Although perhaps best known as an artist on the ECM record label, Bjørnstad is also an accomplished writer, having published some 20 books (predominantly novels) and a number of poetry and essay collections.
Ketil Bjørnstad made his debut with the Oslo Philharmonic in 1969, 16 years old, playing Bartok nr. 3. Listening to Miles Davis' "In a silent way" made him want to create his own music. Thanks to the very lively milieu around the Oslo music spot "Club 7" in the seventies, he met with poets, painters, jazz-musicians, and was encouraged to find his own style. Onthe first recording in 1973, called Åpning, he played with the drummer Jon Christensen for the first time. Jon was extremely important for Ketil, playing on three more albums, including the two The Sea albums for ECM.
Among Ketil Bjørnstad’s most important musical influences are Bach, Ravel, Prokofiev, Stravinskij, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and folk music. In his time he has collaborated with some of Scandinavia’s most distinguished folk- and rock-singers, like Ole Paus and Cornelis Vreeswijk. In the classical milieu he has collaborated much with the mezzo-soprano Randi Stene and the viola player Lars Anders Tomter. For his efforts he has had the honour of receiving a Norwegian Grammy award.
He has frequently collaborated with other ECM artists, including American cellist David Darling, drummer Jon Christensen, and guitarist Terje Rypdal.
song
Ketil Bjørnstad Lyrics
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The light that shines comes from thine eyes;
The day breaks not: it is my heart,
Because that you and I must part.
Stay! or else my joys will die
And perish in their infancy.
In Ketil Bjørnstad's song "Song," the singer implores their lover to stay and not leave them in order to preserve the joy that they share together. The imagery of light emanating from the lover's eyes represents the hope and happiness that they bring into the singer's life, and the impending separation threatens to extinguish that light. The singer's heart is metaphorically connected to the day, further underscoring the idea that the lover's departure will bring darkness and despair. By urging their lover to stay, the singer fears that their happiness will wither and die, unable to reach its full potential without the person they love.
The use of repetition in the lyrics, particularly the refrain of "Stay!" reinforces the urgency and desperation of the singer's request. The use of the word "infancy" to describe their joy further emphasizes the fragile and vulnerable nature of their relationship, at a point where it could easily be snuffed out by separation. The poem speaks to the common human fear of losing something (or someone) that brings us happiness and the desperate measures we may take to prevent that loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Contributed by Alexandra G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.