Most of the band's music is written by Hatakka. Waltari's lyrics often deal with personal feelings of anxiety, loneliness and the cruelty of the world, often with heavy irony and sarcasm.
The name Waltari is a reference to the popular Finnish author Mika Waltari, a favourite author of guitarist Jariot Lehtinen.
Waltari was formed in 1986 in Helsinki, Finland, by Kärtsy Hatakka (vocals and bass), Jariot Lehtinen (guitars) and Sale Suomalainen (drums). Sami Yli-Sirniö joined as second guitarist in 1989, a year after the release of their first EP, Mut Hei.
Their first album, Monk Punk was released in 1991. As the title suggests, this album was mostly punk. Their next album Torcha! (1992) and it was with this album that Waltari started blending various musical styles into the sound that would become their own.
After releasing a compilation of early work under the title Pala Leipää (1993), the band went on to release So Fine! (1994), an album similar to Torcha!. Their next album, Big Bang (1995) is to date their biggest success. The album concentrates on mixing techno with heavy metal.
In 1995 Roope Latvala (current second guitarist of Children of Bodom) joined the band, replacing Sami Yli-Sirniö. During this time, Hatakka was working with conductor Riku Niemi on a project combining heavy metal with classical music. This project eventually became known as Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! Death Metal Symphony in Deep C. The show was performed in 1995, and the album was released in 1996.
The year 1997 saw Space Avenue, a more progressive work containing more electronic drums, as well as a collaboration with Apocalyptica. In 1998, in honour of the band's ten-year anniversary, the band released a compilation titled Decade.
In 1999 Hatakka was working on yet another metal/classical collaboration, and this gave rise to the stage show Evangelicum. This production differed from Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! in that it contained more than just music: the stage show contained music, ballet and a light show. An album of Evangelicum was not released.
Waltari's next album Radium Round (1999), featured a strong pop influence. After Radium Round, the band passed out of the public eye, working on less main-stream releases such as the Metal / Yoik crossover Channel Nordica (2000) and the punk EP Back To Persepolis (2001). However, these releases were very hard to obtain, and for a while Waltari only survived through its live shows. In 2001, the band's old guitarist Sami Yli-Sirniö returned, and Roope Latvala left the band.
In 2004 Waltari came back with an all-new studio album, Rare Species. The album was well received by critics, and an extensive tour put Waltari back on the map.
Waltari released their newest album called "Below Zero" in fall of 2009.
1986
Helsinki, Finland
Kärtsy Hatakka
Jariot Lehtinen
Sami Yli-Sirniö
Sami Yli-Sirniö
Roope Latvala
Janne Parviainen
Mika Järvelainen
Ville Veikko Vehviläinen
Lights On
Waltari Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, how hard wed try to manage this night could never last
Take this moment and slide into freedom an play this game of love
Same old story, its easy to guess - you'll get my body torn
Power is so attractive, yeah, it makes me use my gun
Ooh, how hard you try to manage this game can't make you a nun
Be my boss and use your freedom and pay for your sins later
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
Move on honey, its so dark in here
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on (deep in your head)
You'd better turn the lights on
Move on masses, move your asses on!
Why do you try to act like someone who knows everything
In fact youre just a lost little girl who tries to save her own skin
Why don'tcha try to convince me, try to really turn me on
Instead of cheating and telling me lies show that youre a real one!
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
Move on honey, cant you turn me on
You'd better turn the ligts on
You'd better turn the ligts on (deep in your head)
You'd better turn the ligts on
Move your asses, move on masses!
Hey, you creepies, turn the lights!
You'd better turn the lights on...
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
Why do we treat each other like it was the end of the human race
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
You'd better turn the lights on
Move on masses, move your asses!
The lyrics of Waltari's "Lights On" present a critique of the power dynamics in relationships, where one person tries to hold all the power over the other. The song seems to be addressed to a woman who thinks she has control in the relationship by using her sexuality as a weapon. The lyrics criticize her for trying too hard to manipulate and control things, emphasizing that this kind of behavior will eventually come back to haunt her. The chorus emphasizes that it is time to turn the lights on and reveal the truth of the situation that has been hidden in darkness.
The verses address the manipulative tactics used by the woman, calling into question her intelligence and sincerity. She is called out for cheating and telling lies, and is urged to be honest if she wants to truly turn the other person on. The song expresses a sense of frustration with people who try to act like they know everything and hold all the power, while at the same time exposing their own insecurities and inner turmoil.
Overall, "Lights On" is a powerful critique of power dynamics in relationships, delivered through the medium of heavy metal music. The lyrics urge listeners to be honest and truthful, even when it is difficult to do so, and to reject the manipulative tactics of those who seek to control others.
Line by Line Meaning
You think you're smart when you dance so hot, but you wink your eyes too fast
You believe you're clever because of your dancing, but your rapid eye movements betray you
Ooh, how hard wed try to manage this night could never last
We've attempted to prolong this night, but it isn't feasible
Take this moment and slide into freedom an play this game of love
Embrace this instant and enjoy the liberty to engage in the game of love
Same old story, its easy to guess - you'll get my body torn
Predictable outcome, you'll tear apart my body
Power is so attractive, yeah, it makes me use my gun
Authority has an allure, compelling me to use my firearm
Ooh, how hard you try to manage this game can't make you a nun
Despite your attempt at control, you can't evade your promiscuity
Be my boss and use your freedom and pay for your sins later
Act like my superior, live without restraint, and atone for your transgressions afterwards
Let's get down to business and shut these fucking lights, yeah
Focus on the matter at hand and turn off these damn lights
You'd better turn the lights on
It would be wise to illuminate our surroundings
Move on honey, its so dark in here
Come on, it's rather dim in here
You'd better turn the ligts on (deep in your head)
You should seriously consider being transparent and honest with me
Move on masses, move your asses on!
Let's go everyone, hurry up!
Why do you try to act like someone who knows everything
Why attempt to appear omniscient?
In fact youre just a lost little girl who tries to save her own skin
Truthfully, you're a frightened girl trying to save yourself
Why don'tcha try to convince me, try to really turn me on
Why not persuade me genuinely and genuinely excite me?
Instead of cheating and telling me lies show that youre a real one!
Be sincere instead of deceiving me and spreading untruths
Move on honey, cant you turn me on
Come on, can't you truly arouse me?
Hey, you creepies, turn the lights!
Hey, creepy people, switch on the lights!
You'd better turn the lights on
It would be wise to illuminate our surroundings
Why do we treat each other like it was the end of the human race
Why do we display such hostility towards one another as though it's the apocalypse?
Move on masses, move your asses!
Let's go everyone, hurry up!
Contributed by Samantha S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.