björk : atopos

 

"Are these not just excuses to not connect?

Our differences are irrelevant

To only name the flaws

Are excuses to not connect"

“Atopos” is the lead single from Björk’s 10th album Fossora. 

The title comes from the Greek word “ἄτοπος” meaning “unusual” or “out of place”, relating to the song’s themes of disconnection and the angular beats and bass clarinets forming a sonic labyrinth throughout. 

The name also coincidentally belongs to a genus of carnivorous, air-breathing land slugs. Inspired by Roland Barthes' book A Lover’s Discourse, “Atopos” is a love song where Björk asks herself various questions about the relationship with her partner in order to show empathy and resolve mutual problems.

 In a brief description of the lyrics in an interview with The Guardian, she said: "Sometimes, when I really love someone, I will have an interrogation lyric and it’s disguised as my doubts, because I want to be nice – but it’s actually their doubts."

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'Atopos' - Lyrics

[Chorus]

Are these not just excuses to not connect?

Our differences are irrelevant

To only name the flaws

Are excuses to not connect

[Verse 1]

I bow to all that you've given me

Thank you for staying while we learn

To find our resonance where we do connect

To find our resonance where we do connect

[Verse 2]

If we don't grow outwards towards love

We'll implode inwards towards destruction

If my plant doesn't reach towards you

There's internal erosion towards all

Pursuing the light too hard is a form of hiding

[Chorus]

Are these not just excuses to not connect?

Our differences are irrelevant

To insist on absolute justice at all times

It blocks connection

[Outro]

Our union is stronger, our union is stronger than us

Hope is a muscle

That allows us to connect

Hope is a muscle

Hope is a muscle

Hope is a muscle

Hope is a muscle

That allows us to connect