The songs are not autobiographical in the traditional sense. They are not directly written from a specific point in our lives portraying a moment or a story that could be unraveled to a listener in a way that it would make sense.
The Work
The inspiration comes from small pieces and fragments of music and art. Such fragments could be for example a memory, melody, voice, picture, word or a view. Sometimes a misheard fragment of melody springs a new idea, which after a while turns into a song. Some of our compositions have got their initial inspiration from a painting.
Usually one of the members brings the main idea for the band to develop. It is quite seldom that songs are composed through jamming sessions although a lot of our material is improvised during recording sessions. We often write things that even we don't understand immediately. Creating usually happens first on a subconscious level. Thus far there has not been formed a procedure for us for composing music — every song has its own way of appearing into our lives.
Melancholia
We have a big heart for melancholia — sadness is beautiful. The blue side of life is where we are as persons and as artists. The music also reflects our introversion.
Finland, Finnish and Folk
The Finnish language represents the Finnish mentality best. Our music has its roots in the Finnish folk music so using Finnish language to reflect our feelings and mental landscapes is obvious to us. However, the folk elements in Tenhi are indirect. We try to interpret them in our own way. With using folk elements we want to give certain timelessness and feel of our native land's beauty.
Nature
The greatest inspiration for us is nature. It is an endless source of amazement and beauty. We try to achieve the same kind of timelessness that is present there. In nature things are in the purest of forms.
We compare our album Maaäet to an autumnal forest. It was its feel that we aimed for when we were creating the music. Life slowly fleeing from everywhere, fatalism, acceptance, gentle fall to sleep, turning towards an end of a cycle, giving energy back to earth — giving it to be a seed of new life.
Aesthetic
Music and visual arts together form the concept of Tenhi. For us they are inseparable for achieving the whole experience we are aiming at. During the composing the visual context is a guide for us and it works as a window from where the themes are captured. As we create the album covers ourselves we set the final frames for the musical canvas.
For example the cover of the album Airut:Aamujen represents the core of the album. The portrait is a mental passage away from this place. The black stain curling around the girl's head could be an extension or a reflection of mind — an idea emerging from the subconscious. It could however be read as a death metaphor, the spirit leaving the body.
— Ilmari and Tyko 2007-01-31
Line-up
Tyko Saarikko: vocals, guitar, and piano
Ilmari Issakainen: guitar, piano, drums, bass, and backing vocals
Tuukka Tolvanen: backing vocals
Jaakko Hilppö: backing vocals
Inka Eerola: violin
Janina Lehto: flute
Live line-up
Tyko Saarikko: vocals and guitar
Ilmari Issakainen: guitar and backing vocals
Tuukka Tolvanen: guitar and backing vocals
Jaakko Hilppö: bass and backing vocals
Inka Eerola: violin
Jussi Lehtinen: piano
Raimo Kovalainen: drums
The Escape
Varpuspäivä
Tenhi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kaunein polte somija syissä
Tämän puun jokaisella oksalla sydän löystyy
Kipu ei satu varpuspäivä
[English translation:]
Sparrow-day
I would like to sit on every root of this tree
With kindled curling flame
On each bough of this tree a heart loosens
Pain won't hurt on a sparrow day
In Tenhi's song "Varpuspäivä," the lyrics are quite poetic and symbolic, creating an image of the singer sitting under a tree, basking in the beauty of the autumn season, and feeling a sense of ease and relief from pain. The lines "I would like to sit on every root of this tree, With kindled curling flame" suggest that the singer desires to fully immerse themselves in the environment and experience a deeper connection with nature. The words "kindled curling flame" evoke feelings of warmth and coziness, perhaps suggesting that the singer is seeking comfort and solace in this natural setting.
The second half of the verse, "On each bough of this tree a heart loosens, Pain won't hurt on a sparrow day" takes on a more metaphorical tone. The image of hearts loosening on every bough implies a sense of emotional release or catharsis. The mention of a "sparrow day" is ambiguous - it could refer to a specific day or event, or it could be a more abstract concept. Regardless, the line suggests that whatever is causing pain in the singer's life is temporarily lifted on this day. Perhaps it is a day of celebration, or simply a moment of peace and contentment.
In summary, "Varpuspäivä" is a song that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of nature, and explores the idea of finding solace and release from emotional pain. The lyrics are rich with imagery and symbolism, and invite the listener to reflect on their own connections to the natural world.
Line by Line Meaning
Tämän puun jokaisella juurella haluaisin istua
I desire to sit at the base of every root of this tree
Kaunein polte somija syissä
The most beautiful burning in the lovely autumn
Tämän puun jokaisella oksalla sydän löystyy
On each branch of this tree, the heart loosens
Kipu ei satu varpuspäivä
Pain won't hurt on a sparrow day
Contributed by Grace O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1YinYang1
They are so underrated in favour of big viking acts, that it hurts.
I listen to them since 10 years and I still am not tired.
@CarlosOliveira-jp3yx
Such a conforting song, and that voice is pure asmr
@neth.lumiere
This is so beautiful. Where are all the comments? This album is the greatest dark folk piece of art I ever heard.
Best to listen before going to sleep.
@joehargreaves6242
+Neth Lumiere This album got me through the final semester of my bachelors degree. In fact, their whole discography carried me through my studies. They are an incredible and lasting influence.
@neth.lumiere
Joseph Hargreaves Congratulations on graduation dude. Keep on listening good music. :)
@neuro3680
Where are all the comments ? Nowhere, we're all speechless.
@pvhep4036
They left them speakless ;)
@kief4diamonds
What a wonderful piece.
Simply haunting.
@prophecyBC
thank you!
@TalonsOfFire
Love the main melody to this