Rosensfole
Jan Garbarek Lyrics

The lyrics of Jan Garbarek's song "Rosensfole" depict a story of longing and desire, expressed through a metaphorical narrative. The singer, Rosensfole, is described as someone who is unwilling to settle for ordinary sustenance, conveyed through the line "Rosensfole ville 'kje eta konn" (Rosensfole did not want to eat grain). Instead, he craves something more precious and valuable, symbolized by his desire for "sylvarhonn" (silver honey). This suggests his yearning for an exceptional and rare experience, something beyond the ordinary.

The song then goes on to describe how the locks and chains were set to prevent Rosensfole from accessing what he desires. However, he breaks through all barriers and restrictions, destroying the locks effortlessly, as seen in the lines "So sette dei fyre dei låsanne ni, Sadel inn mæ marmor å steinar, Rosensfole han sprengde dei adde ni" (So they placed locks on the gates, Saddled with marble and stone, but Rosensfole blew them apart).

The narrative continues as Rosensfole runs across lands, over waters, and through meadows, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of his desires and his unwavering determination. The line "Rosensfole sprang på sunde å såm" (Rosensfole ran over straits and meadows) suggests his relentless journey, driven by his insatiable longing, represented by his continued existence in his "silkjetaumar" (silk fetters).

The lyrics then reflect on the consequences of Rosensfole's relentless pursuit. The line "Ha' de' 'kje vore for manneor" (If it hadn't been for many) suggests that if it weren't for the limitations imposed by society and the restrictions of reality, Rosensfole's desires would have been fulfilled. The singer's longing is so intense that even in death, he wishes to be buried with his desires, as expressed in the line "Ha eg grave rosensfole i vigde jord" (If I buried Rosensfole in consecrated earth). This emphasizes the depth of his yearning, an unquenchable desire that defines his existence.

In summary, Jan Garbarek's lyrics in "Rosensfole" portray a protagonist named Rosensfole, who represents an individual refusing to settle for mundane pleasures and instead yearning for something extraordinary. The song captures his unyielding pursuit of his desires, breaking through all barriers and limitations. The lyrics reflect on the consequences of such unwavering longing and the pervasive nature of desire, even extending beyond death.