Slaget om Verdun
Ossler Lyrics

The lyrics to Ossler's song "Slaget om Verdun" depict the singer's intense connection to the past and the historical event of the Battle of Verdun. The opening lines explain that the singer witnessed this battle on TV and could feel the taste of blood in their mouth, indicating a visceral and vivid experience. The following line, "Då levde jag nån annanstans," meaning "Then, I lived somewhere else," suggests a strong identification with the past, transporting the singer back to the year 1915, not far from Normandy.

The rainy fields and chilling winds described in the lyrics evoke a sense of desolation and discomfort. The singer expresses feeling frozen to the core with blue hands, emphasizing the harsh conditions of war. When the singer asks for directions, it becomes clear that the time they long for has passed, as there are no longer any roads leading back to Normandy. This line reflects a longing for a simpler time, a longing for the familiarity and safety of the past.

The chorus, "Allting börjar om, Det tar inte slut här som du tror" translates to "Everything starts over, It doesn't end here like you think." This repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of history, suggesting that despite the progress of time and the belief in finality, events tend to repeat themselves. The phrase "I en annan ton" meaning "In a different tone" further emphasizes this concept, suggesting that while history repeats itself, the specific circumstances and nuances may change.

The second verse introduces a metaphorical element, comparing the singer's connection to the past and the battle to a sick old tree. The singer and the tree both carry a sense of impending demise, and the line "Känns nog tiden också kort" meaning "The time also feels short" further emphasizes this frailty and temporality. The singer is asked what they would do differently in their life, and the answer is simple – they would want to rest under an elm tree in Normandy. This desire for peace and tranquility illustrates a longing for a more harmonious existence amidst the chaos of war.

Overall, the lyrics of "Slaget om Verdun" express a deep personal connection to the past, a longing for a different time and place, and a recognition of the cyclical nature of history. The repetition in the chorus reinforces the idea that events and patterns repeat themselves, while the metaphor of the sick old tree adds a poignant layer of fragility and mortality.