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Ardennes
Moddi Lyrics
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small stains of paint that's been spilled
children awake out of sawdust
wrapped in a black-spotted film
as I try peeling it strikes me
'cause still some things come from within
the feeling of being human
from wearing animal skin
done up to dive into tar sands
you are thrown back on your arms
muscles that tense as you wring hands
because they're built to do harm
and when you cut loose from their fear march
the pounding paws of your kin
there will be no way to feel human
outside your animal skin
Moddi’s Ardennes is a song that highlights humans’ inherent animalistic nature that is inextricably tied to their humanity. The song describes a seemingly perfect world, but upon closer inspection, the cracks on the surface become apparent. The small stains of paint that have been spilled serve as a reminder of the imperfections that exist in a world that is otherwise thought to be impeccable. Yet, children still awaken out of sawdust, wrapped in a black-spotted film, emphasizing the point that humans are not perfect beings, rather a blend of nature, and the imperfections that nature embodies. The melody of the song is haunting, and the lyrics are just as profound.
As the song progresses, the lyrics speak about how humans are capable of doing harm and how it is hard to change once they have been taught to do so. The strong muscles that tense as you wring hands, which have been built to do harm, are mentioned, and how it is hard to break free from this conditioning. However, as one tries peeling the black-spotted film away, they realize the feeling of being human comes from wearing animal skin. The song's message is beautifully crafted, and its delivery is exquisite, as it uses symbolic language to show how the good and the bad traits inherent in humanity are what make people complex creatures.
* Interesting Facts:
* Ardennes is a mountain range and forest situated in western Europe.
* The song's lyrics seem to reflect humanity's treatment of the environment, specifically allowing industries to hurt the environment's natural beauty and care for animals.
* The song was inspired by a visit to the Ardennes in Belgium.
* The song was also inspired by logging in Norway and the chainsaw protests that broke out.
* Moddi performed Ardennes at the PopTech conference in 2015.
* In 2013, Moddi released an album titled Kæm Va Du? on which Ardennes appears.
* Moddi is an artist that hails from Senja, an island in northern Norway.
* Ardennes is very minimalistic and only features vocals and guitar.
* The song has been compared to a lullaby due to its soothing melody.
* The word “Ardennes” is not mentioned in the song.
Chords: Unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
...but I still find cracks in this thin crust
Despite my best efforts, I can still see imperfections in my veneer.
small stains of paint that's been spilled
There are minor stains or blemishes on my surface from the messiness of life.
children awake out of sawdust
New life is often unexpected and seemingly comes out of nowhere, like emerging from dust.
wrapped in a black-spotted film
Despite the purity of new life, there may be marks and scars present from prior experiences.
as I try peeling it strikes me
My attempts to shed my outer layers are accompanied by a realization of the depth of my own identity.
'cause still some things come from within
Regardless of outer appearances or efforts to change, there are aspects of ourselves that are innate.
the feeling of being human
The sense of being alive and the emotions and experiences that come with it.
from wearing animal skin
The physical world and our connection to it, including our existence as animals ourselves.
done up to dive into tar sands
Engaging in activities that harm the environment or ourselves, usually for personal gain or ambition.
you are thrown back on your arms
The consequences of our actions can be severe and jarring, leaving us feeling unprepared and vulnerable.
muscles that tense as you wring hands
Physical reactions to emotional turmoil or anxiety.
because they're built to do harm
Often our instincts are geared towards survival or competition, even if it means causing harm to others or the world around us.
and when you cut loose from their fear march
Breaking free from societal expectations or pressure, allowing ourselves to live authentically.
the pounding paws of your kin
The reverberating effects of our actions on those around us, including family and community.
there will be no way to feel human
If we continue to ignore the consequences of our actions and harm the world, we risk losing touch with our humanity and the essence of our being.
outside your animal skin
Our identity is not just surface-level, but inherently tied to the animalistic nature of our existence and the world around us.
Contributed by Gabriella P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.