I absolutely Love, love, love this song! I adore everything about it and when Morten sings those low notes, it sends tingles down my spine! I also attended one of his concerts from his Brother tour in beautiful Norway! 🇳🇴
Thank you for saving my soul from the shadowy depths. This was released during the a-ha "retirement" so I was glad to just hear something new (that wasn't "Scared of Heights" or anything of its ilk). A mesmerising tune, beautifully sung, fantastic melody. The self-duet in the verses sounds amazing. A soaring chorus, with delicious guitar and staunch percussion. Great lyrics throughout. Everything about this song works. Probably a top five Morten song for me. And the video is a sight to behold. This was a brain dump, but I'm in work so had to make it quick.
Hi Matt. Me and my sister love this song! I could cry the whole time, it is a very deep song , touch our souls. For us Morten has the most beautiful voice on this earth! We are Fans since 40 years and this will never end, never! Forever A-ha ❤❤❤❤❤
I saw Morten sing this song in Paris when he did his solo tour. And even though I prefer him with a-ha, it was a really good experience to see him solo with his musicians. A Morten close to his audience, talkative and funny . A wonderful memory 🙂 ❤
@@UnhandyCandy280 I read an interview (that Sofia recommended) that Mags said he does do most of the talking and acting like a clown because Pål is pretty introverted and Morten is, ha, “Socially awkward ”. 😂 I think Mags tries to keep things lively as well as try to be sure to curb what Morten might say and either freak people out or confuse them because they don’t understand him. I have heard that he is a bit of a different person when he is by himself though, like his personality is more lively and seems not awkward. 🤷🏻♀️ I have seen and read stuff where he says some doozies, no doubt though too😂
Wow, so great to see the CD Shell sent you in your hands! ❤ And you're now the owner of a Morten CD that I DON'T own myself, can you believe it?! 😅 Not in physical form (yet...), I only have the mp3 files. You know, and because I don't own it, the cover is not really what I remembered. I thought Morten's nakedness was much more visible. I must have had in my head the other photos of the photoshoot, in colour (yes, those are in my head very clearly). And the way Shell talked about it I thought it was different. In your hand, it looks like a shadow of a man, not at all what I had in mind. 😜 Anyway, when I laughed at the prospect of seeing the cover on your wall it was not about "nakedness" in itself, it was because it was very cheesy in my head. 😁 I thought (and still think) it clashed with the rest of your wall decoration. 😛 But maybe it's discreet enough not to stand out as much as I thought. 😅
Wait...WHAT?! You don't physically have this album? What the heck? I thought you would for the cover alone. 😂 Oh no, the photo could have been worse? (Or better, depending on the person’s personal point of view😅) Well okay, that’s cool. I am happy they went with this one, then. It could have been way more fluffy, wow. (Well, those would have been past fluffy and more closer to Playgirl pinup, it seems . 🫣)This is fluffy enough for me and personally happy to have not seen the other ones. Ah Morten…sigh 😜I love the photo of him inside that I temporarily put in front. He's in all black and with his guitar. Looks really good, I think. For brother, I have a few songs saved on RUclips. One song has a photo of him just sitting with a dog. I love that one. That could have been a cool cover. I love all the stuff I have seen of him with animals. 🥰 Oh my gosh, I have been on here way too long! Time to go do that goofy thing called “Life” for a while.😅
@@shelld1261 I had told you before, that's the only album I don't have. You even offered to give me yours. 🤣 It was long ago, of course you don't remember. I said it was not on purpose (because I don't like the album very much), it just happened that I never got it. Of course, if I really loved the album I would have it. But, as it wasn't that important, I kept postponing and still haven't bought it. I wanted to buy it in Oslo but thought it was too expensive when I saw it there. 😜
@@SofiaMarques18 This is true. Maybe in a behind-the-scenes video on Patreon though, as I have many more CD booklets I can put up, so the wall will be expanding soon.
