Todella Juoppojen Soittajien Blues
Jope Ruonansuu
The Blues of the Truly Drunken Musicians
Jope Ruonansuu's song "Todella Juoppojen Soittajien Blues" is a humorous and somewhat satirical take on the life of musicians who indulge heavily in alcohol. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a band that finds joy and solace in playing music while being heavily intoxicated. The repeated lines about playing the guitar with a 'pelti kii' (a Finnish slang term for being very drunk) emphasize the carefree and almost reckless attitude of the musicians. The focus is not on the technical perfection of the music but rather on the emotional release and the 'fiiliksiin' (feelings) that come with it.
The song also touches on the camaraderie among the band members, as seen in the lines where one member asks another to get something from the bar. This sense of brotherhood and shared experience is a common theme in blues music, which often explores themes of hardship, resilience, and community. The mention of the guitar being bought in 1966 adds a nostalgic element, suggesting a long history of playing and perhaps a sense of pride in the instrument's legacy.
However, there's a moment of self-awareness in the song when the singer acknowledges that at some point, they should probably stop—not the drinking, but the song itself. This meta-commentary adds a layer of humor and irony, as it highlights the endless cycle of playing and drinking. The song is a celebration of the imperfect, the flawed, and the human, encapsulating the essence of the blues genre while adding a uniquely Finnish twist.