Mannerlaatat
Ismo Alanko Teholla Lyrics

The lyrics to Ismo Alanko Teholla's song "Mannerlaatat" touch on a number of themes, starting with the idea that love is fleeting and that hatred is pervasive in society. The lines "Kaikessa kauneudessaan, rakkaus on hiipuvaa/ kaikessa hurjuudessaan, vihakin vaikertaa" suggest that even when love appears at its most beautiful, it is in decline, and it is in the midst of chaos and cruelty that hate thrives. The next lines, "Suurilla sanoillamme leikimme kohtaloilla/ Kaivamme hautojamme hienoilla lapioilla," seem to point to human beings as the culprits of both love's demise and hate's rise. We play games with fate, and dig our own graves with fine tools.

The rest of the lyrics describe the author's experience of life, in which he loves cars, fancy goods, and gadgets but recognizes that none of these will last. He also enjoys food and drink, as well as mind-altering substances, but again recognizes their ephemeral nature. The chorus, "Kuulen kuinka mannerlaatat taas/ liikkuvat yössä/ meitä ei voi mikään erottaa/ olemme yhtä/ vedenpaisumus saa tulla vaan/ me emme pelkää/ rakkaus meidät kaikki pelastaa/ ja nyt saa nauraa/ Mannerlaatat meissä liikahtaa," suggests that despite the impermanence of material goods and even life itself, the author believes in a unifying force that connects us all and will ultimately save us. The repeated line, "presidentti rukoilee," which means "the president is praying," adds a layer of commentary about those in power and their supposed helplessness in the face of forces greater than themselves.

Overall, the lyrics to "Mannerlaatat" present a complex view of the human experience, emphasizing the transience of material things and the power of love, even in the midst of difficult times. The use of metaphorical language and repetition adds depth to the message of the song, and the inclusion of political commentary shows a desire to engage with the world in a meaningful way.