@@SofiaMarques18 Oh darn, it will have to be off to the side somewhere.😏 Only EOTSWOTM should be seen by all, IMHO. 👍🏼👌🏼 Well, a few others would be okay, but that would be the best one for me to look at. 😂
This was the first song Morten and Peter Kvint composed for this album, so I imagine it set the tone for their collaboration and was seen a pivotal piece, thus naturally giving its name to the album. Morten has revealed that this song was inspired by the book "Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism" (2012), which tells the story of British activist Maajid Nawaz, a former Islamist. The book was given to Morten by Tom Bromley, who ghost-wrote it, as he was working with Morten on his own "autobiography" ("My Take On Me"). Peter Kvint revealed this about the song: "We were listening to Radiohead the day we wrote it. We were in a boathouse by the sea in Kristiansand, where we had two great writing sessions for the album… The theme of the song is two brothers who have chosen different paths and how to define the relationship between them. Morten wanted to write about Christianity and Islam and the tension between the two, but it’s also about humanity and how we can’t live without each other.” It was the album's second single, released on 18 January 2014 (my birthday 😊) and it was premiered the same day in the Norwegian awards show "Spellemannprisen". There is, indeed, a double-layer of Morten's voice in its higher and lower tones, which - I agree with you - seems to be conceptually relevant. 😉 I remember that on the Spellemannprisen premiere there was a backtrack of Morten's higher voice while Morten sang the lower tone live. I think that was the chosen method for a few live performances, but if I remember correctly there was another member of the band singing the higher voice in the Brother tour - probably Peter Kvint himself, who played guitar and did backing vocals. YT has deleted my previous comment (the one about the album) over and over again, and I have re-written it and edited it over and over again for more than an hour, so I am running very late with this one and will stop now. 😅 Not before congratulating you for saying the next one is Safe With Me, and not Do you Remember Me (the one that comes next in the tracklist), which you have already done. 👏 Or did you take that one out of the folder to avoid doing it again? Anyway, I was getting nervous about reminding you in time that you had already done the next one. 🤪😂
Maybe someone got nervous with you mentioning Islam and Christianity together. They just assumed the worst before seeing what the content of your comment was? That is my guess. Thank you for the explanation of the song. 🙏🏼
@@shelld1261 I thought it could be about that too, but no, it was something much more "innocent", apparently. My second guess, in fact. After editing and editing, I realised was (again) about mentioning other social platform (let's see if YT accepts this). 😜 YT doesn't follow our reasoning at all, you have to expect the unexpected. 😅
P. S. I just found this quote on Jakob's page that I couldn't resist posting. 🙂 Morten about the meaning of this song: "“Brother” is about love and respect, as it is shown when recognizing everyone’s right to become who they are. About the right to follow your own conscience. “Brother” is about respecting diversity - and how this is a fundamental value”.
@@shelld1261 "Difference is divine". I forgot to mention that line in my rush. 😜 It is part of Morten's philosophy, he has often repeated that idea in many different forms and contexts. 😉
"Brother" (the song and the album) really has a different feel, hearing it now made me feel unexpectedly happy that we are back to "Morten" - in the sense you have pointed out yourself. 🤗 It's not an album I absolutely love but it was great to hear the "real Morten" again, when it came out. The word "brother" can be interpreted in every way you mentioned and I think Morten wanted to encompass all those meanings in this song (and keep the lyrics sufficiently vague to do that), but in fact the song's inspiration was very concrete: a book ("Radical"). So, yes - you got it right again: it has religious undertones. I will come back with more details later. 😉
Oooh yes, I would love more details on this song. I am so beyond curious what this is about. Every time I listen to it, my mind just goes crazy at the possibilities. You know, it definitely reminds me of some of the comments Morten can make (when he is allowed to come out and be himself). I might not always get it, but I am intrigued often and love how my brain goes and thinks of the possibilities. ❤
Oh wow. It is truly weird seeing you hold that CD and say my name too in a RUclips video. I know my name has been said a few times, but it is so weird every time. My brain is just “What? How is that possible?”. 😋 I’m truly happy that CD has a good home and will be enjoyed, as it should be. Morten got to you safe and sound. ❤See Sofia, the cover is just fine. I didn’t tear it up or burn it.😂 I had a dream that EOTSWOTM would be the cover to end up on your wall, but hey, any reference, even shirtless Morten in an “artistic” shot is something, so that’s cool.😁👍🏼 Oh yes, welcome Brother! I do enjoy this song a lot. I have my favorite style of Morten and well, all you poor souls definitely know what that is by now.😅 I do however, have to say this is in 2nd place. I so love the contrast of his higher angelic voice and this deeper, as you said and love the comparison, Johnny Cash-like voice. Oooooh….it’s sooo good to me. I think I could listen to hours of him doing this. ❤ As I said below to Sofia, this song intrigues me pretty much as much as the times Morten gets to talk and be his real self. I love his comments and observations at times. Yes, many go way over my head, but I love how they often capture my attention and make me think. Maybe I don’t come up with what he actually meant, but it’s all good. ☺️ For some reason, when I hear this, I picture two brothers who look a lot alike. I see a small rural town and one walking out as the other stands and watches him leave. Like an ending of a movie where two brothers had a fall out, maybe worked things through a bit, but was still good for one to leave? That’s what I see anyway. Looking forward to hearing more of what others think and what Sofia tells us. 😃
Hehe, yes, the cover looks as good as new! 👍 Funny how it seems so "neutral" in Matt's hands, no wonder he didn't get my joke about having it on his wall. 😛 Well, it looks better now that I was expecting to see something "worse", but I guess I found it cheesy from the beginning. I don't remember. On the other hand, I always found Brother's cover pretty cheesy, and between the two I don't even know which I prefer! 🤣 I mean, I prefer having Morten on the cover, of course, but I meant which one is better, in a more objective point of view. 🧐
@@SofiaMarques18 It does feel “neutral” with Matt holding it for some reason. Interesting 🤔 When I had it, I was afraid someone would see it and say sarcastically “Oh sure, you like the man for his ‘talent’. Right”. 🤦🏻♀️ Wait, you thought “Brother’s” cover was cheesy? Maybe we have different ones. The one I have is just basically the word “Brother” in what looks like one of those old wax seals for a letter in black and white. Do you have something else?
