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.
It Could Happen To You
Monica Zetterlund Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lock your dreams at night
It could happen to you
Don't count stars or you might stumble
Someone drops a sigh, and down you tumble
Keep an eye on Spring
It could happen to you
All I did was wonder how your arms would be
And it happened to me
Hide your heart from sight
Lock your dreams at night
It could happen to you
Don't count stars or you might stumble
Someone drops a sigh, and down you tumble
Keep an eye on Spring
Run when churchbells ring
It could happen to you
'Cause all I did was wonder
How your arms would be
And then it happened to me
The lyrics to Monica Zetterlund's song "It Could Happen To You" are a reflection on the unpredictable nature of love and how it can unexpectedly enter one's life. The first two lines, "Hide your heart from sight, Lock your dreams at night," suggest that the singer is advising others to guard their emotions and be cautious about letting love in. It implies a sense of vulnerability and the fear of getting hurt.
The next lines, "Don't count stars or you might stumble, Someone drops a sigh, and down you tumble," further emphasize the idea of unpredictability. The act of counting stars symbolizes making plans or having expectations, and the warning is that by doing so, one may become vulnerable to the unexpected twists and turns of life. The mention of someone dropping a sigh suggests that love can sneak up on anyone and catch them off guard, causing them to fall in love or get hurt.
The next stanza, "Keep an eye on Spring, Run when churchbells ring," continues this theme of being cautious. It suggests that even in the seemingly innocent and uplifting moments, one should be aware and ready for possible romantic encounters. The repetition of the line "It could happen to you" throughout the song serves as a reminder that love has the potential to change anyone's life, regardless of their intentions or preparedness.
In the final lines, the singer shares their personal experience, "All I did was wonder how your arms would be, And it happened to me." Here, they reveal that despite their own precautions, they fell in love unexpectedly. This adds a sense of authenticity and personal connection to the lyrics, making the message more relatable and heartfelt.
Overall, "It Could Happen To You" explores the themes of caution, vulnerability, and the unpredictability of love. It serves as a reminder that love can enter one's life at any moment, regardless of their preparations or expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Hide your heart from sight
Conceal your emotions and vulnerabilities to protect yourself
Lock your dreams at night
Keep your aspirations and desires safe and guarded
It could happen to you
There's a possibility that you might experience the same fate
Don't count stars or you might stumble
Avoid being overly preoccupied with unattainable fantasies, as it may lead to disappointment
Someone drops a sigh, and down you tumble
A mere sigh from someone can unexpectedly bring you down and affect you deeply
Keep an eye on Spring
Stay alert and attentive to the signs of new beginnings and opportunities
Run when churchbells ring
Take action and seize the moment when a chance presents itself
It could happen to you
The same fortunate or unfortunate events may occur in your life
All I did was wonder how your arms would be
Simply contemplating how it would feel to be embraced by you
And it happened to me
Surprisingly, it became a reality and I experienced it personally
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind