The year after, he competed in the World Idol contest; after performing U2's "Beautiful Day" the Australian judge, Ian Dickson, told him: "You're one hell of a marketing challenge because you've got the voice of an angel but you look like a Hobbit." In spite of this, Kurt went on to win the competition, beating the bookies' favourite, American Idol Kelly Clarkson.
He has recorded several albums, the latest one Rise To The Occasion - with the single "Lost Highway" together with country legend Willie Nelson. _The_ Willie Nelson. Kurt has also played with Willie on his tour here in Norway.
Kurt Nilsen married Kristin Halvorsen in the summer of 2006. He has two kids from a previous relationship. His wife, Kristin, is one of the backupsingers in Kurt Nilsens hit "Push Push".
In the sparetime he enjoys trips to his lodge in the Norwegian mountains, and he is a huge fan of fishing.
Reality Kicks In
Kurt Nilsen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sinners, the saints in the stories
You judge them all even you're wrong so you can feel better
So when the lack of understanding makes a turningpoint
You wished it was you that made it through
It drags you down, you lose your ground, it doesn't make life better
Yeah, reality kicks in when the light goes out
Just one far shot and it's all pretend
These are the thoughts of a desperate man
You can see them on TV every day, bragging about their lifes
Here's one for the books, it's not how it looks, and still you wanna make it?
So when the yearning for illution takes the upper hand
The kids grow up only to be a star
That's when the whole world go mad
This is so sad, how will they take it?
Yeah, reality kicks in when the light goes out
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
Just one far shot and it's all pretend
This are the thoughts of a desperate man
See you try really hard to pull it of
No mather what the cost might be
Cause they do not even care's for the love of being fair
Somebody could forfill their needs
Reality kicks in when the light goes out
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
Just one far shot and it's all pretend
ooh, reality kicks in when the light goes out
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
Just one far shot and it's all pretend
These are the thoughts of a desperate man
Reality kicks in when the light goes out
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
Reality kicks in when the light goes out
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
The lyrics of Kurt Nilsen's song "Reality Kicks In" speak of the harsh contrast between the illusion of fame and success portrayed by the media and the bitter reality of those who strive for it. Nilsen criticizes the public's tendency to judge and idolize celebrities without truly understanding the cost and struggles of their lives. He sings about the desperation that drives people to pursue fame, hoping it will solve their problems, but ultimately finding themselves disillusioned and unfulfilled.
The line "The sinners, the saints in the stories, you judge them all even you're wrong so you can feel better" highlights the hypocrisy of those who condemn others for their mistakes, while ignoring their own faults. Nilsen suggests that this judgmental attitude stems from a lack of empathy and understanding of the struggles that people face.
The repeated refrain "Reality kicks in when the light goes out, and you'll never know what tomorrow's like" emphasizes the fleeting nature of fame and the uncertainty of the future. Despite this, many continue to pursue fame at all costs, sacrificing their own well-being and relationships.
Overall, "Reality Kicks In" is a poignant commentary on the dangers of chasing an illusion and the importance of understanding and empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
You read about them in the papers every morning
Every day you read about people in the news
The sinners, the saints in the stories
There are both good and bad people in the news
You judge them all even you're wrong so you can feel better
You judge people based on limited information to make yourself feel superior
So when the lack of understanding makes a turningpoint
When you realize you don't fully understand a situation
You wished it was you that made it through
You want to be successful like the people in the news
It drags you down, you lose your ground, it doesn't make life better
This desire for success can have negative effects on your life
Yeah, reality kicks in when the light goes out
Reality hits you when you're alone in the dark
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
You don't know what the future holds
Just one far shot and it's all pretend
Success can be elusive and not everything is as it seems
These are the thoughts of a desperate man
These ideas come from someone who is desperate
You can see them on TV every day, bragging about their lifes
Famous people are always on TV showing off their lives
Here's one for the books, it's not how it looks, and still you wanna make it?
Success can be misleading, yet you still want it
So when the yearning for illution takes the upper hand
When you become obsessed with the idea of success
The kids grow up only to be a star
Children want to be famous and successful
That's when the whole world go mad
This desire for success affects everyone
This is so sad, how will they take it?
It's a sad situation and it's unclear how people will react
See you try really hard to pull it of
You work hard to achieve success
No mather what the cost might be
You're willing to pay any price for success
Cause they do not even care's for the love of being fair
Some successful people don't care about being fair to others
Somebody could forfill their needs
Others are willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill the needs of successful people
ooh, reality kicks in when the light goes out
Again, reality hits you when you're alone in the dark
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
The future is always uncertain
These are the thoughts of a desperate man
These ideas come from someone who is desperate
Reality kicks in when the light goes out
Once again, reality hits you when you're alone in the dark
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
The future is always uncertain
Reality kicks in when the light goes out
Once again, reality hits you when you're alone in the dark
And you'll never know what tomorrow's like
The future is always uncertain
Contributed by Jake L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.