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
Ride
Waltari Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Be clean, be a dad, be brave and have a high-tech job!"
But when I switch on my stereo and get my feelings out
Of dirty sounds
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving on
CHORUS:
I got a bad-bad ride
I got a bad-bad ride
I think that you are old, when you just tell me what you
Are toldl
"Be clean, be a dad, be brave and have a high-tech job!"
While those dirty freak rule the world, talking 'bout
War pigs and other lunatics
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving on
CHORUS
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving
I gotta keep moving on! Well...
The song "Ride" by Waltari is about the pressure and expectations society puts on individuals to conform to certain norms and expectations. The lyrics start off with the singer acknowledging that everyone around them expects them to be perfect and not make any mistakes. They should be successful, have a clean record, have a family, and a high-paying job. But the singer rebels against these expectations by turning to music, specifically "dirty sounds," to express their emotions and feelings. The singer is saying that they cannot adhere to societal norms and instead chooses to be themselves by listening to music.
The chorus of the song repeats "I got a bad-bad ride" three times, which is a statement of rebellion against societal expectations. The singer is acknowledging that their choices may not please everyone but they have to keep moving forward despite what others say or think. The second verse speaks about how people who claim to rule the world are actually "dirty freaks" talking about war and politics. The singer rejects those ideologies and continues to move forward with their own life, staying true to themselves despite what others may think.
The message of the song is clear: it's okay to be different and go against the norm. As long as you're true to yourself and keep moving forward, you'll be okay.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's hoping that I won't do no wrong
Everyone expects me to live up to their specific standards and morals.
"Be clean, be a dad, be brave and have a high-tech job!"
There are societal expectations and pressures to conform to a specific lifestyle, and not everyone may want to live that way.
But when I switch on my stereo and get my feelings out
Listening to music allows for a personal outlet to express emotions and feel liberated.
Of dirty sounds
The music may contain vulgar or provocative lyrics.
I gotta keep moving
One must continue to push forward and not be held back by societal norms or expectations.
I got a bad-bad ride
The journey of life may be rough and unpredictable.
I think that you are old, when you just tell me what you/ Are toldl
People who blindly follow tradition and societal expectations may be considered close-minded or outdated.
While those dirty freak rule the world, talking 'bout/ War pigs and other lunatics
Those who break societal norms or expectations may gain power and influence, while traditional leaders may be seen as corrupt or insane.
I gotta keep moving on
One must continue to forge their own path and not be held back by others' expectations or judgments.
I gotta keep moving
Continuing forward is crucial to growth and self-discovery.
I gotta keep moving on!
The journey of self-discovery and personal liberation never truly ends.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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