I really like this one, and there is a bit of a Country vibe to it, though more in the vocal and lyric than the music .I've always though the song was saying we are all brothers (and sisters) and everyone one is welcome BUT we have to respect differences and not try to impose our beliefs on others - that leads to problems, hence the religious undertones.
Ok this song was inspired by a book about an extremist jihadist who had turned away from his extreme beliefs. It was an autobiography if I remember correctly, you’re welcome in my town, but if you try to force my compass round I’m going to stand you down. Pretty much saying you are still my brother but I no longer believe what you believe so don’t try and force me to change my beliefs.
Since you started a new album today, I apologise but I will need to write two comments here: one for the album, one for the song. 😁 Lots of quotes and info. 😉 Starting with the album. As I have mentioned before in one or two comments, when recording Out Of My Hands Morten found a new songwriting partner: Peter Kvint, a Swedish songwriter and producer, who is credited as co-writer in the songs "I'm The One", "Quiet" and "When I Reached The Moon" on OOMH. (The partnership apparently continued after 2014, but the result remains to be seen...) Morten has often praised this partnership, as apparently they have a great creative connection. All the songs in this album, with the exception of the last one (credited to Ole Sverre Olsen alone, Morten's old writing partner), have music by Morten and Peter Kvint and lyrics by Morten and Ole Sverre Olsen and additional words by Peter Kvint. Morten told VG (Norwegian newspaper) in 2014: “The process of recording this album is the best I’ve ever experienced… When the material really hits you, when the songs have a distinctive character, that’s when I’m reminded why I got into music in the first place.” Quoting Barry Page's book: “The recording sessions would see the singer abandon the synth-pop sounds of the previous album, employing a more stripped-back approach. ‘I didn’t like the a-ha machinery on Out Of My Hands,’ he said in an interview with VG. ‘The a-ha back story was still present in my system, but I was impatient and didn’t want to wait before starting again. This is a much more peaceful project, without all that noise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy with Out Of My Hands and everything that happened afterwards, but now I don’t have those connections anymore. There’s an open sky before me and I feel completely free - this definitely feels like a new start.’ Morten had already put OOMH behind his back while still promoting the final single from that album in 2012, when he confessed to the German magazine Focus: “At the moment, my heart is not in it. Out Of My Hands is like an old wife - I don’t want to meet her, because I’m in love with what’s happening now. This is my dilemma.” 😁 For those of us who were not too happy with the direction taken in OOMH, this was welcome new start.
Oh yes, I like that comparison to an old wife. Makes sense. I am happy to hear that he admitted that. 😁 I have caught a few interviews where he does say something to the fact of how he always leaves the music he just did in the past to concentrate on the now.
Nice to see you handle Morten’s Out of My Hands CD Matt, sent courtesy of Shell, I’m probably one of the few fans who really like it! Now I’m going to be somewhat controversial and right out tell you all that I’m not really in love with the title track from Brother…maybe it’s got something to do with me hating the promo video which was released with it. Sorry I have to confess that but I’m glad to get it over with. It’s not that I hate the song though, I just can’t say I love it. It’s interesting to hear you debate with yourself the alternative meanings of the lyrics, in my case I have always associated it with immigration and the recent influx of new citizens into most European countries over the past 20 years including Norway. I have drawn my opinion from the lyrics where he sings “you’re welcome in my town, but if you force my compass round, I’m gonna stand you down”. I take this to mean - you are welcome to come here and be treated as my brother, but if you try to change my culture and impose your beliefs on me I will stand against you. Perhaps I’m wrong, but it’s just how I feel about this song, and I believe it would fit with Morten’s way of thinking.
