Initially, the band played several concerts in Bergen and Western Norway during 2007 and 2008. Their song "Diamanter & Kirsebær" was released on a compilation disc titled Opplett 2008 featuring music from Bergen-based acts including Fjorden Baby!, Kommode, The New Wine, Razika, Di Kjipe and Lars Vaular. In addition, they opened for Norwegian rock band Fjorden Baby! in a major concert on 18 December 2008.
The band was featured on NRK Urørt broadcast on P3 n 2008, and one of the finalists for best act in Urørt's annual show finishing in third place. In February 2009, they performed at the by:Larm music festival in Oslo. Also in February 2009, they were signed to Norwegian record label Voices Music & Entertainment (also known as VM&E).
The band's debut album was released on 14 September 2009 and well-received by critics and selling over 15,000 of the album. During Spellemannprisen equivalent to the Grammys held on 6 March 2010, they won the classic rock award in addition to being nominated for "best newcomer of 2009".
On 7 February 2011, the band released their second album Det nærmeste du kommer followed by an EP Vinterkarusellen with Nils Bech in February 2012.
JON&Gjengen split up as friends in 2013 as announced on Facebook by John Olav himself, and was followed by several concerts with the last one ever being held in Bergen November 16th.
Fra vin til vann
John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Herregud John Olav
Herregud John Olav
Herregud John Olav
Herregud John Olav
Herregud John Olav
Se meg gjøre vin til vann
Se meg gjøre vin til vann
Min frihet slutter der
Her som din begynner
Begynte som barn i snø
Endte i et tankesett som frøs
Vi som fanger av vår egen tid
Løper på stedet hvil
En gang så sterk og fri nå bare en konsekvens
Av et kompromiss
Gjør du det du vil
Gjør du det din gud vil
Drømmer du om en tur til et høyere sted
Høyere du henger blir det bare lenger
Høyere du henger blir det bare lenger
Høyere du henger blir det bare
Lenger å falle ned
Se de falle ned
Se de falle ned
Se de falle ned
Se meg gjøre vin til vann
Se meg gjøre vin til vann
Min frihet begynner her
Der som din slutter
Kutter en ledning for en større men enklere mening
Glir som en fugl som fløy forbi
I bildet fra en svunnen tid
En gang så sterk og fri nå bare en konsekvens
Av et kompromiss
The song "Fra vin til vann" by John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen delves into deep themes of self-realization, freedom, and the consequences of compromise. The repetition of the name "John Olav" throughout the song may symbolize a sense of urgency or a call for attention, perhaps directed towards the singer himself or to someone else with that name.
The lyrics "Se meg gjøre vin til vann" which means "See me turn wine into water" can be interpreted as a metaphor for transformation or a shift in perspective. This act can be seen as a symbol of change or redemption, where something indulgent or intoxicating is transformed into something pure and essential.
The juxtaposition of "Min frihet slutter der, Her som din begynner, Begynte som barn i snø" translates to "My freedom ends where yours begins, Started as a child in snow." This part of the song reflects on the idea of limitations, intertwined destinies, and the journey from innocence to a frozen mindset. The mention of being "prisoners of our own time" and running in place signifies a feeling of stagnation and a lack of progress or true freedom.
The themes of personal agency and divine will are explored in the lyrics "Gjør du det du vil, Gjør du det din gud vil, Drømmer du om en tur til et høyere sted," which translates to "Do you do what you want, Do you do what your god wants, Do you dream of a trip to a higher place." This can be interpreted as questioning motives, aspirations, and the pursuit of higher ideals, while warning of the potential pitfalls of climbing too high and facing a greater fall. The imagery of falling and the act of turning wine into water may symbolize a humbling or purifying experience.
Overall, "Fra vin til vann" appears to be a reflective piece that touches on themes of personal growth, the consequences of compromise, and the pursuit of freedom and authenticity. The song challenges listeners to examine their choices, beliefs, and the motivations behind their actions, while hinting at the transformative power of shedding illusions and embracing a simpler, more meaningful existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Herregud John Olav
Expressing a sense of amazement or disbelief towards John Olav
Se meg gjøre vin til vann
Witness me transform wine into water
Min frihet slutter der
My freedom ends there
Her som din begynner
Here where yours begins
Begynte som barn i snø
Started as a child in the snow
Endte i et tankesett som frøs
Ended up in a mindset that froze
Vi som fanger av vår egen tid
We as captives of our own time
Løper på stedet hvil
Running in place
En gang så sterk og fri nå bare en konsekvens
Once so strong and free now just a consequence
Av et kompromiss
Of a compromise
Gjør du det du vil
Do you do what you want
Gjør du det din gud vil
Do you do what your god wants
Drømmer du om en tur til et høyere sted
Do you dream of a trip to a higher place
Høyere du henger blir det bare lenger
The higher you hang, the longer it gets
Høyere du henger blir det bare
The higher you hang, it just becomes
Lenger å falle ned
Further to fall down
Se de falle ned
See them falling down
Min frihet begynner her
My freedom begins here
Der som din slutter
Where yours ends
Kutter en ledning for en større men enklere mening
Cutting a cord for a greater but simpler meaning
Glir som en fugl som fløy forbi
Gliding like a bird that flew past
I bildet fra en svunnen tid
In the image of a bygone era
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind