Their music can be characterized by elegantly composed rhythms, floating sound of typical folk-instruments like bagpipes, flutes and violins, in an electronica-composition that supports the dramatic lyrics. Some tracks on Mark II are up-beat with only few lyrics and could also be characterized as dance or techno.
The lyrics are old stories from Danish folk tradition, about jealousy, murder and creatures. In Kirstin from Mark II a father serves a meal of his daughter's boyfriend's heart for her. In Ulver from Mark III a man takes his girlfriend into the forest to kill her and bury her without her knowledge. He falls asleep and she cuts him in pieces with his own sword.
Sorten Muld has also published a concept album called Jord, Luft, Ild, Vand (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) – a mostly instrumental journey through the classic elements. The album is a remastered recording from a live show at Bornholm.
Members:
* Ulla Bendixen - Vocals
* Martin Ottosen - Musician-Architect
* Henrik Munch - Technician
(all after this point appear on III only)
* Søren Bendixen - Guitar
* Harald Haugaard - Viola, Violin, Hurdy-Gurdy
* Johannes Hejl - Double bass
* Niels Kilele - Percussion
* Tommy Nissen - Drums
* Martin Seeberg - Bagpipe, Flute, Jewish harp
www.sortenmuld.dk
Havets Farer
Sorten Muld Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
hvad ondt en sømand må lide
Han haver hverken dag eller nat nogen ro
for alle søfarlige kvider
for banker og skær
for storm og uvejr
sirenesang og andet deslige
The lyrics of Sorten Muld's song "Havets Farer" depict the perils of the sea and the hardships faced by seafarers in their quest to navigate the treacherous waters. The song starts with a statement that no one can truly comprehend the extent of the sufferings of a sailor. The sailor does not have a moment of peace, neither day nor night, due to the various fears and anxieties that come along with sailing.
The lyrics in the following lines describe some of the dangers that sailors face, such as rocks, reefs, storms, and sirens. Banks and rocks are a common threat faced by sailors while navigating through shallow and rocky waters. Storms and rough weather conditions can be extremely hazardous and unpredictable, making navigation an arduous task. The mention of sirens is a nod towards Greek mythology, where sirens were believed to lure sailors to their doom with their enchanting singing.
Through these lines, the lyrics highlight the bravery and courage of seafarers, who are willing to bear such difficulties to carry out their duties. It is a potent reminder of the dangers and uncertainties that seafarers face while undertaking their journeys on the high seas.
Line by Line Meaning
Slet ingen kan tænke langt mindre tro
Only a few can fathom what kind of perils lie in the vast ocean and it's hard to believe.
Hvad ondt en sømand må lide
Sailors endure unimaginable hardships and pains.
Han haver hverken dag eller nat nogen ro
A sailor finds no rest during the day and night.
For alle søfarlige kvider
All the dangers of the sea constantly plague a sailor.
For banker og skær
On top of everything, there are sandbanks and rocks to worry about.
For storm og uvejr
The sailor must face the tumultuous storms and rough weather as well.
Sirenesang og andet deslige
The siren's song and other similar lures of the sea can lead sailors astray and pose even more dangers.
Contributed by Violet H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.