Stockholm blues
Ludwig Bell Lyrics

The lyrics of Ludwig Bell's song "Stockholm blues" express the conflicting emotions and experiences of living in Stockholm, Sweden's capital city. The singer begins by referencing an interview for DN Kultur (an arts and culture publication), suggesting a connection to the creative world but feeling out of place in Stockholm. The desire to move away from the city is emphasized, as they long to be far from there. The next lines reveal the singer's surprise and skepticism as they continue reading with raised eyebrows, discovering that everyone in Stockholm seems anxious and cold-hearted, perhaps reflecting the isolation and unfriendliness they perceive in their surroundings. Despite this, they acknowledge staying in the city despite it being "jävligt" (Swedish slang for "fucking awful").

The chorus captures the conflicting sentiments and duality of the city. "Stockholm blues" represents both a longing for the city and a somber feeling caused by its shortcomings. It is the city of dreams, the bright lights, and everything the singer desires, yet it also carries a sense of melancholy, as the blues often do. The next verse highlights the singer's frustration with the city's elite, referred to as "stekarna" (Swedish slang for "the snobs") who are said to govern the city's atmosphere. However, there is also a realization that the singer's own attitude might contribute to the dislike they feel. They urge themselves to breathe and relax, suggesting that a change in perspective might be needed.

The following section contrasts the singer's appreciation for other cities, such as Malmö and Gothenburg, with an acknowledgment that they still choose to reside in Stockholm. They don't feel any sadness but rather enjoy living near the different subway lines, the blue, green, and red lines which stretch across the city. The final verse calls into question the other person's negative perception of the city, suggesting they should call and spend time together so the singer can show them a different side of Stockholm. The song concludes with a self-reflective admission that Stockholm may not be the best city in the world, but the singer and their friends still find some level of contentment and belonging there.

Overall, "Stockholm blues" captures the conflicting emotions and experiences of living in Stockholm, portraying a mix of longing, frustration, and ultimately, a nuanced love-hate relationship with the city.