Her father, the musician Anders Östman, scored a Swedish number one hit in the 1970s. He opened a music store after he stopped touring. Anders Östman introduced Tove to guitar when she was a child, but she preferred the piano, being encouraged by her piano teacher grandfather.
Her mother Anna, a former dancer and ballet instructor, is the manager of a ballet academy and enrolled her in dance classes at an early age. Tove has a younger and an older sister. Tove Styrke began performing as a vocalist in a local jazz band in her high school years. She also modeled for various publications.
Styrke was discovered by Anders Bagge during his tour for Swedish Idol 2009. On this competition, she performed songs by Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, The Killers, The Sounds, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, U2, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, Sandi Thom, Eurythmics, Russ Ballard, Ted Gärdestad and Bobby Darin. She finished third in the competition, after Calle Kristiansson and the winner Erik Grönwall.
After this contest, she was signed by Sony Music in December 2009. In June 2010, Tove released her first single "Million Pieces", written by Adam Olenius of Shout Out Louds and by Lykke Li.
In 12 November 2010, she released her debut album Tove Styrke. The album has been produced by Patrik Berger, Lotus & 2manyfreckles, Peter Ågren, Janne Kask and Paw. Most tracks have been written by Tove Styrke, Patrik Berger, Peter Ågren and Janne Kask.
The second single, "White Light Moment", charted at number 5 on the Swedish top singles chart and has been certified gold. In January 2011, Tove Styrke won the "Best Newcomer" award at P3 Guld.
At the end of February 2011, it was released High and Low EP which included "High and Low (2011 Remake)" and another five remixes. In April 2011, Styrke featured in an IKEA commercial, where she performed the Swedish lullaby "Byssan Lull".
On 19 August 2011, the single "Call My Name" was released on digital download. The song has peaked to number 28 on the Swedish Singles Chart. "Call My Name" has been nominated for "Best Song of the Year" at P3 Guld.
In September 2011, the Swedish band Caotico released the single "Brains Out (with Tove Styrke)". She also appeared on "Brains Out" music video.
In 23 November 2014, the EP Borderline has been issued. In 8 June 2015, she released her second album, Kiddo.
Official site: http://www.tovestyrkemusic.com
High And Low
Tove Styrke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm just getting started
This can't be the meaning of it all
Everything is just repeated
Maybe there is nothing to believe
What do we need to sort out
What if there is nothing here for me
You let me in just to get out
I feel your arms around me
But not the heat
Your eyes are pointed at me
But do you see
The bubble don't burst
My heart is not taking off
Love doesn't hurt
Baby, give all you got
Speak love, how mechanical of you
Where's the truth when I need it
Get rid of the glitter and the gold
Put love where I feel it
Make real, fill the hollow with a heart
Give us some kind of meaning
Crack up, show me who you really are
Just a glimpse to believe in
I feel your arms around me
But not the heat
Your eyes are pointed at me
But do you see
The bubble don't burst
My heart is not taking off
Love doesn't hurt
Baby, give all you got
You don't need love
I need love
You don't need love
You don't need love
I need love
You don't need love
I feel your arms around me (I feel no love around me)
But not the heat
Your eyes are pointed at me (I see no love around me)
But do you see
I feel your arms around me (I feel no love around me)
But not the heat
Your eyes are pointed at me (I see no love)
But do you see
The bubble don't burst
My heart is not taking off
Love doesn't hurt
Baby, give all you got
In "High and Low," Tove Styrke sings about the dual nature of a relationship in which she feels physically close to her partner, yet emotionally distant. She questions the meaning of it all, wondering if there is any purpose to the repetitive cycle of love and heartbreak. She desires a deeper type of love, one that is genuine and not mechanical. She urges her partner to reveal their true selves and show her a glimpse of who they really are, so that she can believe in the relationship again.
Throughout the song, Styrke juxtaposes images of physical and emotional closeness with detachment and isolation. The metaphor of a bubble that doesn't burst is used to represent the superficiality of the relationship, which lacks warmth and passion. The lines "You let me in just to get out" and "Your eyes are pointed at me, but do you see" emphasize the feeling of being used or taken for granted, highlighting the asymmetry of the relationship.
Styrke's plea for a more authentic connection is underlined by the repetition of the line "You don't need love, I need love" towards the end of the song. She recognizes that not everyone feels the same way about love, but emphasizes her own need for it. Despite the lack of heat and passion in the relationship, she wants to believe that it can become something more meaningful.
Overall, "High and Low" is a poignant exploration of the struggles and complexities of love and relationships, and the desire for something deeper and more fulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't know every high and every low
I don't have a full understanding of every situation, including the good and the bad.
But I'm just getting started
I'm new to this, and I'm ready to explore and learn more.
This can't be the meaning of it all
Life can't be this repetitive and meaningless.
Everything is just repeated
Life feels monotonous and dull.
Maybe there is nothing to believe
Perhaps there is nothing that's truly genuine and trustworthy.
What do we need to sort out
We must figure out what's important and how to move forward.
What if there is nothing here for me
I may not find what I'm seeking in this place or situation.
You let me in just to get out
You allowed me to get close, but then you withdrew or left.
I feel your arms around me
I'm physically close to you, but something is missing.
But not the heat
I don't feel the passion, energy, or vitality in our relationship.
Your eyes are pointed at me
You're looking at me, but I wonder if you truly see me.
But do you see
Do you understand me and recognize my needs, desires, and concerns?
The bubble don't burst
Our connection is intact and not broken.
My heart is not taking off
My emotions aren't soaring or intense.
Love doesn't hurt
True love shouldn't cause pain or suffering.
Baby, give all you got
I hope you'll devote your energy, time, and affection to me and our relationship.
Speak love, how mechanical of you
Your expression of love feels insincere, unnatural or lacking true emotion.
Where's the truth when I need it
I'm looking for honesty, transparency and clarity.
Get rid of the glitter and the gold
Let's eliminate the superficial or materialistic aspects of our relationship.
Put love where I feel it
Focus on strengthening the emotional connection between us.
Make real, fill the hollow with a heart
Let's make our relationship genuine and meaningful by giving it substance and depth.
Give us some kind of meaning
I hope our relationship will have a purpose or significance.
Crack up, show me who you really are
Be honest and authentic with me, reveal your true self.
Just a glimpse to believe in
I just need a small indication or sign that I can trust you and believe in our relationship.
You don't need love
You may not require love, but I do.
I need love
Love is essential to me and my happiness.
Contributed by Lily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.