I agree with you regarding the content of the lyrics. At the same time, it is so vague that it can be interpreted differently, but I find so many grounds for this interpretation that I think it is on purpose. The fact that Morten chose to make a cover of Kent's "Kärleken ventar" (Burn money burn), which is also critical of immigration (but then directed at Western authorities) probably says something about his thoughts on the major changes that have taken place in Europe in recent decades. Unlike you, I think the video for Brother is brilliant, because it shows how many people experience the whole thing, in my interpretation.
Okay…I am intrigued now. What is the Promo for Brother about or where could I find it? Unless you’re talking about the actual video with him in the pond? I could see what you are saying about those lyrics. I guess I could see it meaning “I’m fine for you to have your religious beliefs and culture, but don’t force them on me as I won’t force mine onto you”. Which is how I am with religion. I don’t care if someone believes in the Flying Spaghetti Monster as long as they don’t try to force me to. If he means “You have to leave your religion and culture behind and be like me”, then that is a different thing. I have seen a documentary where he visits a Muslim woman refugee in Sweden. There is this beautiful scene at the end with them walking off into the snow together, talking. I hope that means he is cool with this stuff. 🙏🏼😬
The video was distressing to watch, I agree, but at the same time I liked the visuals. I just had to look at it in a detached way, thinking it was all "fiction" and visual effects. Though it seems Morten had to really be there under the snow... 😬 That was the upsetting scene for me, not the rest.
@@SofiaMarques18 So you think Majorie means it’s hard seeing Morten like that? I can understand that. I can understand you finding it distressing too. I am thinking (hoping) that it wasn’t real snow, but fake snow and props. That it really wasn’t cold. There are some amazing things they can do with props and special effects these days. Hopefully Matt isn’t reading this and we are messing it up for him.😋
Hey gang ! I had always thought of this song as a kind of 'spirit of man' type sentiment. Countries or peoples that took riches or land from others in the past apologising for their forbears antics. However don't make it an issue to bring them down or 'I'm gonna stand you down'. I'm not explaining it very well but then Matt suggests that it might be about the territories within a-ha ? Actually that makes sense too.... a lot in fact. I'd never thought about it that way. I came here to listen to music... Now I'm learning things ? Outrageous !!!! I will Unsubscribe !!!! .... and then subscribe again because it's actually kind of cool and fun here. It's the principal of the matter. Rant over. Great song.
Oooohh…I like this interpretation a lot. Very cool, James. Yes, who would have thought we would all be learning so much here. Well, I do for sure, I know that. I love it ❤
@@shelld1261 Yeah I think it's like; I can't undo what they did so all I can do is apologise but it's not worth fighting about now so if I'm drinking this humility and you tip the cup 'll choke and then hostilities start again. I offer in good grace, please take it in good grace and we'll both be better for it. I kind of lost the way to say it but that's the bare bones of what it says to me. Does that make sense ?
![MORTEN HARKET on #AskAha [w/ Japanese subtitles - 日本語字幕]](/img/1.gif)
One of the best songs in Morten's Solo catalogue. I really love everything about it, lyrics, Morten's voice, the composition, the deepness..❤❤❤
Hi Elanur! 😊 I feel the same! Totally agree with you! What a song! A major piece in Morten's musical catalog.
🥰💖🎶
@@sylvieouellet212 👍❤️
I absolutely Love, love, love this song! I adore everything about it and when Morten sings those low notes, it sends tingles down my spine! I also attended one of his concerts from his Brother tour in beautiful Norway! 🇳🇴
I sooo love when Morten sings lower notes. ❤❤
My fav of his.
Thank you for saving my soul from the shadowy depths. This was released during the a-ha "retirement" so I was glad to just hear something new (that wasn't "Scared of Heights" or anything of its ilk). A mesmerising tune, beautifully sung, fantastic melody. The self-duet in the verses sounds amazing. A soaring chorus, with delicious guitar and staunch percussion. Great lyrics throughout. Everything about this song works. Probably a top five Morten song for me. And the video is a sight to behold.
This was a brain dump, but I'm in work so had to make it quick.
Oh yes, it is a really cool video! A future watch for Matt, no doubt.
