Koad

Yann Tiersen's song 'Koad' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of longing, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics, sung in Swedish, evoke a sense of being led astray or deceived ('Förda bakom ljus'), suggesting a disorientation or betrayal. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the narrator reflects on something significant that has happened, yet remains unspoken ('Någonting har hänt / Ingenting har sagts'). The imagery of everyone looking homeward ('Alla blickar hem') hints at a collective yearning for a place or time that feels safe and familiar.

The second stanza delves deeper into this sense of waiting and holding on to each other ('Väntar på ett liv / Håller om varandra'). The world around them settles like dust ('Alltet runtomkring / Lägger sig som damm'), symbolizing the passage of time and the accumulation of memories and experiences that now feel distant and insubstantial. The narrator's longing becomes more personal and poignant as they express a desire to return home and a deep yearning for someone who once lifted them up ('Kommer aldrig hem / Langtar efter han / Han som lyft mig upp / Långsamt i sin famn'). This person seems to represent a source of comfort and stability that is now missing.

The final stanza poses existential questions about the present and the future ('Var är dagen nu? / Var är tiden? / Var är livet nu? / Sanningen itu'). These questions reflect a deep sense of disorientation and a search for meaning in the face of loss. The repeated questions 'Hur kan jag se sig igen? / Hur kan jag se dig igen? / Hur kan vi leva såhär?' ('How can I see myself again? / How can I see you again? / How can we live like this?') underscore the emotional turmoil and the struggle to find a way forward. Tiersen's music, known for its emotive and atmospheric qualities, perfectly complements the lyrical themes, creating a powerful and moving experience for the listener.