JFDR’s music conjures up images of certain sensations which can only be exp… Read Full Bio ↴JFDR’s music conjures up images of certain sensations which can only be experienced in the wild. Perhaps this can be explained by the fact that Jófríður Ákadóttir (JFDR’s real name) was born and raised in Iceland, a country where nature is particularly awe-inspiring. Before launching her solo project, the 28-year-old artist was a founding member of the acclaimed electronic band Samaris, whose latest album was released seven years ago on One Little Independant Records, and the folktronica duo Pascal Pinon, which she formed with her twin sister Ásthildur when they were only 14. Artistic talent runs in their family – their father, Áki Ásgeirsson, is a respected musician and composer.

With her taste for experimenting, Jófríður has never hidden her admiration for Björk, who returned the compliment. Thus inducted by the queen of Icelandic music herself, the young multi-instrumentalist continues her career with a range of exciting projects, including soundtracks (for feature films, television and even a video game) and prestigious collaborations (with Damien Rice, Low Roar, Ólafur Arnalds, and Lapalux). Since 2017, she has performed on her own as JFDR, an abbreviation of her first name, and she has so far released several solo albums, mixing dreamy electronics with minimalist yet sophisticated folk music. Her third record, the superb ‘Museum’, will be released in late April 2023, blooming in perfect timing with the flora of spring.

Higher State
JFDR Lyrics

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With eyelids heavy as stone
Sun that's setting quietly behind the sea
I lay them tenderly back
Water cannot wash away your visage?

We go higher
When we fall
And we slowly conquer it all

We go wider
In the dark
And we face our fallen stars
With heavier eyelids than stone
Any glimpse of silence
Complete out of sight
I ease myself into sleep
Water cannot wash away our sorrows

We go higher
When we fall
And we slowly conquer it all
We go wider

In the dark
And we face our fallen stars

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of JFDR's song "Higher State" set the tone of weariness and melancholy. The heavy eyelids suggest exhaustion, perhaps from constant struggle or emotional drain. The comforting image of the sun setting behind the sea, however, implies that despite the weariness and struggling, there is still a beauty and peace to be found. The line "Water cannot wash away your visage?" is interesting because it implies a sense of permanence -- that the memory or presence of someone else cannot be erased or forgotten. It's possible that the singer is trying to find solace or some kind of resolution in the midst of personal turmoil.

The chorus holds a message of perseverance -- though they may fall and face their "fallen stars," they continue to rise and conquer. The line "Any glimpse of silence / Complete out of sight" is particularly striking because it's a contradiction -- silence suggests lack of sound or noise, while complete out of sight implies that something is visually absent. This line may suggest a lack of inner peace or mental clarity, even in moments of quiet. Finally, the line "Water cannot wash away our sorrows" is a powerful statement about the resilience of the human spirit. Though there may be pain and hardship, it cannot be erased or washed away, and yet we continue on.

Line by Line Meaning

With eyelids heavy as stone
My eyes are so heavy it feels like they are made of stone

Sun that's setting quietly behind the sea
The sun is setting silently in the background behind the sea

I lay them tenderly back
I gently close my eyes

Water cannot wash away your visage?
Can the water not erase your face from my mind?

We go higher
We rise above our problems and challenges

When we fall
After we experience failure or setbacks

And we slowly conquer it all
We eventually overcome our difficulties with perseverance

We go wider
We expand our horizons and understanding

In the dark
Even in times of uncertainty or fear

And we face our fallen stars
We confront our personal flaws and shortcomings

With heavier eyelids than stone
Despite feeling weighed down and tired