In 1995, on my first visit to Toronto, Canada I remember my cousin Anusha introducing me to an alternative rock band known as the Sugarcubes. By then, the band had already split up, but the lead singer sounded familiar; I had already heard that amazing voice before, on songs such as Venus as a Boy and Big Time Sensuality.
I believe Bjork’s incredible vocal abilities across multiple musical genres, became apparent when she went solo, and likewise, her gifted song-writing skills. Over the years Bjork has produced a string of hits and memorable songs; everyone seems to have their own personal favorite, but I think it would be damned hard for anyone to deny that my personal favorite, Hyperballad, features prominently among them.
Recently I came upon the song Hyperballad on YouTube which prompted me to find those hauntingly beautiful lyrics as well. I hope you’re as captivated as I am.
Hyperballad
We live on a mountain
Right at the top
There’s a beautiful view
From the top of the mountain
Every morning I walk towards the edge
And throw little things off
Like car-parts, bottles and cutlery
Or whatever I find lying around
It’s become a habit
A way to start the day
I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you
I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you
It’s real early morning
No-one is awake
I’m back at my cliff
Still throwing things off
I listen to the sounds they make
On their way down
I follow with my eyes ’til they crash
I wonder what my body would sound like
Slamming against those rocks
When it lands
Will my eyes
Be closed or open?
I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you
I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you
I go through all this
Before you wake up
So I can feel happier
To be safe up here with you
I’ve heard some versions of the song with the words “I imagine what my body would sound like,” instead of “I wonder what my body would sound like” in the fourth verse.
And in other news, last night Bjork shared the Royal Swedish Academy of Music’s top music honour, the Polar Music Prize with composer Ennio Morricone, at a function in Sweden. At the event, pop artist Robyn, best known for the 90’s dance hit Show Me Love, bravely attempted a rendition of Hyperballad, which was not to everyone’s liking, but personally I think she did okay, considering the challenges that particular song poses. You can make up your own mind by accessing the YouTube post here.
Lenny Says 