Quick but accurate. I think you summed it up extremely well sir.
A beautiful song!!! Still love it! 😊❤🎵🇳🇴
O clip é lindíssimo, e traduz bem as "mãos atadas" ao afastamento de amizades. E mais uma vez, Morten Harket (assim como no A-Ha) está em perigo...
This song is so beautiful!
Hi Matt. Me and my sister love this song! I could cry the whole time, it is a very deep song , touch our souls. For us Morten has the most beautiful voice on this earth! We are Fans since 40 years and this will never end, never! Forever A-ha ❤❤❤❤❤
I saw Morten sing this song in Paris when he did his solo tour. And even though I prefer him with a-ha, it was a really good experience to see him solo with his musicians. A Morten close to his audience, talkative and funny . A wonderful memory 🙂 ❤
Awww 🥰
He doesn't say much with a-ha. Mags does a lot of the talking on stage.
@@UnhandyCandy280
I read an interview (that Sofia recommended) that Mags said he does do most of the talking and acting like a clown because Pål is pretty introverted and Morten is, ha, “Socially awkward ”. 😂
I think Mags tries to keep things lively as well as try to be sure to curb what Morten might say and either freak people out or confuse them because they don’t understand him. I have heard that he is a bit of a different person when he is by himself though, like his personality is more lively and seems not awkward. 🤷🏻♀️ I have seen and read stuff where he says some doozies, no doubt though too😂
@@shelld1261 To be fair to Morten, I think I'd be a little awkward in front of 1000+ people.
@@UnhandyCandy280
I sure would, no doubt. 😋
Wow, so great to see the CD Shell sent you in your hands! ❤ And you're now the owner of a Morten CD that I DON'T own myself, can you believe it?! 😅 Not in physical form (yet...), I only have the mp3 files.
You know, and because I don't own it, the cover is not really what I remembered. I thought Morten's nakedness was much more visible. I must have had in my head the other photos of the photoshoot, in colour (yes, those are in my head very clearly). And the way Shell talked about it I thought it was different. In your hand, it looks like a shadow of a man, not at all what I had in mind. 😜
Anyway, when I laughed at the prospect of seeing the cover on your wall it was not about "nakedness" in itself, it was because it was very cheesy in my head. 😁 I thought (and still think) it clashed with the rest of your wall decoration. 😛 But maybe it's discreet enough not to stand out as much as I thought. 😅
Wait...WHAT?! You don't physically have this album? What the heck? I thought you would for the cover alone. 😂 Oh no, the photo could have been worse? (Or better, depending on the person’s personal point of view😅) Well okay, that’s cool. I am happy they went with this one, then. It could have been way more fluffy, wow. (Well, those would have been past fluffy and more closer to Playgirl pinup, it seems . 🫣)This is fluffy enough for me and personally happy to have not seen the other ones. Ah Morten…sigh 😜I love the photo of him inside that I temporarily put in front. He's in all black and with his guitar. Looks really good, I think. For brother, I have a few songs saved on RUclips. One song has a photo of him just sitting with a dog. I love that one. That could have been a cool cover. I love all the stuff I have seen of him with animals. 🥰
Oh my gosh, I have been on here way too long! Time to go do that goofy thing called “Life” for a while.😅
@@shelld1261 I had told you before, that's the only album I don't have. You even offered to give me yours. 🤣 It was long ago, of course you don't remember. I said it was not on purpose (because I don't like the album very much), it just happened that I never got it. Of course, if I really loved the album I would have it. But, as it wasn't that important, I kept postponing and still haven't bought it. I wanted to buy it in Oslo but thought it was too expensive when I saw it there. 😜
Put the album on the wall!
But of course!
@@mattsnider2667 But it'll be somewhere we can't see it, I guess - there's no free space behind you. 😜
@@SofiaMarques18 This is true. Maybe in a behind-the-scenes video on Patreon though, as I have many more CD booklets I can put up, so the wall will be expanding soon.
@@mattsnider2667 Haha, you'll need a new wall soon! 🤣 Oh, haven't you played bass in The Walls? 😁 (I just thought of the Doors and Bridges.)
@@SofiaMarques18
Oh darn, it will have to be off to the side somewhere.😏
Only EOTSWOTM should be seen by all, IMHO. 👍🏼👌🏼
Well, a few others would be okay, but that would be the best one for me to look at. 😂
This was the first song Morten and Peter Kvint composed for this album, so I imagine it set the tone for their collaboration and was seen a pivotal piece, thus naturally giving its name to the album.
