Under Byen is a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and… Read Full Bio ↴Under Byen is a Danish band founded in 1995 mainly by Katrine Stochholm and Henriette Sennenvaldt.

Under Byen (Danish for "Below the City") are known for producing their own unorthodox interpretation of rock (but it could also be indie, folktronic, trip-hop, post-rock or... something else). They rarely use guitars. Instead their soundscape is dominated by piano, cello, violin, electrically-distorted saw, organ, drums and percussion. A somewhat different vein of post-rock, infused with jazzy, folky and classical elements. An important part of the music is also the voice of Henriette Sennenvaldt, whose poetic Danish lyrics add a further mysterious allure to the mix.

The 1999 debut album "Kyst" impressed music critics, who applauded the band for creating their own style and tone. The second album "Det er mig der holder træerne sammen" (2002) was equally praised and has grown to become a hallmark for the band and helped reach a wider audience in Denmark and elsewhere. In 2004 it was re-released outside Denmark.

In 2006 the band released their album "Af Samme Stof Som Stof" to rave reviews.

Far from being a mainstream act Under Byen has nevertheless attracted a growing devoted fan base following the release of their two albums and intense live shows.

Under Byen's influences are very diverse. Leadsinger Henriette Sennenvaldt has been quoted as saying she was inspired by traffic. And if "Kyst" would be said to have a theme it would probably be water and harbours. They rarely cite any direct musical influences, but on occasion band members have expressed their fondness for artists such as Stina Nordenstam, Björk, Tori Amos, Sigur Rós, Tom Waits, Mogwai, Mark Hollis and Talk Talk. The band also have strong similarities with Portishead

They are from Aarhus, Denmark.

Members

* Henriette Sennenvaldt – vocals, lyricist
* Rasmus Kjær Larsen – pianos
* Nils Gröndahl – violin, saw, lapsteel, a variety of guitar pedals
* Morten Larsen – drums
* Sara Saxild – bass
* Anders Stochholm – percussion, accordion, harmonica, guitar
* Stine Sørensen – drums, percussion
* Morten Svenstrup – cello

Former members

* Katrine Stochholm – composer, melodica, backing vocals, piano
* Myrtha Wolf – cello
* Thorbjørn Krogshede – composer, piano, bass clarinet

http://www.underbyen.dk

Mission
Under Byen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Det ligner mod
Men er det ikke
Mest af alt ønsker jeg mig
En mission

Jeg ligger lavt
Jeg er langt ude
Jeg går så langt jeg kan

Jeg går igennem
Jeg går hele vejen

Det ligner mod
Men er det ikke
Det er noget at leve for
En mission

Jeg overvinder
Jeg overkommer
Jeg kysser katastrofer

Det ligner mod
Den sang når jeg angriber

Det er noget at dø for
En mission

Overall Meaning

The song “Mission” by Under Byen explores the idea of finding purpose through setting a mission for oneself. The lyrics suggest that the singer is searching for a sense of direction in their life, and they see this purpose as a way to achieve a sense of personal growth and fulfillment. The words “Det ligner mod, Men er det ikke” (“It looks like courage, but it isn't”) indicate that the singer feels a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about their mission, yet it is something they deeply desire.

The singer fully commits themselves to this mission, saying they will go as far as they can to achieve it. “Jeg går så langt jeg kan, Jeg går igennem, Jeg går hele vejen” (“I walk as far as I can, I go through, I go all the way”). The word “mission” is repeated throughout the song as a constant reminder of the singer's goal. There is a sense of determination and perseverance in the lyrics, as the singer overcomes obstacles and kisses catastrophes in order to achieve their mission.

Overall, “Mission” is a reflective and introspective song that delves into the idea of finding personal meaning and purpose in life. The lyrics suggest that setting a mission can provide direction and a sense of fulfillment, even if it is not always easy.

Line by Line Meaning

Det ligner mod
It looks like courage or bravery on the surface.

Men er det ikke
But it might not be.

Mest af alt ønsker jeg mig
Most of all, I wish for

En mission
a mission.

Jeg ligger lavt
I keep a low profile, I don't draw attention to myself.

Jeg er langt ude
I am far out, away from what is normal or comfortable.

Jeg går så langt jeg kan
I go as far as I can go.

Jeg går igennem
I go through it, no matter what it takes.

Jeg går hele vejen
I go all the way, no holding back.

Det ligner mod
It looks like courage or bravery on the surface.

Men er det ikke
But it might not be.