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.
Når Det Prentes Inn
Kråkesølv Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
vi gjør ting pent og pyntelig
sterilt og antiseptisk
ikke vær så vanskelig
vi har kjøpt nye jagerfly
men du e like skeptisk
skalkeskjul for skitne knep
kjært barn har mange navn
vi si farvel til myndighet
og kjernesunn samvittighet
som ingen blir å savn
for det høres så flott ut
når det prentes inn
det her landet har gått ut av sitt gode skinn
la oss proklamer at godhet vinn
selv om pengan styra
vend det andre kinnet til
og ta liv for hyra
folk kan si det de vil si
om mæ og mine bankkonti
kypros har tatt mæ inn i varmen
tenk å lev fra hand til munn
hele flåta går på grunn
og sola skinn i vinduskarmen
æ ser verdenshavan stig
lykketiøring smidd av krig
kom hit og klyp mæ i armen
for det høres så flott ut
når det prentes inn
det her landet har gått ut av sitt gode skinn
la oss proklamer at godhet vinn
selv om pengan styra
vend det andre kinnet til
og ta liv for hyra
The lyrics to Kråkesølv's song Når Det Prentes Inn speak of a somewhat cynical view of society and its behavior. The opening lines criticize the tendency to present oneself in a polished and antiseptic way, masking the true nature of one's actions. The following lines refute the tendency to see things in black and white, urging the listener to be more nuanced in their thinking. The reference to new fighter jets and skepticism further underscores the theme of questioning authority and power.
The chorus speaks of the need to proclaim goodness as the ultimate goal, even in the face of money and power dictating otherwise. The use of the phrase 'vend det andre kinnet til' (turn the other cheek) speaks to the idea of passive resistance, while the line 'ta liv for hyra' (take lives for hire) suggests that some people are willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead financially.
The second verse seems to speak to the personal struggles of the singer. The reference to Kypros (Cyprus) and the warming sun suggests a change of scenery, perhaps a departure from a difficult situation. The image of the entire fleet running aground may allude to a larger, societal collapse. The idea of a lucky coin forged from war speaks to a sense of discomfort and dissonance in a world that is both beautiful and dangerous at once.
Overall, the lyrics to Når Det Prentes Inn contain a sense of disillusionment with society and its values, urging the listener to look beyond the surface to find the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
folk kan si det de vil si
People can say whatever they want
vi gjør ting pent og pyntelig
We make things look nice and presentable
sterilt og antiseptisk
Clean and germ-free
ikke vær så vanskelig
Don't be so difficult
vi har kjøpt nye jagerfly
We have bought new fighter jets
men du e like skeptisk
But you are still skeptical
fredstid e et rart begrep
Peace time is a strange concept
skalkeskjul for skitne knep
Cover for dirty tricks
kjært barn har mange navn
A beloved child has many names
vi si farvel til myndighet
We say goodbye to authority
og kjernesunn samvittighet
And core healthy conscience
som ingen blir å savn
That no one will miss
for det høres så flott ut
Because it sounds so great
når det prentes inn
When it is printed in
det her landet har gått ut av sitt gode skinn
This country has lost its way
la oss proklamer at godhet vinn
Let us proclaim that goodness will prevail
selv om pengan styra
Even though money rules
vend det andre kinnet til
Turn the other cheek
og ta liv for hyra
And work for a living
om mæ og mine bankkonti
About me and my bank accounts
kypros har tatt mæ inn i varmen
Cyprus has welcomed me with open arms
tenk å lev fra hand til munn
Imagine living from hand to mouth
hele flåta går på grunn
The whole fleet is grounded
og sola skinn i vinduskarmen
And the sun shines on the windowsill
æ ser verdenshavan stig
I see the world's ocean rising
lykketiøring smidd av krig
A lucky coin forged by war
kom hit og klyp mæ i armen
Come here and pinch me in the arm
Contributed by Carter G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.