The Tiny Heart

Caution. This entry opens with straight up musings but descends into gushing weepery. You have been warned.

I get 3 TV channels at home. All are free, state-funded Swedish entities and they’re not bad. Fortunately, unlike their German neighbors, Sweden never dubs. I get to see all the English programming (and there is plenty, from Oprah to feature films) with Swedish subtitles. I’ve actually learned a lot of Swedish this way. I’m not a big TV chump, but I do turn it on from time to time to see if one of these American imports is on.

Last week I caught Up North, MTV’s Scandinavian showcase of chart-topping music videos. Among the usual alt-rock and neo-soul rubbish was a video for “Closer”, by The Tiny. I only got 30 seconds, but I could tell it was something important. A voice akin to Stina Nordenstam, one of my svensk favorites, sangwhispered with deep feeling over the spare backing of cello and piano. The imagery was equally subtle and strong.

I forgot about The Tiny until today when my dear ex-Stockholmer Mya pointed me to their site. There you can see the video. It’s not a revolutionary work, but no piece of art or writing more accurately encapsulates my emotions of last month. This is what it’s like to lose your heart. Finding love is fast. Losing moves in slow motion. The world stops, loses importance. I recount every event in detail. Past mistakes are pronounced. Regret pulses. After rehearsing everything until I’m out of energy and breath, I sit silent on empty curb under dark sky. All that remains is a whisper and some notes, both sweet and sour.

Thank you, Deanne. Your letter was a catalyst.

Comments

[J. Scrivner]

You may not be able to read, but you can write pretty well.

[j. Scrivner]

Good video.

[anna]

YOU get Oprah?? I was never a big fan of hers but right about now I could use some talk-shows. Maybe i should move to sweden all i get in english here are The Simpsons & music videos :(

[Steupf]

J - Thank you.

A - That doesn't sound so bad. But I'm not going to argue with you. Come on over!