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.
It's Your Life
Svavar Knútur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's no need for conversation,
there's no need for anything at all.
The time has passed for Promises,
the time has passed for rolling with the ball.
A house of lies on grains of sand
I'm not allowed to intrude upon you
I've no advice to give, nothing to say.
Cause it's your life...
I really want to help you out
I really want to pull you out of there.
Take you to a better place
a bullshit free and peaceful life somewhere.
I won't attempt to save you,
I won't attempt to drag you from your fate.
I only hope you call on me
before you sink to deep and it's too late.
Cause it's your life...
In Svavar Knútur's song "It's Your Life," the singer confesses his desire to go back in time to warn his younger self about the troubles ahead but ultimately decides that he would not want to miss out on the misery that has shaped him. The lyrics suggest that the singer has experienced significant hardships and may have made mistakes along the way. The opening lines, "There's no need for conversation, there's no need for anything at all," might indicate that the singer has grown tired of giving advice or trying to change the course of others' lives. The repeated refrain of "it's your life" underscores the idea that each individual is responsible for their own choices and that the singer can only offer a listening ear and a helping hand.
The imagery throughout the song is bleak, with references to a "house of lies on grains of sand" representing the fragility of the world and the idea that everything could crumble at any moment. The line "I'm not allowed to intrude upon you, I've no advice to give, nothing to say" is particularly poignant, suggesting that sometimes the best way to help someone is to simply be present and available. The final verse expresses a desire to help the listener but acknowledges that ultimately, they must make their own decision to accept that help.
Line by Line Meaning
There's no need for conversation,
No words or explanations are necessary, the situation is clear.
there's no need for anything at all.
There is nothing that can be done, the situation is irreversible.
The time has passed for Promises,
No more pretend solutions, the situation is beyond repair.
the time has passed for rolling with the ball.
There is no positive impact from waiting or indecisiveness.
A house of lies on grains of sand
A weak foundation that is built upon untruths.
is all that holds the elements at bay.
The forces against us are only kept at bay by the flimsiest of constructs.
I'm not allowed to intrude upon you
I respect your space and privacy.
I've no advice to give, nothing to say.
I have no solutions to offer, no wisdom to impart.
Cause it's your life...
Ultimately, the responsibility and consequences of actions fall on you alone.
I really want to help you out
I care about you and want you to succeed.
I really want to pull you out of there.
I want to rescue you from your predicament.
Take you to a better place
To provide an opportunity for growth and improvement.
a bullshit free and peaceful life somewhere.
A life free of lies and conflict, where you can thrive.
I won't attempt to save you,
I am aware that it is not my place or right to save you from yourself.
I won't attempt to drag you from your fate.
I cannot interfere with the choices and path you have chosen.
I only hope you call on me
I am here to offer support and assistance.
before you sink to deep and it's too late.
To intervene before it is too late and the situation is irreversible.
Cause it's your life...
Ultimately, you are the only one who can take control of your life.
Contributed by Adrian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.