She appeared in more than 20 films and television series, including The Emigrants (1971) with Liv Ullman and Max von Sydow.
She was above all an outstanding singer, particularly noted for her jazz songs. In 1964 she recorded the jazz album Waltz for Debby with Bill Evans. She was regarded as a role model by many younger Swedish singers. Her long career also included En gång i Stockholm (Once Upon a Time in Stockholm) with which she represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963. She finished last and scored the infamous null points, but still managed to remain successful in Sweden.
She was known to suffer from scoliosis, and as a result was forced to retire from performing in 1999.
On May 12, 2005, she died in an accidental fire in her apartment in Stockholm.
Easy Street
Monica Zetterlund Lyrics
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Nobody works on easy street
Just lie around all day, just sit and play the horses
Life is sweet for folks who live on easy street
No weekly payments you must meet
That makes your hair turn gray
You just keep on with your rockin'
'Cause you know your fortune's made
And if the sun makes you perspire
There's a man that you can hire
To plant trees so you can have shade
On easy street, I'm telling everyone I meet
If I could live on easy street I'd want no job today
So please, go 'way
The lyrics of "Easy Street" by Monica Zetterlund/Gunnar Svenssons Orkester describe a longing for a carefree life on Easy Street, where nobody has to work and can just relax and enjoy leisurely activities like horse racing. The singer expresses a desire to live a stress-free life without the burden of weekly payments or financial obligations, highlighting the appeal of a life free from worries and responsibilities.
The song portrays Easy Street as a place where life is sweet and opportunities come knocking without effort. The residents of Easy Street are depicted as being able to simply enjoy their existence without being weighed down by financial concerns or the need to work hard for their fortunes. This carefree attitude is symbolized by the idea that one can just keep rocking along and know that their fortune is already secured.
The lyrics also highlight the luxury and convenience of living on Easy Street, suggesting that even tasks like planting trees for shade can be outsourced to others, emphasizing the ease and comfort of this lifestyle. The idea of being able to hire someone to take care of inconveniences like sweating in the sun further reinforces the image of a stress-free and comfortable existence.
In the final verse, the singer asserts their desire to live on Easy Street and forego any need for a job. The repetitious plea for others to leave them alone and let them enjoy the simplicity and relaxation of this idealized lifestyle reinforces the central theme of the song - the yearning for a tranquil and carefree existence without the pressures of work or financial obligations. The song paints a vivid picture of Easy Street as a utopian destination where one can escape the rat race and embrace a life of leisure and ease.
Line by Line Meaning
Easy street, I'd love to live on easy street
Living a life of luxury and ease sounds appealing to me
Nobody works on easy street
People living comfortably don't have to work
Just lie around all day, just sit and play the horses
They can relax all day and enjoy leisure activities
Life is sweet for folks who live on easy street
Those who have it easy enjoy life's pleasures
No weekly payments you must meet
They don't have financial obligations to worry about
That makes your hair turn gray
Stress from financial worries can cause premature aging
When opportunity comes knockin'
When good chances come your way
You just keep on with your rockin'
Keep enjoying life without worries
'Cause you know your fortune's made
Because you believe luck is on your side
And if the sun makes you perspire
If the heat makes you sweat
There's a man that you can hire
You can easily afford to hire someone
To plant trees so you can have shade
To have comfort and luxury provided for you
On easy street, I'm telling everyone I meet
I would boast about living a stress-free life
If I could live on easy street I'd want no job today
Given the chance, I wouldn't work today
So please, go 'way
I want to enjoy my easy life without any interruptions
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLAN RANKIN JONES, Alan Jones, Royce Swain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind