Lekman recorded and released much of his material privately from 2000 to 2003 on CD-R. Because one of his songs during this time was entitled "Rocky Dennis' Farewell Song to the Blind Girl", Lekman was mistakenly referred to as Rocky Dennis for a while (the song was actually written from the perspective of the main character of the 1985 film Mask). Lekman says that it was a "mistake": "someone thought that was my real name cause I had a song about him, and then radio picked up on it, and I never had a chance to change it". He put the confusion to rest with his Rocky Dennis in Heaven EP (2004).
His self-released 7" vinyl EP Maple Leaves caused a big stir in 2003, mainly due to sound files circulating on file sharing networks. When the same EP was released on CD by the Swedish independent label Service Records in the autumn, he was already a well-known name. The songs Maple Leaves and Black Cab were heavily played on Swedish national radio. He soon signed a contract with the American label Secretly Canadian for releases outside of Sweden. Heavy touring and his debut album soon followed.
His first album When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog was released in 2004, and consisted of recordings made between 2000 and 2004 (some tracks had been previously released independently by Lekman). The album attracted attention among the alternative music press in both Europe and the US. The song You Are The Light was a successful radio hit, and a video received some rotation in the Nordic MTV and ZTV. In Sweden the album reached #6 in the national chart. Lekman was nominated for three Swedish Grammies, three P3 Guld and three Manifest awards, as well as dubbed album of the year by Nöjesguiden.
A concert film shot from Lekman's sold-out show with José González at Göteborg's concert hall in December 2003 was broadcast by Swedish national television two times in 2005. In June 2005, a compilation CD of Jens' first three EPs, with extra tracks, was released as Oh You're So Silent Jens. Lekman also had a track on Secretly Canadian's SC100 compilation, released in April 2007.
His latest album, Night Falls Over Kortedala, was released in October 2007, and appeared on many lists for the best albums of said year.
Live performances by Lekman differs in style. Sometimes he performs alone with only a guitar and a CD player, or doing a capella versions of his songs. Other times, he is accompanied by a choir and string quartet, and he was recently seen on tour with a full band (including horns etc) consisting of all women musicians, dressed in white 60s dresses.
Official: [http://www.jenslekman.com]
Fan-site/Forum: [http://www.mapleleaves.se]
Kanske är jag kär i dig
Jens Lekman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who had a pig for a pet
His mom had once been attacked by a dog
So a pig was the closest thing he could get
This has of course nothing to do with anything
I just get so nervous when I'm talking to you
All I think about everyday is just kissing you
Ah-ooooh
Kanske ar jag kar i dig
I offered you some chocolate
You declined so sweetly and commented on my jacket
"It makes you look like a lumberjack, but are you man enough to wear it?"
I said, "It used to be my grand-grandfather's, what could I do but inherit it?"
My words are just c-c-c-coming out all wrong
I sure could use a little help
I think I'm gonna drop my cool now
The best way to touch your heart is to make an ass of myself
Ah-ooooh
Kanske ar jag
kär i dig
In these lyrics, Jens Lekman reflects on the nervousness that overcomes him when he talks to someone he has feelings for. The first verse tells the story of a little boy who has a pig for a pet because his mother was attacked by a dog, giving some insight into Lekman's tendency to bring up seemingly irrelevant information when he is anxious. The chorus, which translates to "Maybe I'm in love with you," is a straightforward admission of his feelings for the person he is addressing.
The second verse describes an interaction in which Lekman offers the person some chocolate, and they decline but comment on his jacket. He tries to explain that it has sentimental value, but again, his words come out "all wrong." He decides that the best way to win their affection is to be vulnerable and make a fool of himself.
Overall, the song captures the overwhelming feelings of infatuation and anxiety that come with having a crush. Lekman's lyrics are relatable and evoke a sense of nostalgia for those early days of a crush when every interaction feels significant.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw on TV about this little kid
I am starting a conversation but I am quite nervous.
Who had a pig for a pet
The conversation starter is not really relevant, in fact I am a bit uncomfortable.
His mom had once been attacked by a dog
I might be rambling now, but there is something about you that makes me want to share my thoughts.
So a pig was the closest thing he could get
I am trying to connect with you on a deeper level by sharing something personal.
This has of course nothing to do with anything
I acknowledge that this story was random and unnecessary, sorry about that.
I just get so nervous when I'm talking to you
I am interested in you but I am lacking confidence.
All I think about everyday is just kissing you
You occupy my mind constantly, I cannot stop thinking about you.
An old feeling that feels refreshingly new
This attraction between us is familiar but also exciting and new.
I offered you some chocolate
I am trying to impress you, to show you I care by sharing something sweet.
You declined so sweetly and commented on my jacket
Your reaction to me was polite, but I may have read too much into that one compliment.
"It makes you look like a lumberjack, but are you man enough to wear it?"
You are challenging me, I sense you want me to prove myself.
I said, "It used to be my grand-grandfather's, what could I do but inherit it?"
I am trying to impress you by sharing a little bit about my family history and lineage.
My words are just c-c-c-coming out all wrong
I am feeling quite embarrassed now, my stammering speech reveals my nervousness.
I sure could use a little help
I wish I was more confident, I could use your support right now.
I think I'm gonna drop my cool now
I am going to let down my guard, show you the real me.
The best way to touch your heart is to make an ass of myself
I believe that by exposing my vulnerability, I can make a genuine connection with you.
Ah-ooooh
This is a musical expression of my emotional state.
Kanske ar jag kar i dig
The Swedish phrase translates to "Maybe I'm in love with you".
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BUSCUS012
Wish Jens left this version on spotify
@chinowej
Love the chopped up horns at the end.
@bf2fsxcod4412
Good to have this preserved! They took the old version down
@ricerice566
Siiick doo wop sample. And the last minute of the song, when the beat glitches and stutters out, just jaw-dropping stuff.
@rickhunter77
i love this song. i also love my friend Maria for sharing Jens' music with me...
@gaibego909
this one makes me feel like I´m on another level, a higher and better level specially with those trumpets at the end that last very very little.
@Kill80moz
Jens is gorgeous! And his lyrics beautiful <3
@margethemouse
Jens is a Master Artist.
@kaisamsa
This makes my heart warm.
@weasleynmunatoti
I love this, lyrics are amazing and so true! ;) <3