Born in Bergen, Hordaland, Norway, the young Lerche was heavily influenced by the 80's music emanating from his older siblings' rooms. Compelled by a defining fascination for bands such as a-ha, The Beach Boys, and Prefab Sprout, Lerche began formal guitar instruction at age eight. Not satisfied with the lessons at school, Lerche experimented with original tunes on his own accord, eventually penning his first song, "Locust Girl" at the age of fourteen. While still underage, Lerche held acoustic performances at the club where his sister worked; Lerche was eventually discovered by Norwegian producer Hans-Petter "HP" Gundersen.
While under Gundersen's mentorship, Lerche was exposed to diverse music genres, including psychedelia, 60's pop, and mainstream Brazilian music, broadening his appreciation for eclectic music styles. Around this time Lerche was also introduced to Oslo-based manager Tatiana Penzo, resulting in a recording contract with Virgin Norway. With steadily growing popularity in his home country, he recorded his debut album in 2000. The album's release was postponed until Lerche fulfilled several academic requirements; in the interim, he was named Best New Act at Spellemannprisen (the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammys) and performed locally as a support act for major acts such as Beth Orton.
Officially released in Norway during September of 2001, Lerche's debut album Faces Down was a chart success in Norway. 2002 saw the album's international release, garnering praise from international publications and critics; Rolling Stone placed it in their top 50 albums of 2002. He embarked on subsequent tours in Europe and the United States. Lerche toured with various acts, including a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the stage with his long-time idols, a-ha. A studio/live compilation EP, Don't Be Shallow, was released in 2003. During the same year, he would have the opportunity to tour with another of his musical idols, Elvis Costello, with whom he would tour once more in 2005.
Lerche's second studio album, Two Way Monologue, was released in 2004. The album displayed Lerche's penchant for experimentation with eclectic styles to an even greater extent than his earlier works, its content ranging from upbeat pop songs to mellow, melancholic tunes. In 2006, Lerche released his third studio album, Duper Sessions. A classical jazz album featuring original songs, as well as a cover of the jazz standard "Night and Day", it was recorded by Lerche and the Faces Down, augmented by pianist Erik Halvorsen, at Duper Studios in Bergen, hence its name.
In 2007, Phantom Punch, a rock album with a distinctly more aggressive sound than his earlier works, was released. Lerche and the Faces Down recorded and mixed the album in Los Angeles in April and May 2006, with producer Tony Hoffer. The same year, he composed the musical score for the film Dan in Real Life. Lerche and the Faces Down also made an appearance in the film itself, performing the song "Modern Nature" as a duet with actress Marci Occhino (the actual vocals were performed by Lillian Samdal). Another song of Lerche's, "Dear Laughing Doubters", was featured in the film Dinner for Schmucks; both films starred actor Steve Carell.
In 2009, Sondre Lerche released Heartbeat Radio. 2011 saw the release of his self-titled sixth studio album, Sondre Lerche.
John Let Me Go
Sondre Lerche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there something I should read?
Amplifiers broke the news today
I was whispering the details
When the world came in
I've seen it before
Wearing shimmering clothes
Is that world worth me defending it
How should I know
When a phone attacks with numbers I don't trust?
John, let me go!
I can't conjugate myself
If the investigation fails
I'm on my own
When the coward sits alone again
When you've spent your feathers up
Making sense is made impossible
Making you detect my aim
And when I'm answering
I've seen this before
You are changing things
In a world full of sorrow
Only fools with narrow eyes enjoy
How could I know
The calls I make have numbers
I don't trust?
John, let me go!
I can't conjugate myself
If the investigation fails
My head will roll
How should I know?
I can't conjugate myself
If the investigation fails
I'm on my own
Oh, oh, oh
John, let me go!
John, let me go!
John, let me go!
John, let me go!
John, let me go!
The lyrics of this song, "John Let Me Go" by Sondre Lerche and the Faces Down, paint the picture of someone who is feeling trapped and helpless in a situation that they have little control over. The singer asks John to release them from their current state, which they cannot even describe properly due to the overwhelming emotions they are feeling. The singer is being bombarded with information they do not trust, causing feelings of confusion and fear.
The line "amplifiers broke the news today" can be interpreted as the media or outside forces influencing the situation and adding to the chaos. The lyric "you are changing things in a world full of sorrow, only fools with narrow eyes enjoy" highlights the feeling of powerlessness and how difficult it can be to make sense of things in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of desperation and a desire for freedom from a situation that is suffocating and causing the singer to question their values and beliefs. It speaks to the human experience of feeling trapped and searching for a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you have enough to fill the page?
Is there enough substance and content to warrant putting it on the page?
Is there something I should read?
Is there something important or interesting that I should take the time to read?
Amplifiers broke the news today
The media or other loud, influential voices shared news today.
I was whispering the details
I was sharing information in a secretive or quiet manner.
When the world came in
When reality or the harsh truth became apparent or intrusive.
I've seen it before
I've experienced something similar in the past.
Wearing shimmering clothes
Displaying a polished or showy appearance or behavior.
Is the world worth its spending
Is the cost to live or engage with the world worth it in return?
Is that world worth me defending it
Do I have a reason or desire to advocate for or protect the world?
How should I know
I don't have the information or insight to answer that question.
When a phone attacks with numbers I don't trust?
When receiving unwanted or unwarranted contact from unknown or untrusted sources.
John, let me go!
I need to break away or be released from this situation or person named John.
I can't conjugate myself
I can't maintain or present myself in the desired way under these circumstances.
If the investigation fails
If the inquiry or exploration doesn't yield desirable or expected results.
I'm on my own
I'm left to fend for myself or handle the situation alone.
When the coward sits alone again
When the one lacking courage or integrity is isolated or removed from others again.
When you've spent your feathers up
When you've exhausted your resources or energy.
Making sense is made impossible
Understanding or rationalizing the situation is becoming increasingly difficult.
Making you detect my aim
My intended goal or purpose is becoming more obvious or clear to you.
And when I'm answering
When I'm responding or reacting to something.
You are changing things
Your actions or behavior are making a notable impact or causing a shift in things.
In a world full of sorrow
In a world where there is a general feeling of sadness or despair.
Only fools with narrow eyes enjoy
Only ignorant or unenlightened people find enjoyment in this situation.
The calls I make have numbers
The contacts or relationships I build have a significant impact and influence on my life.
My head will roll
I will face the consequences or punishment for any failure or shortcomings.
Oh, oh, oh
Expressing a sound or emotion without a clear meaning or message.
John, let me go!
Repeating the request or plea to be freed from the situation or person named John.
John, let me go!
Repeating the request or plea to be freed from the situation or person named John.
John, let me go!
Repeating the request or plea to be freed from the situation or person named John.
John, let me go!
Repeating the request or plea to be freed from the situation or person named John.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: SONDRE LERCHE VAULAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aysha Wills
One of my all time favourites! I would be happy if I could write a song like this...
Karina Wijaya
It’s 2019 and i’m still listen this song !! Who else??
David Hoffman
Same!!