Morten has revealed that this song was inspired by the book "Radical: My Journey out of Islamist Extremism" (2012), which tells the story of British activist Maajid Nawaz, a former Islamist. The book was given to Morten by Tom Bromley, who ghost-wrote it, as he was working with Morten on his own "autobiography" ("My Take On Me").
Peter Kvint revealed this about the song: "We were listening to Radiohead the day we wrote it. We were in a boathouse by the sea in Kristiansand, where we had two great writing sessions for the album… The theme of the song is two brothers who have chosen different paths and how to define the relationship between them. Morten wanted to write about Christianity and Islam and the tension between the two, but it’s also about humanity and how we can’t live without each other.”
It was the album's second single, released on 18 January 2014 (my birthday 😊) and it was premiered the same day in the Norwegian awards show "Spellemannprisen".
There is, indeed, a double-layer of Morten's voice in its higher and lower tones, which - I agree with you - seems to be conceptually relevant. 😉 I remember that on the Spellemannprisen premiere there was a backtrack of Morten's higher voice while Morten sang the lower tone live. I think that was the chosen method for a few live performances, but if I remember correctly there was another member of the band singing the higher voice in the Brother tour - probably Peter Kvint himself, who played guitar and did backing vocals.
YT has deleted my previous comment (the one about the album) over and over again, and I have re-written it and edited it over and over again for more than an hour, so I am running very late with this one and will stop now. 😅
Not before congratulating you for saying the next one is Safe With Me, and not Do you Remember Me (the one that comes next in the tracklist), which you have already done. 👏 Or did you take that one out of the folder to avoid doing it again? Anyway, I was getting nervous about reminding you in time that you had already done the next one. 🤪😂
Maybe someone got nervous with you mentioning Islam and Christianity together. They just assumed the worst before seeing what the content of your comment was? That is my guess.
Thank you for the explanation of the song. 🙏🏼
@@shelld1261 I thought it could be about that too, but no, it was something much more "innocent", apparently. My second guess, in fact. After editing and editing, I realised was (again) about mentioning other social platform (let's see if YT accepts this). 😜 YT doesn't follow our reasoning at all, you have to expect the unexpected. 😅
@@SofiaMarques18
Oh yes, can’t mention another platform 🙄
P. S. I just found this quote on Jakob's page that I couldn't resist posting. 🙂 Morten about the meaning of this song:
"“Brother” is about love and respect, as it is shown when recognizing everyone’s right to become who they are. About the right to follow your own conscience. “Brother” is about respecting diversity - and how this is a fundamental value”.
Whew…I was hoping it was something like that. Thank you ❤
@@shelld1261 "Difference is divine". I forgot to mention that line in my rush. 😜 It is part of Morten's philosophy, he has often repeated that idea in many different forms and contexts. 😉
"Brother" (the song and the album) really has a different feel, hearing it now made me feel unexpectedly happy that we are back to "Morten" - in the sense you have pointed out yourself. 🤗 It's not an album I absolutely love but it was great to hear the "real Morten" again, when it came out.
The word "brother" can be interpreted in every way you mentioned and I think Morten wanted to encompass all those meanings in this song (and keep the lyrics sufficiently vague to do that), but in fact the song's inspiration was very concrete: a book ("Radical"). So, yes - you got it right again: it has religious undertones. I will come back with more details later. 😉
Oooh yes, I would love more details on this song. I am so beyond curious what this is about. Every time I listen to it, my mind just goes crazy at the possibilities. You know, it definitely reminds me of some of the comments Morten can make (when he is allowed to come out and be himself). I might not always get it, but I am intrigued often and love how my brain goes and thinks of the possibilities. ❤
Sad and reflective. To capture my feelings on this song with a pun, I'm half in love and half in hate with it...
Nice.
