Her independently released second album "Monday's Ghost" (2008) stayed at the top of the swiss charts for several weeks and caught the attention of critics abroad. The Guardian described her as "Laura Marling, Beth Orton and Björk in one folk-rocking package".
The Swiss singer spent parts of her youth abroad, living in England and Germany. Her cosmopolitan biography is reflected in her multilingual songwriting. While most songs are in English or German language, each album contains one song in a Swiss German dialect. Her third studio album 1983 (2010) also includes a cover version of Noir Désir's Le Vent Nous Portera in French language.
Hunger has always worked in a collaborative spirit, and her many musical interests have led her to a fascinating geographic and personality mix. While she had recorded her solo début "Sketches On Sea" at home in just a few days, her latest album "The Danger Of Light" evolved over three sessions abroad. In Los Angeles she was joined by Josh Klinghoffer (Red Hot Chilli Peppers, PJ Harvey), Nathaniel Walcott (Bright Eyes) and Steven Nistor (Danger Mouse); in Montréal Howard Bilerman (Arcade Fire), singer/songwriter Mark Bérubé, Brad Barr (The Barr Brothers) und David Payant (A Silver Mt. Zion) jammed along. That last session from Hotel2Tango-Studio in Montréal is included on the Deluxe Edition of her latest release.
Rapidly gaining a reputation as an electrifying live performer, Hunger has been sharing stages with some of Switzerlands’s most successful artists, like Erik Truffaz, The Young Gods, Kutti MC or Stephan Eicher and appearing at locations such as Olympia in Paris, Miles Davis Hall at the Montreux Jazz Festival or the John Peel Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
The musical directions of Sophie Hunger are limitless, from traditional folk songwriting bathed in jazzy moods to soul balladry. Her musical universe is very flourished, nourished by an exceptionally fragile yet mature voice as well as an ability to cross genres. For Sketches On Sea, she collaborated with a great number of musicians, from a trombone player to a flamenco guitarist. Sophie’s technical prowesses can lead her anywhere and allow her to do things that nobody else could get away with.
Sophie Hunger also contributed the soundtrack to the documentary "Zimmer 202" and the movie "Der Freund" by Micha Lewinsky.
Sites: SoundCloud, Vimeo and Facebook.
The Actress
Sophie Hunger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I make a living with my songs
So how come you don't know what real is
You know exactly how it's done
So how come I can't read your feelings
I know exactly how they're sung
It's your day off, you get that burning
A quiet, careless detonation
Had you standing in the light
If it's atoms atoms atoms
There's nothing you nothing you
Nothing you can do
If it's atoms atoms atoms i'll run
I'll run into you
You only had one single day off
And now you're back to join the set
And you're so naked and you're so reckless
I'll pretend we never met
Go kiss your husband, count your payoff
With a shadow of regret
'Cause if it's atoms atoms atoms
There's nothing you nothing you
Nothing you can do
You so want to be an artist
I can see how hard you try
If you ever have a night off
You can have a piece of mine
'Cause if it's atoms atoms atoms
There's nothing you nothing you
Nothing you can do
And if it's atoms atoms atoms i'll run
I'll run into you
If it's atoms atoms atoms
Then it's atoms atoms atoms
In this song, Sophie Hunger explores the contrasting lives of a famous actress in the movies and herself, a musician who makes a living through her songs. The lyrics begin by addressing the actress, acknowledging her fame and success in the world of movies. The singer questions why the actress doesn't understand what is real, despite her expertise in portraying emotions on screen. The singer, on the other hand, claims to know exactly how emotions are expressed through music but struggles to comprehend the actress's true feelings.
The next verse describes a day off for the actress, where she experiences a burning desire or restlessness. This prompts her to express herself aloud, causing a "quiet, careless detonation" that puts her in the spotlight. The use of imagery suggests that her actions have consequences, and she is left exposed under the scrutiny of others.
The chorus emphasizes the insignificance and powerlessness of atoms, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of human existence. The repetition of the phrase "nothing you can do" suggests a sense of resignation or acceptance of one's fate. The singer also expresses a willingness to run towards this cosmic insignificance, perhaps suggesting a desire to escape the weight of expectations and pressure in life.
The following verse reveals that the actress only had one day off before returning to the movie set. She is portrayed as vulnerable and reckless, while the singer disguises their connection, pretending they never met. The reference to the actress kissing her husband and counting her payoff signifies the image of success and happiness she portrays to the world, but with a lingering trace of regret.
The final verse acknowledges the actress's desire to be an artist and recognizes her effort to excel in her craft. The singer offers a piece of themselves, suggesting that if the actress ever has a night off from her glamorous facade, she can experience a more authentic and genuine connection. The repetition of "atoms atoms atoms" in the chorus serves as a reminder that everything, including fame, success, and emotions, is ultimately composed of the same fundamental building blocks.
In summary, the song delves into the contrast between the glamorous yet emotionally distant life of a famous actress and the more introspective and empathetic nature of a musician. It explores themes of authenticity, societal expectations, and the search for genuine connection amidst the façade of fame.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah you're so famous in the movies
You have achieved a high level of fame and recognition in the film industry
I make a living with my songs
I earn my livelihood through my music
So how come you don't know what real is
Despite your fame, you seem disconnected from reality
You know exactly how it's done
You are well aware of the process and techniques involved
So how come I can't read your feelings
I struggle to understand or interpret your emotions
I know exactly how they're sung
I have a deep understanding of expressing and conveying emotions through singing
It's your day off, you get that burning
Even on your day off, you feel a strong desire or passion for your work
And then you say some things out loud
You vocalize certain thoughts or ideas without filtering or holding back
A quiet, careless detonation
A subtle and reckless explosion of words or actions
Had you standing in the light
It made you visible or exposed, drawing attention to you
If it's atoms atoms atoms
If everything is reduced to its fundamental particles
There's nothing you nothing you
There is no response or action you can take
Nothing you can do
There are no options available to you
If it's atoms atoms atoms i'll run
If everything is reduced to its fundamental particles, I will escape or distance myself
I'll run into you
I will come towards you, seeking a connection or interaction
You only had one single day off
You had only one day without work or obligations
And now you're back to join the set
And now you have returned to be part of the film production
And you're so naked and you're so reckless
You appear vulnerable and impulsive
I'll pretend we never met
I will act as if our encounter never happened
Go kiss your husband, count your payoff
Go show affection to your spouse, calculate the financial benefits you receive
With a shadow of regret
While carrying a lingering feeling of remorse or sadness
'Cause if it's atoms atoms atoms
Because if everything is reduced to its fundamental particles
You so want to be an artist
You have a strong desire to be seen as an artist
I can see how hard you try
I can perceive the effort and determination you put in
If you ever have a night off
If you ever get a break or free time
You can have a piece of mine
You can have a share or part of my own artistic expression
Then it's atoms atoms atoms
Then everything boils down to its fundamental particles
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind