The name comes from the 1994 album The White Birch by the band Codeine, one of the cornerstones of slowcore. They are sometimes called the "Norwegian Sigur Rós."
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Beauty King
The White Birch Lyrics
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You better go
You, you know the clown
So let him go
If you want her
You better let go
And if she's really sure
(x2)
You and I
Begin again
You and I
And yet again
You and I
And yet again
You and I
The lyrics to The White Birch's song "Beauty King" are quite abstract, but they seem to revolve around the idea of letting go of something or someone. The first verse tells someone to "get down" and "let [the clown] go" - this could be interpreted as instructions to let go of a situation or a person who is causing them stress or unhappiness. The second verse speaks directly to someone who wants a person named "her" - they are told that if she truly wants to leave, they should let her go. The repetition of this line emphasizes the idea that holding on too tightly to someone or something can be detrimental.
The repeated refrain of "you and I begin again" suggests a sense of renewal or starting over. It's possible that the song is about the end of a relationship or a difficult time, and the singer is urging themselves and others to move on and start fresh. The repetition of "you and I" also implies a sense of solidarity or partnership between the singer and the person they are addressing.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you get down?
Are you feeling low or sad?
You better go
You should leave or move on from your current situation.
You, you know the clown
You know the person who is always trying to make jokes or be funny.
So let him go
Don't let that person's behavior affect you, just move on without them.
If you want her
If you really want to be with her.
You better let go
You need to let go of any doubts or fears that may be holding you back from pursuing her.
And if she's really sure
If she is confident about her feelings for you.
Then let her go
If she wants to leave, don't try to hold her back or make her stay.
You and I
The two of us, together.
Begin again
Start fresh or anew.
And yet again
Repeat or continue the cycle of starting over.
You and I
We are in this together.
And yet again
Once more, let's start over.
You and I
Together, we can face anything.
Contributed by Gavin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.