The title track «Pangea» - the first single from their upcoming album - shows a band who can still write anthems in Norwegian, and that easily can play at both big festival stages and at small village parties.
Kråkesølv’s music is still anchored in two guitars, bass, drums and lyrics written in their own dialect. But this time they have forced themselves to paint with a broader brush. «Pangea» shows a band challenging staid frameworks, and they are moving into landscapes that bands like Dungen and Radiohead have plowed before. But, as always, Kråkesølv land safely on their own Northern Norwegian feet.
The reason why Kråkesølv now are taking a different direction than before, is mainly due to their producer, Lars Horntveth (Jaga Jazzist, Susanne Sundfør). In addition to producing, he has contributed in many ways, with giving good advice, with being a motivator and with playing instruments like piano, mellotron and vibraphone. Throughout the entire recording process, Horntveth has also been offering them fresh coffee and fiery cheers.
Their lyrics have the same melancholy character that has coloured Kråkesølv’s universe since their debut album, and they continue to make connections between interpersonal and universal matters.
Hoffnarr
Kråkesølv Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Og alt de sir svir i mæ som sorga
Kald som is
De snik sæ stille som slanga
Aldri vil æ spæll etter demmes anslag
Æ ska aldri bli en hoffnarr
Aldri bli en hoffnarr
Storslått selskap
Sikkerhet og penga
Da har man vel råd til
Å risiker noen venna
Men trur du du e mett da
Trur du du e metta
Når du har bitt i hundre tusen sure epla
Aldri bli en hoffnarr
Aldri bli en hoffnarr
Æ gjør ikke det her førr at du ska bli underholdt
Æ stilla mæ ikke over eller under noen
Trur du kan få mæ til å føl mæ overgått
Ska aldri bli en hoffnarr
Aldri bli en hoffnarr
The lyrics of Kråkesølv's song "Hoffnarr" convey a sense of cynicism towards society's obsession with money, status and social masks. The singer is tired of being surrounded by fake smiles and people who only care about their own success, even if it means stepping over others. The metaphor of being eaten alive by fake smiles like gangrene emphasizes the harm caused by insincerity and hypocrisy. The pain inflicted by the words of others is compared to that of grief, emphasizing the emotional toll that comes with being constantly exposed to such attitudes.
The singer refuses to become a court jester, an entertainer who is expected to amuse others and put on a show at the expense of their own dignity and integrity. The jester is often seen as inferior to those in positions of power, as they are seen as a means of entertainment rather than a respected individual. The repeated "I will never become a court jester" refrain emphasizes the singer's determination to not compromise their values and independence for the sake of social acceptance or financial gain. They see through the superficiality and false promises of a seemingly luxurious lifestyle, expressing that even with money and security, one cannot be truly satisfied if they betray their own morals and disregard their own relationships.
Overall, Kråkesølv's "Hoffnarr" is a critical take on societal expectations and the sacrifices that come with striving for success at all costs. The singer's resistance to conform to these expectations and to hold onto their authenticity suggests a desire for genuine connections and a more fulfilling life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hvert falske smil spis mæ opp som koldbrann
Every fake smile eats at me like gangrene
Og alt de sir svir i mæ som sorga
And everything they say stings me like sorrow
Kald som is
Cold as ice
De snik sæ stille som slanga
They sneak quietly like snakes
Aldri vil æ spæll etter demmes anslag
I'll never play along with their schemes
Æ ska aldri bli en hoffnarr
I'll never become a court jester
Storslått selskap
Grandiose gatherings
Sikkerhet og penga
Security and money
Da har man vel råd til
Then one can surely afford to
Å risiker noen venna
Risk losing some friends
Men trur du du e mett da
But do you really feel satisfied then?
Trur du du e metta
Do you really feel fulfilled?
Når du har bitt i hundre tusen sure epla
When you've bitten into a hundred thousand sour apples
Æ gjør ikke det her førr at du ska bli underholdt
I'm not doing this to entertain you
Æ stilla mæ ikke over eller under noen
I don't consider myself above or below anyone
Trur du kan få mæ til å føl mæ overgått
Do you think you can make me feel inferior?
Ska aldri bli en hoffnarr
I'll never become a court jester
Contributed by Landon M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.