J. Karjalainen (Jukka Tapio Karjalainen, born 1st April 1957, Helsinki) is … Read Full Bio ↴J. Karjalainen (Jukka Tapio Karjalainen, born 1st April 1957, Helsinki) is possibly the most critically acclaimed and successful Finnish singer-songwriter. Starting out in 1980 his early albums were a mix of rhytmic blue-eyed soul and pop rock, while his later albums have been increasingly influenced by folk and blues. J. Karjalainen has had a huge influence on Finnish rock music since the 1980s, as well as in the formation of Finnish blue-eyed soul scene. His music has been compared to the likes of Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, but of course, Karjalainen sings in his native tongue, Finnish.

His music is often blues influenced. Lyrical themes vary from childhood memories (like "Verinen Mies" or "Paskahousua") to varyingly obscure tales of everyday life. "Tulpaani ja Sadepisara", for example, tells a tale of a tulip on the verge of dying of thirst. Karjalainen has created a sort of alter ego which he refers to as "Laulumies", the singer.

His latest album Lännen-Jukka features himself alone with a banjo and sometimes a guitar, singing with a rough blues voice. The songs are mostly traditional (Finnish-)American folk songs.

Louise
J. Karjalainen Lyrics

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Emma Louise
Daylight she walks the street
No one calls her name
But it doesn’t matter to her cause, she knows they are afraid
But at night she cries to sleep, she pretends it’s a dream
She can hear them calling for her, Emma Louise
She’s tough as nails, or so it seems
They stand in line to love her boy, her love ain’t free

And at night she cries to sleep
Come and save me please
She can hear them calling for her
Emma Louise
She remembers you
How it was so sweet
She’s not sure how it happened but
She lost everything
And at night she cries to sleep
Come and save me please
She can hear them calling her home

Emma Louise
Oh Emma Louise

Overall Meaning

In the song "Louise" by J. Karjalainen, the lyrics depict a woman named Emma Louise who walks the streets during the daylight, seemingly unnoticed and ignored by those around her. Despite the lack of recognition, Emma Louise appears unfazed by it, as she knows that people are intimidated by her. However, as night falls, she reveals her vulnerability and inner turmoil, crying herself to sleep while pretending it's just a dream. Even though she may seem tough and unaffected on the outside, deep down, she longs for someone to come and save her from her loneliness and pain. The repetition of her name, Emma Louise, throughout the song emphasizes her sense of identity and longing for connection.

The lyrics suggest that Emma Louise is a strong and independent woman who has a mysterious allure, as indicated by the reference to how people stand in line to love her but her love is not easily given. Despite this outward facade, there is a sense of sadness and longing in her as she yearns for some form of rescue from her emotional distress. The contrast between her tough exterior and her vulnerable interior highlights the complexity of her character, showcasing that she is not just a one-dimensional figure but someone with depth and inner struggles.

The mention of Emma Louise remembering a sweeter time evokes a sense of nostalgia and regret, implying that something changed or went wrong along the way, leading her to lose everything she once held dear. This loss weighs heavily on her, leaving her with a sense of despair and a plea for salvation. The repeated plea for someone to come and save her emphasizes her desperation and loneliness, as she hears voices calling her name but feels isolated and disconnected from those around her. The recurring reference to her name, Emma Louise, serves as a poignant reminder of her identity and the longing for connection and belonging that she seeks.

In the closing lines of the song, the repetition of "Oh Emma Louise" reinforces the focus on her identity and struggles, highlighting her as a central figure in the narrative. The final plea for salvation and the yearning for home convey a sense of displacement and a desire for a place of comfort and belonging. Through the evocative lyrics and emotional depth of the song, J. Karjalainen captures the complex emotions and inner turmoil of Emma Louise, painting a vivid portrait of a woman grappling with loneliness, longing, and the search for solace in a world that seems indifferent to her struggles.

Line by Line Meaning

Emma Louise
The singer's name

Daylight she walks the street
During the day, she walks through life

No one calls her name
She feels unnoticed and insignificant

But it doesn’t matter to her cause, she knows they are afraid
She is aware that others fear her for being different

But at night she cries to sleep, she pretends it’s a dream
She hides her pain and sorrow at night when alone

She can hear them calling for her, Emma Louise
Despite feeling alone, she longs for connection and recognition

She’s tough as nails, or so it seems
She puts on a strong facade, but is vulnerable inside

They stand in line to love her boy, her love ain’t free
Others may want to be with her, but she values genuine love

Come and save me please
She reaches out for help and support

She remembers you
She recalls a past relationship or connection

How it was so sweet
Reflecting on happier times