Jón Þór Birgisson (Jónsi), Georg Hólm, and Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson formed the group in Reykjavík, Iceland in August 1994. They soon won a record deal with a local record label, Smekkleysa (Bad Taste). In 1997, they released Von (Hope) and in 1998, released a remix collection named Von brigði. The name is Icelandic wordplay: Vonbrigði means "disappointment," but Von brigði means "hope alteration." (In English, the album is sometimes known by the alternative name "Recycle Bin.")
International acclaim came with 1999's Ágætis Byrjun ("An alright start"), for which the band were joined by Kjartan Sveinsson. The album's reputation slowly spread by word of mouth over the next two years. Soon, many critics worldwide hailed it as one of the best albums of its time, and the band was playing with Radiohead and other big names. Drummer Ágúst left the band after the recording of Ágætis Byrjun and was replaced by Orri Páll Dýrason.
After the release of Ágætis Byrjun, the band became perhaps most well known for Birgisson's signature style of playing guitar with the bow from a cello, accentuated with reverb, creating a sweeping, fluid sound that is unique for an electric guitar.
In early 2001, Sigur Rós set out to record some songs in their newly-completed álafoss swimming pool studio with their friend Steindór Andersen who is a fisherman and chairman of the Icelandic poetry society, Iðunn. Steindór is a chanter/singer of the traditional Icelandic epic poetry form, called "rímur," for which the band named their next EP, Rímur. Only 1000 copies of the EP were printed and sold in the spring tour of 2001.
In 2002, their highly anticipated follow-up album ( ) was released. Upon release, all tracks on the album were untitled, though the band later published song names on their website. Famously, all of the lyrics on ( ) are sung in vonlenska ("Hopelandic"), nonsensical vocalizations that resemble the sound of the Icelandic language. It has also been said that the listener is supposed to interpret their own meanings of the lyrics, which can then be written in the blank pages in the album booklet.
In October of 2003, Sigur Rós joined Radiohead in composing music for Merce Cunningham's dance piece Split Sides; Sigur Rós’s three tracks were named "Ba Ba," "Ti Ki," and "Di Do" and released in March of 2004 on an EP titled Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do The three songs are separate tracks, but the band intended that all three be played at the same time to form one single song. The band's 1997 debut album Von also finally found a United States and United Kingdom release in October of 2004. Their latest full-length album, Takk... (Thanks...), was released on September 13, 2005, with a free legal download of their first single, "Glósóli," made available on August 15. For North American fans, "Sæglópur" was made available for download on August 16."Hoppípolla," the second official single from Takk..., was released on November 28 alongside a new studio remake of "Hafsól," a song which was previously released on the band's 1997 debut, Von.
Sæglópur EP was released on July 10 in most parts of the world and on August 8 in the United States. Its original release date was May 8, but because of the sudden demand of "Hoppípolla," especially in the UK due to its inclusion on BBC's "Planet Earth," it was pushed back from that date. Sigur Rós recorded three new songs for the EP: "Refur," "Ófriður," and "Kafari."
The Hvarf/Heim double album was released on November 5, 2007. Hvarf contains reworkings of songs dating back to the bands' first album, whereas Heim contains live acoustic versions of more well-known songs. The double album was an accompaniment to the film Heima. Heima is a documentary showing footage of the band's tour of Iceland, including live footage and interviews. The official web site is www.heimafilm.com.
Sigur Rós has sold over 2.5 million albums worldwide.
On June 23, 2008, they released Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust.
The single "Gobbledigook" was available for a free download on their website.
In January 2010, the band began a hiatus, and they are now working on new material. On August 11, 2011, the band's website showed a trailer for a project called Inni. A week later, the project was revealed to be a new live album and DVD, although the release date is currently unknown.
Sigur Rós'' sixth studio album, Valtari, was released on May 29, 2012 on Parlophone.
In January 2013, Kjartan Sveinsson left the band and was not replaced. Sigur Rós's first album following his departure was titled Kveikur and released in June 2013.
In 2014, the band made a guest appearance in the HBO show 'Game of Thrones,' performing The Rains of Castamere in the 2nd episode of the 4th season.
Websites
Both websites include discography, band trivia, song lyrics, and news: http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk and http://www.sigurros.com.
Svo hljótt
Sigur Rós Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sigur Rós's song Svo hljótt, which translates to "so quietly" in English, is an ethereal and hauntingly beautiful track that showcases the band's signature blend of atmospheric soundscapes and emotive vocals. The lyrics themselves are sparse and enigmatic, but they convey a sense of introspection and longing, as the singer contemplates the mysteries of life and the fleeting nature of existence.
One possible interpretation of the song is that it reflects on the fleeting nature of youth and the pain of growing old. The singer seems to be addressing a loved one who has passed away, lamenting the fact that they will never be able to experience life's joys and sorrows again. The lines "My heart was so happy / to be with you" suggest that the singer had a deep connection with this person, and that their absence has left a void in their life. The refrain of "so quietly" could be seen as a reference to the hushed finality of death, or perhaps as a plea for peace and acceptance in the face of loss.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is a meditation on the beauty and majesty of the natural world, and the limits of human understanding. The final lines, "No one knows / where happiness goes," suggest that there are some things in life that are beyond our comprehension, and that we must accept this fact and find solace in the beauty of the world around us. The gentle, atmospheric instrumentation and the soaring vocals contribute to the sense of wonder and awe that the song evokes.
Overall, Svo hljótt is a poignant and thought-provoking song that showcases Sigur Rós's unique blend of introspection and otherworldly beauty.
Line by Line Meaning
so quietly
In a serene and peaceful manner, without any distractions or noise.
Contributed by Claire M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Moriningland
I’ve never met anyone else who this music has touched like it touched me. I’ll never forget when I first heard this song. In 2005, when the album came out, I was living in Northern California and was involved in environmental activism. I was a tree sitter and lived 200+ feet up in an ancient redwood tree as protest against it being cut down.
I listen to this album over and over again high up in the trees at night and the crescendo of this song filled the woods on my battle powered stereo. It was amazing. I’ll love this music until the day I die
@chunder27
I am sure this is what heaven sounds like, it is the most staggeringly beautiful, mesmerising, moving piece of music I will probably ever hear, and these guys probably also have a few more in that top 10.
@erikaova6273
The melancholy we all love.
@mariobocanegra9214
A beautiful song... The violin, the piano, Jonsi's voice.... 😍
@TheMentefreak
When I die, I will fly away hearing this song
@keymaro506
The only one song that make my tears falling automatically
@davidmckay106
The greatest piece of music ever!!!!!!!!
@Cr0mosome
Vaya! Qué paisajes ☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
@chunder27
Another thing, I actually save this song up so I can almost forget it, so it STILL surprises me a bit. it really is THAT special.
@sixstyl3
my favourite song ever, amazing.