labels. Thus brothers Johansson created a platform of their own, True Music Production, and released from that. Late 2005 the album reached the Netherlands and sprouted. Until this day the Netherlands stays the Hyacinth House country number one.
At this stage drummer John Nyberg had joined the band and before that bas player Peter Norén. The band was now complete and threw two brilliant tours in the Netherlands before starting the exhausting process of recording a second album autumn 2006. The album was finished by summer 2007 and it was recorded mostly in a small and crude but inspiring old house on the countryside outside of Västervik. Following the success of the debut, this second album named “Black Crows’ Country”, once again attracted most attention in the Netherlands. But by now other actors had gotten their eyes on the band...
November 2007 Glitterhouse and True Music Production came to terms regulating a license deal for “Black Crows’ Country”. Release date set for the 29th of Feb 2008. Thus opening up the major part of Europe and most importantly the German market.
The band’s first and foremost creative forces are Mack Johansson, Fredrik Johansson and Andreas Berg - so far being the originators to all material. But the music comes from the band, which no longer can be called a solo-project but a very talented crew of musicians boasting a unique, diverse and rich sound.
On Top Of The World
Hyacinth House Lyrics
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From all your catalogues
On token pictures
And blurry photographs
No ark to save those who didn't last
Under water in your science labs
On top of the world
So now just train my eyes
And name our wars
The safe addiction
And plastic autocrats'
Arms been saved
For the bitter ends
You know we're waiting
For your skies to land
On top of the world
You're on top of the world
You're on top of the world
On top of the world
The lyrics to Hyacinth House's song "On Top of the World" are a commentary on the state of the world and the power dynamics that dictate it. The first verse describes how the greatest visions of humanity are recorded in token pictures and blurry photographs, suggesting that we as a species have not yet found a way to truly capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us. The mention of an ark to save those who didn't last is a reference to the biblical story of Noah's Ark, which is often used as a metaphor for salvation or rescue. However, in this case, the lack of an ark suggests that there is no safety net for those who cannot survive in the world as it currently exists.
The second verse continues with this theme by describing the "safe addiction" and "plastic autocrats" that rule the world. The line "Arms been saved for the bitter ends" suggests that there is a sense of impending doom, and that those in power are hoarding weapons and resources for a time when they may need them. Finally, the lyrics conclude with the line "You know we're waiting for your skies to land", which can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could be a wish for some sort of divine intervention, or it could refer to a hope that those in power will realize the harm they are causing and take meaningful action to change things.
Overall, "On Top of the World" is a thought-provoking commentary on the state of the world, and the ways in which power and control are wielded by those at the top.
Line by Line Meaning
The greatest visions
Your company promises the grandest ideas
From all your catalogues
Displayed on every piece of marketing material you've ever made
On token pictures
Glimpses of success presented to the public
And blurry photographs
Unfocused glimpses of what is possible
No ark to save those who didn't last
There is no compassion for those who fail to succeed
Under water in your science labs
The price for failure is drowning in research and development costs
On top of the world
Your company feels invincible
You're on top of the world
Your company feels invincible
So now just train my eyes
Teach me to see the world as your company sees it
And name our wars
Identify what we are fighting for
The safe addiction
The company's products are a dependable and consistent desire for your life
And plastic autocrats'
Leaders made of easily molded and manipulated material
Arms been saved
The company has kept resources in reserve
For the bitter ends
To use in case of emergency or danger to the company
You know we're waiting
We are eager to see what the company has in store for us
For your skies to land
For your new, innovative ideas to come down to earth and take flight
On top of the world
Your company feels invincible
You're on top of the world
Your company feels invincible
You're on top of the world
Your company feels invincible
On top of the world
Your company feels invincible
Contributed by Sophia G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.