Since the 1990s, however, his status as a celebrity has mainly been fueled not by his sport achievements, but instead by his colourful personal relationships, his career as a singer, and various incidents often related to heavy use of alcohol and occasionally violent behaviour. Nykänen has been in the headlines of tabloid newspapers more often than any other person in Finland.
Elämä on Laiffii
Matti Nykänen Lyrics
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terassilla tytöt pääni kääntää, nappisilmät minihameissaan,
kuuma kesä oottaa, vapaana kun kulkea saa,
Elämä on laiffii, aamuun asti taas bailataan,
Elämä on laiffii, annan tuulien kuljettaa,
Villin sykkeen musiikin tunnen, tunnen rytmin kiihkeyden,
Kuuma kesä odottaa, elämä on laiffii!
Terassille askeleeni suuntaan, kuumuudesta ilma väreilee,
pakokaasut saa mun kurkun kuivaan, jenkkiraudat rundii ajelee,
kuuma kesä oottaa, vapaana kun kulkea saa,
Elämä on laiffii, aamuun asti taas bailataan,
Elämä on laiffii, annan tuulien kuljettaa,
Villin sykkeen musiikin tunnen, tunnen rytmin kiihkeyden,
Kuuma kesä odottaa, elämä on laiffii!
Elämä on laiffii... x2
The lyrics of Matti Nykänen’s “Elämä on Laiffii” captures the essence of summer freedom and carelessness. The first verse depicts the end of a tough week as the singer heads out to unwind. The girls on the terrace catch his attention and symbolize this sense of escape. The chorus “Elämä on laiffii” is translated to “Life is just a party” or “Life is just a game” and tells us that the singer is enjoying life to the fullest since he is free to stroll around during the hot summer days.
The second verse continues describing the heat of the summer, bringing to life the scene of American muscle cars driving around with their exhaust fumes drying out the singer’s throat. The singer embraces the fiery rhythm of the music and feels the pulse of the night as the heat of the summer promises the partying that is to come. The chorus then repeats, expressing the carefree attitude the singer has towards life.
The lyrics of “Elämä on Laiffii” encapsulate the summertime attitude that Finns take on to make the most out of this season. Although the song is over 25 years old, it still provides a look into Finnish summer nightlife and nostalgia for past summers for many people.
Line by Line Meaning
Kuuma päivä rankan viikon päättää, lähden illan irroittelemaan,
After a tough week, I'm ready to let loose on this hot day and head out for some fun.
Terassilla tytöt pääni kääntää, nappisilmät minihameissaan,
On the terrace, the girls catch my eye with their button eyes and short skirts.
Kuuma kesä oottaa, vapaana kun kulkea saa,
The hot summer awaits me as I go free to explore.
Elämä on laiffii, aamuun asti taas bailataan,
Life is all about having fun and dancing until the morning comes.
Annan tuulien kuljettaa,
I let the winds take me where they may.
Villin sykkeen musiikin tunnen, tunnen rytmin kiihkeyden,
I feel the wild beat of the music and its intense rhythm.
Terassille askeleeni suuntaan, kuumuudesta ilma väreilee,
I head towards the terrace, with the heat shimmering in the air.
Pakokaasut saa mun kurkun kuivaan, jenkkiraudat rundii ajelee,
The exhaust fumes make my throat dry as the American muscle cars drive around.
Kuuma kesä oottaa, vapaana kun kulkea saa,
The hot summer awaits me as I go free to explore.
Elämä on laiffii... x2
Life is all about having fun and living it up.
Contributed by Alice V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.