a-ha's version of Velvet replaced Savoy's guitars with sitars. Their version, the third single from Minor Earth | Major Sky , was released to radio stations in Germany (and in other European countries such as Sweden, Switzerland and Holland) in September 2000 and was released to German record stores on 6 November (one week later in other parts of Europe). Originally, The Sun Never Shone That Day was to be released in Norway instead of Velvet, but it was later decided that Velvet would also be released in Norway.
The backing vocals was performed by Simone Larsen of the Norwegian band D'Sound.
World Sales: 300.000
Velvet
a‐ha Lyrics
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Her face cut from stone
Her eyes when she's smiling
Will never reach home
But hear how she sings
Her touch would be tender
Her lips would be warm
I'm always alone
But hear how she sings
But hear how she sings
Hear how she sings
Her skin is like velvet
So I went to her home
Her place like a palace
With things you can't own
Her skin is like velvet
And hear how she sings
Hear how she sings
The lyrics to "Velvet" by a-ha describe the physical attributes of a woman and the singer's desire for her, while acknowledging that their relationship is unfulfilling. The first verse describes her skin as being like velvet and her face being cut from stone, which suggests that she is both soft and strong. However, her smiles do not seem genuine or heartfelt, as they "will never reach home." This creates a sense of distance and inaccessibility, which is reinforced by the repetition of the line "but hear how she sings."
The second verse continues the theme of the woman being physically desirable, with the singer imagining that her touch would be tender and her lips would be warm. Despite this, the singer feels isolated and alone when they are together. The repetition of the phrase "but hear how she sings" in the chorus takes on a new meaning here, suggesting that the woman's singing might be the only authentic expression of emotion that the singer has experienced from her.
Overall, "Velvet" conveys a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire, as the singer yearns for physical and emotional connection with a woman who remains distant and enigmatic.
Line by Line Meaning
Her skin is like velvet
The person being described has very smooth and soft skin which could be pleasant to touch.
Her face cut from stone
The person's face is very solid and immovable like a sculpture.
Her eyes when she's smiling / Will never reach home
Although she looks happy and smiling, it doesn't seem to reflect her true emotions which remain hidden from others.
But hear how she sings
The only way to truly understand her emotions is by listening to her sing which is a way for her to express herself.
Her touch would be tender / Her lips would be warm
Despite her seemingly cold exterior, she has the potential to be loving and passionate.
But when we're together / I'm always alone
Despite being physically present, the singer feels emotionally disconnected and lonely when with her.
Her place like a palace / With things you can't own
The person lives in a luxurious and extravagant environment with possessions that are unattainable by most people.
And hear how she sings
Once again, the only way to truly understand her emotions is through her singing.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LAUREN SAVOY, MAGNE FURUHOLMEN, MORTEN HARKET, PAL WAAKTAAR
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