Oh wow. It is truly weird seeing you hold that CD and say my name too in a RUclips video. I know my name has been said a few times, but it is so weird every time. My brain is just “What? How is that possible?”. 😋
I’m truly happy that CD has a good home and will be enjoyed, as it should be. Morten got to you safe and sound. ❤See Sofia, the cover is just fine. I didn’t tear it up or burn it.😂 I had a dream that EOTSWOTM would be the cover to end up on your wall, but hey, any reference, even shirtless Morten in an “artistic” shot is something, so that’s cool.😁👍🏼
Oh yes, welcome Brother! I do enjoy this song a lot. I have my favorite style of Morten and well, all you poor souls definitely know what that is by now.😅 I do however, have to say this is in 2nd place. I so love the contrast of his higher angelic voice and this deeper, as you said and love the comparison, Johnny Cash-like voice. Oooooh….it’s sooo good to me. I think I could listen to hours of him doing this. ❤
As I said below to Sofia, this song intrigues me pretty much as much as the times Morten gets to talk and be his real self. I love his comments and observations at times. Yes, many go way over my head, but I love how they often capture my attention and make me think. Maybe I don’t come up with what he actually meant, but it’s all good. ☺️
For some reason, when I hear this, I picture two brothers who look a lot alike. I see a small rural town and one walking out as the other stands and watches him leave. Like an ending of a movie where two brothers had a fall out, maybe worked things through a bit, but was still good for one to leave? That’s what I see anyway. Looking forward to hearing more of what others think and what Sofia tells us. 😃
Hehe, yes, the cover looks as good as new! 👍 Funny how it seems so "neutral" in Matt's hands, no wonder he didn't get my joke about having it on his wall. 😛 Well, it looks better now that I was expecting to see something "worse", but I guess I found it cheesy from the beginning. I don't remember. On the other hand, I always found Brother's cover pretty cheesy, and between the two I don't even know which I prefer! 🤣 I mean, I prefer having Morten on the cover, of course, but I meant which one is better, in a more objective point of view. 🧐
@@SofiaMarques18
It does feel “neutral” with Matt holding it for some reason. Interesting 🤔
When I had it, I was afraid someone would see it and say sarcastically “Oh sure, you like the man for his ‘talent’. Right”. 🤦🏻♀️
Wait, you thought “Brother’s” cover was cheesy? Maybe we have different ones. The one I have is just basically the word “Brother” in what looks like one of those old wax seals for a letter in black and white. Do you have something else?
Yay !! Shell gets a shout out from Matt !! It's like someone on TV knows your name. It made my day and I hope it made your day too.
@@UnhandyCandy280
It was kinda cool, I can admit that. Just glad Morten got home okay, mostly 😂
@@shelld1261 Are you saying that Morten looses his appeal when he's near Matt ?
I really like this one, and there is a bit of a Country vibe to it, though more in the vocal and lyric than the music .I've always though the song was saying we are all brothers (and sisters) and everyone one is welcome BUT we have to respect differences and not try to impose our beliefs on others - that leads to problems, hence the religious undertones.
Oh yes, I could see that for sure.
Ok this song was inspired by a book about an extremist jihadist who had turned away from his extreme beliefs. It was an autobiography if I remember correctly, you’re welcome in my town, but if you try to force my compass round I’m going to stand you down. Pretty much saying you are still my brother but I no longer believe what you believe so don’t try and force me to change my beliefs.
That's exactly how I interpreted it, too, in a vague way, before I knew the inspiration behind it or read Morten's comments about it.
Mark coming in with some great Morten perspective here! Love it, thanks as always, sir.
Always welcome mate 😊
, love again
I am cry :(
Since you started a new album today, I apologise but I will need to write two comments here: one for the album, one for the song. 😁 Lots of quotes and info. 😉 Starting with the album.
As I have mentioned before in one or two comments, when recording Out Of My Hands Morten found a new songwriting partner: Peter Kvint, a Swedish songwriter and producer, who is credited as co-writer in the songs "I'm The One", "Quiet" and "When I Reached The Moon" on OOMH. (The partnership apparently continued after 2014, but the result remains to be seen...)
Morten has often praised this partnership, as apparently they have a great creative connection. All the songs in this album, with the exception of the last one (credited to Ole Sverre Olsen alone, Morten's old writing partner), have music by Morten and Peter Kvint and lyrics by Morten and Ole Sverre Olsen and additional words by Peter Kvint.
Morten told VG (Norwegian newspaper) in 2014: “The process of recording this album is the best I’ve ever experienced… When the material really hits you, when the songs have a distinctive character, that’s when I’m reminded why I got into music in the first place.”
Quoting Barry Page's book: “The recording sessions would see the singer abandon the synth-pop sounds of the previous album, employing a more stripped-back approach. ‘I didn’t like the a-ha machinery on Out Of My Hands,’ he said in an interview with VG. ‘The a-ha back story was still present in my system, but I was impatient and didn’t want to wait before starting again. This is a much more peaceful project, without all that noise. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy with Out Of My Hands and everything that happened afterwards, but now I don’t have those connections anymore. There’s an open sky before me and I feel completely free - this definitely feels like a new start.’
