Brandy
Spilverk þjóðanna Lyrics
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There lived a merry farmer
Brandy was his name
His house was made of glass
And if you're slim
Knock upon his rounded door
He's sure to let you in
There lived a thirsty soldier
Didn't have a home
Or the smallest piece of gold
And so to spain
They sold him into slavery
Now wino is his name
The song Brandy by Spilverk þjóðanna is a narrative that transcends time, detailing the journeys of two men who seemingly have very little in common other than the fact that they are both named. The song begins by introducing us to an unnamed narrator who takes us back to ancient Spain. He paints a picture of a happy-go-lucky farmer named Brandy who lived in a house made of glass. The glass house metaphorically represents how transparent Brandy is with his emotions and motives. The singer further clarifies that Brandy is a friendly fellow who would let anyone in his house no matter how slim they are.
Next, the song moves onto ancient Rome, where a thirsty soldier named Brandy lived. Unlike the previous Brandy, he was not as fortunate in his circumstances. He was homeless and had no gold to his name. Due to his dire circumstances, he was sold into slavery in Spain. His new masters named him "Wino," a name that projected negativity and reinforced his low status in society. The song's lyrics come full circle, showing the stark contrast between the two men named Brandy. While one was a farmer with generosity, the other was sold into slavery and lost his identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in ancient spain
In a time long ago, in the country of Spain
There lived a merry farmer
A joyful man resided there, involved in agriculture
Brandy was his name
He was called Brandy
His house was made of glass
His abode was built of transparent material
And if you're slim
If you are thin
Knock upon his rounded door
Tap on his circular entrance
He's sure to let you in
He will undoubtedly invite you in
Once in ancient rome
In a bygone era, in the city of Rome
There lived a thirsty soldier
A parched military man resided there
Didn't have a home
He did not possess a dwelling
Or the smallest piece of gold
Not even the tiniest bit of wealth
And so to spain
Thus, to the country of Spain
They sold him into slavery
He was traded as a slave
Now wino is his name
Currently, he is known as Wino
Contributed by Kaylee A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.