Hei, Henry Ford

Oystein Sunde's song "Hei, Henry Ford" is a humorous yet poignant critique of the modern automobile's impact on everyday life. The lyrics reflect the disillusionment of a car owner who initially buys a vehicle with high hopes, only to find that the reality is far from the glamorous image portrayed in advertisements. The song opens with the protagonist's realization that owning a car is not as idyllic as it seems, with the costs of fuel, oil, and maintenance quickly adding up. This serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of how technological advancements often come with unforeseen expenses and complications.

The chorus, addressing Henry Ford, the pioneer of the automobile industry, underscores the irony of trading horse manure for car exhaust. While Ford's invention was meant to symbolize progress and convenience, Sunde suggests that it has led to a different set of problems, such as pollution and financial strain. The song humorously laments the rapid pace of progress, which has left people grappling with new challenges that are just as cumbersome as the old ones.

Sunde also touches on the societal implications of car ownership, painting a picture of the average Norwegian who struggles to afford a car and a garage, let alone other luxuries. The lyrics highlight the absurdity of modern life, where people are caught in a cycle of expenses and regulations, from parking fines to speed limits. The nostalgic longing for simpler times, when transportation was less complicated and more straightforward, adds a layer of wistfulness to the song. This sentiment is encapsulated in the final lines, where Sunde imagines a world where humans were never meant to have cars, suggesting that perhaps the old ways were better after all.