Jónsi is a pseudonym of, at least, two Icelandic artists:

1) Jón Þór… Read Full Bio ↴Jónsi is a pseudonym of, at least, two Icelandic artists:

1) Jón Þór Birgisson is the lead singer and guitarist for Sigur Rós and half of Jónsi & Alex, known for his soft falsetto voice . He released his solo debut album, Go, on April 6, 2010.

Birgisson grew up in Iceland, raised by parents who weren't particularly musical; his early memories include playing The Beatles at double speed on his turntable and listening to and playing along with Iron Maiden records. You can hear him speak at length about his musical past and loves in a recent episode of "All Songs Considered," in which Birgisson plays guest DJ. His history as Sigur Ros' singer and guitarist spans 16 years, during which time the band has released five studio albums and coined a unique sound that has yet to be matched by any act since.

2) Jón Jósep Snæbjörnsson (b. 1 Jun '77), is a singer & member of Í Svörtum Fötum ("In black clothing"). He was Iceland's Eurovision Song Contest 2004 representative, finishing 19th. He has also competed at Söngvakeppni Sjónvarpsins 2007, which is a television show to pick Iceland's song for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Segðu Mér.

Sinking Friendships
Jónsi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Now
You
Go)

We're swimming in the blue, my misfortune
Will light bring lighter blue?
My eyes are soaked all way through

We're sinking friendships
We drown more and more

I'm singing a sad tune
Is this song to you? (oh oh oh)
Is this song to you? (oh oh oh)

Wishes overdue are well saved in locks
Wishes overdue

No one knows you, till it's over
You know no one true, till it's over

Is this song to you?
Is this song to you?

My lips are pale blue
My shivering half-moon
My lost night's slowest tune
Is the end of the end of the end

We're sinking friendships
We drown more and more

I'm singing a sad tune
Is this song to you? (oh oh oh)
Is this song to you? (oh oh oh)

Wishes overdue are well saved in locks
Wishes overdue

No one knows you, till it's over
You know no one true, till it's over

No one knows you, till it's over
You know no one true, till it's over

Is this song to you?
Is this song to you?

(You

Go
Now)

Overall Meaning

The song "Sinking Friendships" by Jónsi explores the theme of lost friendships and the feelings of sadness and isolation that come with it. The opening lines depict the singer immersed in blue, signifying the depth of their sorrow. They question whether a glimmer of hope or light will bring any relief to their misery. The next line reveals the extent of their anguish as their eyes are soaked all the way through.

As the song progresses, Jónsi sings about sinking friendships and how they drown more and more. The lyrical repetition of "Is this song to you?" suggests a plea for either reconciliation or closure. The words "no one knows you till it's over" reminds the listener that they may not truly understand someone's worth until it's too late. The bridge section discusses how some wishes may be overdue and that they are best saved locked away, possibly hinting at past regrets that cannot be undone.

Jónsi’s use of ambiguous lyrics and layered vocals adds to the complexity of the song, allowing each listener to interpret its meaning to their own experiences. Overall, "Sinking Friendships" is a poignant reflection on the consequences of losing a friendship.

Line by Line Meaning

We're swimming in the blue, my misfortune
We’re struggling in an uncertain situation, possibly involving sorrow

Will light bring lighter blue?
Will a change happen and bring us out of darkness and into hope?

My eyes are soaked all way through
I’m overwhelmed with sadness to my very core.

We're sinking friendships
Our relationships are falling apart

We drown more and more
They’re deteriorating more rapidly than we anticipated.

I'm singing a sad tune
I'm expressing my melancholy feelings in a song.

Is this song to you? (oh oh oh)
Is the recipient of this song the cause of our pain?

Wishes overdue are well saved in locks
Hopes that have not been fulfilled are often kept silent.

No one knows you, till it's over
You might think you know someone, but true character often only emerges in the end.

My lips are pale blue
My physical appearance is revealing my emotional state.

My shivering half-moon
I’m feeling anxious and fearful.