During the past decade, Loiri's career has moved in the direction of music instead of acting. He has recorded several albums and recorded many cover versions and interpretations, such as an album series from the poems of Eino Leino. Loiri's first album took place in 1971.
In 2006 he released Ivalo, which started an acoustic cover album trilogy somewhat reminiscent of Johnny Cash's American recordings. The following albums in the series are Inari, released in November 2007, and Kasari, released in November 2008, all three recorded in Lapponian landscapes. Loiri has speculated retirement from recording after the release of Kasari.
With over 753 000 albums sold, he is the 5th most successful Finnish solo artist.
Vesa-Matti Loiri received the Finnish music industry's Emma-award for best male solo act in 2007.
Loiri is also known as an athlete and was the head of Finnish Billiards Association between 1994-1999.
Enkeli taivaan
Vesa-Matti Loiri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Miks hämmästyitte säikähtäin?
Mä suuren ilon ilmoitan
maan kansoille nyt tulevan.
Herramme Kristus teille nyt
on tänään tänne syntynyt,
ja tää on teille merkiksi:
Nyt Jumalalle kunnia,
kun antoi ainoon Poikansa.
Siit enkelitkin riemuiten
veisaavat hälle kiitoksen.
Translated from Finnish to English, the lyrics of Vesa-Matti Loiri's Enkeli Taivaan speak of an angel who appears and announces great news to the people of earth. The angel announces that Christ has been born, and this is a sign shown to the people by the baby sleeping in a manger. The angel asks why the people are frightened and then goes on to sing of the glory that God has bestowed upon the world by giving his one and only son, with even the angels singing hymns of praise to him.
The song is a hymn or carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, often played during the Christmas season. The lyrics mention the birth of Jesus in a humble setting, in a manger, and the song is a reminder of the significance of this event to believers. The song invokes a sense of joy, praise, and gratitude for the gift of Christ's birth, and celebrates the coming of the Messiah who would save the world.
One interesting fact about this song is that it is a traditional Finnish Christmas carol that has been popular since the 1970s. Vesa-Matti Loiri's version of the song is one of the most well-known and beloved interpretations. Another interesting fact is that the song's lyrics are based on the biblical account of the angels appearing to the shepherds in the fields to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. The song has been translated into many languages, including English, and is often sung by Christian communities all over the world during the Christmas season.
Another interesting fact about this song is that it was originally composed in the 19th century by a Finnish composer named Karl Collan. The original melody is a Finnish folk tune called "Hakuna Kari Hemminki", which was often played during wedding celebrations. The lyrics of the carol were added later, and the song became associated with the Christmas season. Today, the song is a beloved part of Finland's Christmas traditions, and is often performed by choirs and musicians during Christmas concerts and services.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords are not available as this is a traditional song and does not have a specific artist's arrangement.
Line by Line Meaning
Enkeli taivaan lausui näin:
The angel of heaven spoke as follows:
Miks hämmästyitte säikähtäin?
Why are you frightened and amazed?
Mä suuren ilon ilmoitan
I bring great joyous news
maan kansoille nyt tulevan.
for all the people of Earth.
Herramme Kristus teille nyt
Our Lord Christ has come to you today
on tänään tänne syntynyt,
here born on this day,
ja tää on teille merkiksi:
as a sign to you:
seimessä lapsi makaapi.
the child lies in a manger.
Nyt Jumalalle kunnia,
Now we give glory to God,
kun antoi ainoon Poikansa.
for giving his only begotten son.
Siit enkelitkin riemuiten
Therefore, even the angels sing joyfully
veisaavat hälle kiitoksen.
praise and give thanks to him.
Contributed by Amelia W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.