Morten had already put OOMH behind his back while still promoting the final single from that album in 2012, when he confessed to the German magazine Focus: “At the moment, my heart is not in it. Out Of My Hands is like an old wife - I don’t want to meet her, because I’m in love with what’s happening now. This is my dilemma.” 😁
For those of us who were not too happy with the direction taken in OOMH, this was welcome new start.
Oh yes, I like that comparison to an old wife. Makes sense. I am happy to hear that he admitted that. 😁
I have caught a few interviews where he does say something to the fact of how he always leaves the music he just did in the past to concentrate on the now.
Nice to see you handle Morten’s Out of My Hands CD Matt, sent courtesy of Shell, I’m probably one of the few fans who really like it!
Now I’m going to be somewhat controversial and right out tell you all that I’m not really in love with the title track from Brother…maybe it’s got something to do with me hating the promo video which was released with it. Sorry I have to confess that but I’m glad to get it over with. It’s not that I hate the song though, I just can’t say I love it. It’s interesting to hear you debate with yourself the alternative meanings of the lyrics, in my case I have always associated it with immigration and the recent influx of new citizens into most European countries over the past 20 years including Norway. I have drawn my opinion from the lyrics where he sings “you’re welcome in my town, but if you force my compass round, I’m gonna stand you down”. I take this to mean - you are welcome to come here and be treated as my brother, but if you try to change my culture and impose your beliefs on me I will stand against you. Perhaps I’m wrong, but it’s just how I feel about this song, and I believe it would fit with Morten’s way of thinking.
I agree with you regarding the content of the lyrics. At the same time, it is so vague that it can be interpreted differently, but I find so many grounds for this interpretation that I think it is on purpose. The fact that Morten chose to make a cover of Kent's "Kärleken ventar" (Burn money burn), which is also critical of immigration (but then directed at Western authorities) probably says something about his thoughts on the major changes that have taken place in Europe in recent decades.
Unlike you, I think the video for Brother is brilliant, because it shows how many people experience the whole thing, in my interpretation.
Okay…I am intrigued now. What is the Promo for Brother about or where could I find it? Unless you’re talking about the actual video with him in the pond?
I could see what you are saying about those lyrics. I guess I could see it meaning “I’m fine for you to have your religious beliefs and culture, but don’t force them on me as I won’t force mine onto you”. Which is how I am with religion. I don’t care if someone believes in the Flying Spaghetti Monster as long as they don’t try to force me to.
If he means “You have to leave your religion and culture behind and be like me”, then that is a different thing.
I have seen a documentary where he visits a Muslim woman refugee in Sweden. There is this beautiful scene at the end with them walking off into the snow together, talking. I hope that means he is cool with this stuff. 🙏🏼😬
@@ahkkariq7406
What is the interpretation of Morten being up to his head in water in the pond?
The video was distressing to watch, I agree, but at the same time I liked the visuals. I just had to look at it in a detached way, thinking it was all "fiction" and visual effects. Though it seems Morten had to really be there under the snow... 😬 That was the upsetting scene for me, not the rest.
@@SofiaMarques18
So you think Majorie means it’s hard seeing Morten like that?
I can understand that. I can understand you finding it distressing too. I am thinking (hoping) that it wasn’t real snow, but fake snow and props. That it really wasn’t cold. There are some amazing things they can do with props and special effects these days.
Hopefully Matt isn’t reading this and we are messing it up for him.😋
Hey gang ! I had always thought of this song as a kind of 'spirit of man' type sentiment. Countries or peoples that took riches or land from others in the past apologising for their forbears antics. However don't make it an issue to bring them down or 'I'm gonna stand you down'. I'm not explaining it very well but then Matt suggests that it might be about the territories within a-ha ? Actually that makes sense too.... a lot in fact. I'd never thought about it that way.
I came here to listen to music... Now I'm learning things ? Outrageous !!!! I will Unsubscribe !!!! .... and then subscribe again because it's actually kind of cool and fun here. It's the principal of the matter.
Rant over. Great song.
Oooohh…I like this interpretation a lot. Very cool, James.
Yes, who would have thought we would all be learning so much here. Well, I do for sure, I know that. I love it ❤
@@shelld1261 Yeah I think it's like; I can't undo what they did so all I can do is apologise but it's not worth fighting about now so if I'm drinking this humility and you tip the cup 'll choke and then hostilities start again. I offer in good grace, please take it in good grace and we'll both be better for it. I kind of lost the way to say it but that's the bare bones of what it says to me. Does that make sense ?
@@UnhandyCandy280
Yes, totally.💯