A Journey Through Ethereal Finnish Folk Music: A Collection of Love and Sorrow

Introduction to Finnish Folk Music

Finnish folk music is a rich and evocative tradition, chock full of expressive and melancholic songs that narrate stories of love, sorrow, and longing. This music holds a special place in my heart, particularly for its ability to convey deep emotions through simple lyrics and haunting melodies. Today, we embark on a journey through some of the most beautiful and profoundly melancholic Finnish folk songs, including works by Ville Valo and the age-old Kalevala tradition.

Modern Finnish Folk Music

Ville Valo, the lead vocalist of HIM, offers us a modern take on traditional Finnish music with his version of the melancholic love song Kun min koutani lksin / When I left my home. This song tells the story of a young man who, after leaving his home, misses a girl he saw at a feast but could not have. The slave's rose that blossoms on his grave symbolizes his unfulfilled desire.

Timeless Love Songs

Aamulla varhain / Early in the Morning

This melancholy love song speaks of a young girl who has been abandoned for another, leading to her constant sorrow. The verse:

One rose has grown in a valley and it blooms so sweetly,
A wandering boy has seen it and can't get it out of his mind.
He certainly would have picked it up and pressed it to his chest,
But as a poor man he has not dared but has left it in its place.

The imagery of the simple rose symbolizes the beauty and the unattainable nature of the girl's love, reflecting a deep sadness.

Kun mun kultani tulisi / Shall my darling come

In this song, a girl speaks fondly of her beloved, imagining scenarios in which she would kiss and hold him even if his hands were covered in snakes and his mouth with wolf's blood. However, she also acknowledges that his lips are sweet as honey and his hands are as beautiful as gold, indicating a deep and enduring love.

The Timeless Tradition of Kalevala

The ancient Kalevala tradition of rune singing, a thousand-year-old oral tradition, forms another cornerstone of Finnish folk music. This tradition, a part of Finland's cultural identity, is deeply intertwined with the mythology and poetry of Kalevala. Jussi Huovinen, the last known traditional rune singer, transmitted these songs through oral storytelling as passed down from his parents. His passing in 2017 epitomizes the final extinction of an age-old cultural practice.

Conclusion

Finnish folk music, with its melancholic melodies and evocative lyrics, is a treasure trove of emotion and storytelling. Whether through modern renditions like Ville Valo's or through the ancient storytelling of the Kalevala, these songs continue to resonate with listeners for their profound and timeless themes.