Stranden

Nationalteatern's song 'Stranden' is a poetic and evocative journey through various scenes that symbolize the human experience, nature, and the quest for unity. The song begins with the imagery of an empty field and a desolate beach, setting a tone of isolation and the beginning of a journey. The cold, white sun and the scent of snow and sand create a stark, almost primordial landscape, suggesting a return to the origins of existence. The mention of a seabird's cry adds a touch of melancholy and timelessness to the scene.

As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more complex and symbolic. The sight of two angels fighting in a muddy pit, with blood on their wings, introduces themes of conflict and struggle. This is juxtaposed with the image of two humans huddled together in a cave, wrapped in a dirty red blanket, representing vulnerability and the need for warmth and protection. The shadow descending on the nearby cliff adds a sense of impending doom or change.

The narrative then shifts to a more communal and hopeful scene, where the protagonist encounters an old man by a fire on the beach. The man, with his gray and white hair, represents wisdom and continuity. The children sleeping peacefully at his feet symbolize innocence and the future. The old man’s silent invitation to join the fire and the act of adding wood to the flames signify the sharing of resources and the warmth of community. The flames' dance, described as having a life of their own, evokes a sense of magic and the beginning of something new.

The song culminates in a vision of a blooming field with dancing people, a stormy sea, a knight with a lance, and children playing safely in a meadow. These images collectively represent the diversity of life experiences, from joy and playfulness to conflict and bravery. The old man writing in the sand with a charred stick and the bird interpreting his words suggest a message of unity and shared existence. The spoken words at the end of the song emphasize this message, advocating for communal living, shared resources, and equality, where no one suffers from hunger or cold.