He gained exposure thanks to his debut 7" single, "Going to where the tea-trees are", a masterpiece of slow AM pop reminiscent of The Virgin Suicides and broken hearts. His debut album (titled the same as the single) was released on May 9th, 2006. The second single, "The Story of the Impossible", widened his audience and earned him TV and radio play, showcasing the album's refined orchestration and stellar songwriting.
Peter is based in Berlin but records in rural southern Sweden.
Elisabeth
Peter von Poehl Lyrics
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Lyrics to Elisabeth The beautiful Elisabeth,
Dachs by her feet and spirits rising high.
A falcon and the whitest dove,
With St. Martin's luck
And a taste for courtly love.
“One minute more,”
She said, and asked,
Wears a mask.”
If it's to go where young hearts break,
Then I'm too old
And I've made too many mistakes.
The beautiful Elisabeth,
Dachs by her feet and spirits rising high.
With secrets not to be revealed,
You have my word,
They wear the wind's golden seal.
The song "Elisabeth" by Peter von Poehl depicts a beautiful woman named Elisabeth and her introspective musings. The song begins by highlighting Elisabeth's grace, charm, and high spirits, as she is portrayed with a loyal dog by her side, and a falcon and white dove representing peace and freedom. The reference to St. Martin's luck implies that Elisabeth is lucky in love and romantic pursuits, but the following line hints at a darker mood. Elisabeth contemplates death, acknowledging that it is inevitable and that it is an enigma to her. She ponders the notion of the grim reaper wearing a mask and how peculiar it is that a universal truth can still feel elusive.
The second part of the song delves deeper into Elisabeth's psyche. She acknowledges that her time has passed, and she has made too many mistakes to go where "young hearts break." It is unclear what she means by this - perhaps she is referring to death, perhaps to something else. The song ends with a promise of secrets that will not be revealed and are guarded by the wind's golden seal. This final line has a mystical connotation, along with the melancholic undertones that run throughout the song. Overall, "Elisabeth" is a moving portrayal of a woman's journey through life, love, and death.
Line by Line Meaning
The beautiful Elisabeth,
Peter von Poehl begins the song by praising the beauty of a woman named Elisabeth.
Dachs by her feet and spirits rising high.
Elisabeth has a small dog named Dachs by her feet as she feels elated and happy about something.
A falcon and the whitest dove,
The singer compares Elisabeth to a falcon and a dove, two birds that are often used as symbols of freedom, loyalty, and grace.
With St. Martin's luck
Peter von Poehl refers to the Catholic saint Martin of Tours, who is known for his acts of kindness and generosity. By mentioning Martin's luck, the singer suggests that Elisabeth is blessed or favored by some divine force.
And a taste for courtly love.
Elisabeth enjoys the refined and romantic culture of the court, where aristocrats engage in sophisticated conversation, music, dance, and poetry.
"One minute more,"
Elisabeth interrupts the singer's description of her and asks for more time, as if she wants to delay something or savor a moment longer.
She said, and asked,
The way Elisabeth speaks reveals her assertiveness and curiosity, as if she knows what she wants and seeks clarity and depth in her interactions.
"Isn't it strange that even death
Elisabeth poses a philosophical question that reflects her contemplative nature and her awareness of the fragility and mystery of life.
Wears a mask."
She suggests that death, like an actor or a trickster, disguises its true face or intention and plays a role that fools or frightens people.
If it's to go where young hearts break,
The singer imagines a scenario where Elisabeth has to face a place or a situation that causes emotional pain or loss, especially for young and innocent people.
Then I'm too old
The singer admits his own limits and weaknesses, as if he feels inadequate or unfit to accompany Elisabeth in such a difficult journey.
And I've made too many mistakes.
He implies that he has a history of errors or regrets that prevent him from being a reliable or valuable advisor or companion for Elisabeth.
The beautiful Elisabeth,
The singer repeats his initial admiration for Elisabeth's appearance and character, as if he cannot help but be fascinated by her charm and mystery.
Dachs by her feet and spirits rising high.
The imagery of the dog and the mood suggests that Elisabeth is enjoying a moment of companionship and joy, as if she has found a true friend and ally in the singer.
With secrets not to be revealed,
The singer hints that Elisabeth has some hidden or private matters that she does not want to share or disclose, perhaps because they are sensitive, personal, or risky.
You have my word,
The singer acknowledges Elisabeth's trust and confidence, as if he has promised to keep her secrets and protect her reputation.
They wear the wind's golden seal.
The metaphor of the wind's golden seal suggests that even though Elisabeth's secrets are intangible and elusive, they are valuable and dignified, like a royal decree. The wind also implies that these secrets are fleeting and ethereal, like a gust of inspiration or intuition.
Contributed by Makayla O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.