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
Never
Waltari Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't see that I'm so proud
Could have made so much more
Could have paid back with my back straight
Now I'm just a half of me
Am I happy? Sure, I should be!
There's no need to disagree
thou I could have stood with my back straight
I never got an answer from you baby
I never get an answer from you now
I never got an answer from you baby
why can't we feel free together!
The scene is highly civilized
It breeds like kids on merchandise
Could have paid so much more
Could have paid back with my back straight
Now I have everything I need
but physically, not mentally
Nothing's happening right now
I don't feel I stand with my back straight
I never got an answer from you baby (won't ever let you use me)
I never get an answer from you now (won't ever be your slave)
I never got an answer from you baby (won't let you rule over me)
why can't we feel free together!
The fantasies from my memories raising like the beast, praying on your knees.
Praying on your knees, the relief raising like the beast from my memories.
The fantasies from my memories raising like the beast, praying on your knees.
Praying on your knees, the relief raising like the beast from my memories.
I never got an answer from you baby
I never get an answer from you now
I never got an answer from you baby
why can't we feel free together!
I never got an answer from you baby (won't ever let you use me)
I never get an answer from you now (won't ever be your slave)
I never got an answer from you baby (won't let you rule over me)
Why can't we be free together!
The song "Never" by Waltari is about personal reflection, regrets, and longing for freedom. The singer in the song reflects on how they could have achieved so much more if only they had carried themselves with more confidence and assertiveness. They admit to feeling like they are only a "half of me" and are not satisfied with their current mental and emotional state, even though they have everything they need physically.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses frustration and disappointment towards an unnamed person who has not given them the answers they seek. They long to feel free together, but it seems like the other person is holding them back in some way. The line "won't ever let you use me" suggests a power dynamic where the singer feels manipulated and controlled by this person.
The chorus repeats the line "why can't we feel free together" as a plea for the other person to let down their guard and connect on a deeper level. The verses also mention how society can be a hindrance to one's personal growth, with the line "The scene is highly civilized, it breeds like kids on merchandise" suggesting a lack of individuality and conformity.
Overall, the song "Never" by Waltari is a reflection on the human experience of longing for something more, whether it be personal fulfillment or freedom in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I am, Lost And Found
I am in front of you, feeling both vulnerable and empowered at the same time.
I can't see that I'm so proud
I am blind to my own pride and how it's affecting my life.
Could have made so much more
I had the potential for greatness, but I didn't reach it.
Could have paid back with my back straight
I could have been successful and fulfilled, but I didn't work hard enough.
Now I'm just a half of me
I feel incomplete and like I'm not living up to my own standards.
Am I happy? Sure, I should be!
I am trying to convince myself that I am happy even though things didn't turn out the way I wanted.
There's no need to disagree
I don't want to argue or confront anyone about how I feel.
thou I could have stood with my back straight
Although I could have been confident and successful, I didn't try hard enough to reach that point.
I never got an answer from you baby
I am feeling lost and confused without your guidance and support.
why can't we feel free together!
I long for a sense of freedom and release from my own limitations, and I wish we could experience it together.
The scene is highly civilized
The world around us is polished and refined, but it lacks authenticity and depth.
It breeds like kids on merchandise
People are consumed by consumerism and losing touch with what really matters in life.
Now I have everything I need
I am materially satisfied, but I am still struggling emotionally and mentally.
but physically, not mentally
I am in a cage of my own mind, and I can't break free from it.
Nothing's happening right now
I feel stuck and like my life isn't moving forward in any meaningful way.
I don't feel I stand with my back straight
I lack confidence and conviction in myself and my abilities.
The fantasies from my memories raising like the beast, praying on your knees.
My past desires and longings are coming back to haunt me and making me feel vulnerable and helpless.
Praying on your knees, the relief raising like the beast from my memories.
I find solace and release in my memories and secret longings, but they are also causing me pain and making me feel out of control.
I won't ever let you use me
I refuse to be someone's pawn or puppet and will stand up for myself.
I won't ever be your slave
I will not be controlled or manipulated by anyone, and I will fight for my freedom.
I won't let you rule over me
I refuse to be oppressed or dominated by anyone, and I will assert my independence and autonomy.
Why can't we be free together!
I long for a sense of emotional and mental freedom, and I wish we could experience it together.
Contributed by Miles H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.