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.
Living Lounge
Sondre Lerche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't seem to care or cry no more
I cannot say I'm sorry
Just worried something is out of order
You say I should quit but what can I do
I just want to know where I have you
I've kept my eyes wide open
Say the roof is too low
Say you're sorry we got of at the wrong stop
Stay if you want to
I can't tell you what to do
I don't think that this is what we looked for
So you say I don't want you no more
That's just a thing you say
Today I'll sleep in this itchy gutter
Please let me explain what you don't see clear
This time try believing what you hear
Just don't tell me you're sorry
I'll worry if you can take the workload
Say that time goes to fast
As you're waiting for the climax to return
I cannot reach you
I've been trying all night long
The lyrics to Sondre Lerche's song "Living Lounge" appear to be about a relationship that has lost its spark and direction. The singer seems to have lost interest in the relationship, stating "I don't think that this is what I looked for" and "I don't seem to care or cry no more." He is aware that something is off within the relationship but he cannot pinpoint what it is. He says that he is "worried something is out of order."
The singer's partner tells him to quit the relationship, but he is unsure of what to do. He just wants to know where he stands with his partner. He is paying close attention to the situation to determine if it is not working out, saying "I've kept my eyes wide open to know when you're out of luck and order." The singer invites his partner to stay even though he cannot force her to do so.
Towards the end of the song, the singer tries to explain to his partner what he sees in the relationship. He says that she needs to believe what she hears despite any reservations she may have. He is worried about the workload and doesn't want to hear any apologies. He's been trying to connect with his partner all night long but cannot seem to reach her. The song is an exploration of the complexities of relationships and the difficulties that come with maintaining them over time.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't think that this is what I looked for
I am disappointed with my current situation
I don't seem to care or cry no more
I am feeling numb and detached from my emotions
I cannot say I'm sorry
I cannot apologize for something I am not at fault for
Just worried something is out of order
I am concerned that something is not right
You say I should quit but what can I do
You are suggesting that I give up, but I don't know what else to do
I just want to know where I have you
I want to understand where I stand with you
I've kept my eyes wide open
I have been vigilant and observant
To know when you're out of luck and order
To detect when you are experiencing misfortune and chaos
Say the roof is too low
Admit that our situation is restrictive
Say you're sorry we got off at the wrong stop
Apologize for the mistake we made, which led to our current situation
Stay if you want to
Remain with me if you so desire
I can't tell you what to do
I cannot control your actions
I don't think that this is what we looked for
I don't believe that this is what we both desired
So you say I don't want you no more
You claim that I no longer desire your company
That's just a thing you say
I don't believe your words are sincere
Today I'll sleep in this itchy gutter
I will endure discomfort and difficulty
Please let me explain what you don't see clear
Allow me to clarify what you do not understand
This time try believing what you hear
I am asking you to trust my words
Just don't tell me you're sorry
I don't want to hear empty apologies
I'll worry if you can take the workload
I am anxious about your ability to handle the amount of work required
Say that time goes too fast
Acknowledge that time passes quickly
As you're waiting for the climax to return
As you are anticipating a high point to occur again
I cannot reach you
I am unable to connect with you
I've been trying all night long
I have been making effort for a long time
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SONDRE LERCHE VAULAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind