Hailing from the harsh Icelandic western fjords, Icelandic Troubadour Svava… Read Full Bio ↴Hailing from the harsh Icelandic western fjords, Icelandic Troubadour Svavar Knutur (you can call me Knute if you like), summons his inner demons and outer storms to reflect upon the existential crises and frolicking joys of modern day rustic fjord dwelling men. Channeling the pain and angst of long dark winters and the insomnia of the 24 hour glaring summer sun, this eclectic musician has in recent years blossomed into a serene and sublime singer and songwriter. Knutur's songs of misery and redemption deliver a healthy dose of hope in the midst of despair.

Svavar Knutur's performances have been described as 'swoon-worthy vocals to the beautiful simplicity and raw emotion' of his songs. An article in the German Publication of Rolling Stone (april 2009) also described "an energetic man with entertainer qualities and and soft cotton, nordic folk reverie." Add to this humoristic storytelling and self beratement of the highest standards and reap a fantastic mixture of art and entertainment. Knutur, a former student of Philosophy and Anthropology, thrives on the human condition and never tires from diving in its murky waters.

Knutur has worked on several projects with the aim of strengthening and empowering songwriter communities, both locally and globally, one of the founding members of The troubadour conspiracy and the Icelandic Chapter of Undercover Music Lovers, Knutur has worked on bringing the Melodica festival to the northern Hemisphere and done extensive work with the Troubadour Olympics tour, helping international artists book tours in his country, where not only the music matters, but the tour is also turned into an expedition of adventure and exploration.

Drawing upon a wide range of influences, three of Svavar Knutur's most governing ones are without doubt Nick Drake, Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) and Kris Kristofferson, although such artists as Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Joni MItchell, Nick Cave and many more singer/songwriters have contributed to the icelandic troubadour's development.

Knutur's songwriting has not gone unnoticed internationally, as his song Astarsaga ur fjollunum (Lovestory from the mountains) propelled Hraun to participate in the final 5 competition on BBC World Service's Next big thing, playing for millions of viewers and listeners all over the world.

Knutur has already released two albums along with his band Hraun, where he is the main songwriter. His latest solo release "Kvöldvaka" (Evening wake), released in the spring of 2009, features a selection of Hraun Songs along with some new compositions and has received rave reviews in the Icelandic music press, as well as a warm welcome by fans.

Whether to describe Svavar Knutur's music as Troll pop, Fjord folk or Mood Swing is up to you, but it'll be worth your time to listen to.

Emma
Svavar Knútur Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ég settist við að semja
sorgarþrungið ljóð,
sökkti mér í sporin,
slökkti hjartans glóð.
Birtist mér þá brosið
og blíðu augun þín.
Þá bráðnar sálin mín.

Þú lætur heiminn ljóma
svo lýsist hjartans tóm.
Orð sem áður særðu
nú ýlfur eru og hjóm.
Ekkert lengur ergir,
eymdin flogin frá,
því þú ert okkur hjá.

Hví að gráta horfin spor og hulda slóð?
Hvítur snjórinn sefar okkar sorgarhljóð.

Hvað sem líf þitt hendir,
hvert sem hníga strá,
engan ljótan endi,
Emma, muntu sjá.
Því allt sem sundur tætist

fæst einhvern tímann bætt.
Við um það getum rætt.

Overall Meaning

The song "Emma" by Svavar Knútur describes the experience of finding comfort and hope through the presence of a loved one. The singer, feeling overwhelmed with grief, sits down to write a sad poem when a smile from Emma suddenly fills him with warmth and dissolves the darkness. She brings light to his life and he feels a sense of relief and gratitude to have her by his side.

Despite the pain they may face in life, Emma's presence brings a sense of calm and acceptance. The chorus suggests that there's no need to mourn what's lost or hide in the darkness, as Emma's light can illuminate even the emptiness of the heart. The lyrics convey a message that despite the difficulties of life, having someone by your side can make all the difference in how one copes and finds happiness.

Overall, "Emma" is a poignant and heartfelt song that speaks to the idea that the power of love and connection has the ability to light up the darkest of days.

Line by Line Meaning

Ég settist við að semja
I sat down to write a mournful poem

sorgarþrungið ljóð
A poem full of sadness

sökkti mér í sporin
I got lost in my own thoughts

slökkti hjartans glóð
My heart's fire burned out

Birtist mér þá brosið
Then your smile appeared to me

og blíðu augun þín
And your kind eyes

Þá bráðnar sálin mín
My soul warms up then

Þú lætur heiminn ljóma
You make the world shine

svo lýsist hjartans tóm
So the emptiness of the heart is illuminated

Orð sem áður særðu
The words that hurt before

nú ýlfur eru og hjóm
Now they howl and lament