Bernhoft's first studio album as a solo artist, Ceramik City Chronicles, was released in 2008. It was a critical and commercial success, reaching the #4 on the Norwegian album charts. In 2010, he released 1: Man 2: Band, a double live album featuring a solo set and sets from two different performances with a backing band.
In 2011, he released the album Solidarity Breaks under the artist name Bernhoft, which is the moniker he will be using for the foreseeable future.
Streetlights
Jarle Bernhoft Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
call for the blinders
glaring the dark sides of
the rule of supply and demand
I'll never be street wise
but signs of the times I know
will reveal themselves in beastly shapes
shoved inside a container when fifteen
recycled by the members of the crew
she ends up on the streets of downtown oslo
and defiant and proud she stands her ground at night
and I don't know how she feels but I know it ain't right
Chorus
swinging hips and smiles from ivory teeth
there is a darker story underneath
and you say, "she sure enough makes this part of town look good now"
is it professional face that appeals the most to you
and now swallow hard, play the game, get through the night,
get on
and I don't know how she feels but I know it ain't right
In "Streetlights", Jarle Bernhoft describes the challenges of living in a society where the rule of supply and demand dominates. The treacherous streetlights call for the blinders because they reveal the dark sides of this harsh reality. Although he may not be "street wise", he is aware of the signs of the times which will reveal themselves in "beastly shapes". He then tells the story of a girl who was shipped off to Seville when she was fifteen and ended up on the streets of downtown Oslo. Despite the difficulties she faces, she remains defiant and proud.
The lyrics suggest that there is a darker story underneath the surface of the vibrant city. The singer questions the motivations of those who are drawn to the darker side of the city, and question if they are only drawn to the professional facade rather than the person themselves. He encourages himself to swallow hard and get through the night, despite not knowing how the girl he describes in the story is feeling.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on the complexities of living in a society where supply and demand rules all, and the people who are forced to navigate it.
Line by Line Meaning
The treacherous streetlights
The streetlights that illuminate the city at night can be deceiving
Call for the blinders
People turn a blind eye to the negative aspects of society that are illuminated by the streetlights
Glaring the dark sides of
The streetlights expose the harsh reality of life, revealing the negative aspects of existence
The rule of supply and demand
A reality in which humanity lives in a society where individuals need to compete and sell themselves to be successful
I'll never be street wise
I will never fully understand or be able to navigate the harsh realities of urban life
But signs of the times I know
I am aware of the changes in society and can recognize patterns that emerge
Will reveal themselves in beastly shapes
Society is capable of taking on cruel and dehumanizing forms
Shoved inside a container when fifteen
A story of a young girl who was forced to leave home and travel in a shipping container at a young age
Shipped on board a boat bound for Seville
She ended up traveling on a boat towards Seville due to circumstances outside of her control
Recycled by the members of the crew
The young girl was used by the members of the crew and was forced to endure terrible conditions on the journey
She ends up on the streets of downtown oslo
The young girl ended up homeless in the city of Oslo, struggling to survive
And defiant and proud she stands her ground at night
Despite the hardships she faces, she remains proud and strong
And I don't know how she feels but I know it ain't right
The singer acknowledges that he can never fully understand what the young girl is going through, but he knows that it is unjust and unfair
Swinging hips and smiles from ivory teeth
The young girl uses her body and beauty to survive in a cruel world
There is a darker story underneath
There is a tragic backstory to the young girl's journey and current situation
And you say, "she sure enough makes this part of town look good now"
Others may see the young girl's beauty and be blinded to the underlying struggles she faces
Is it professional face that appeals most to you
People are drawn to outward appearances, ignoring the pain and suffering that may be hidden just below the surface
And now swallow hard, play the game, get through the night, get on
In order to survive, people are forced to hide their true selves and play along with societal norms
And I don't know how she feels but I know it ain't right
The singer acknowledges that he can never fully understand what the young girl is going through, but he knows that it is unjust and unfair
Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sonjaelisabethsjdinborchgr8128
He is my relative and I am real proud of this guy!!!!!!Magnificante performance as allways!.................................................
@lindabuck2777
Sonja Elisabeth Sjødin Borchgrevink January 2020 just found him and loving all his extraordinary talent! I would be so proud too and brag omg I’d brag, never before as I don’t like boasting, but in this case ITS TRUE!!! You are SO BLESSED. It must run in your family-talent. ❤️
@The_Lone_Outlaw
I don't always listen to good music, but when I do, I listen to Bernhoft. Stay classy my friends.
@SoniaSoul
Hahahaha well said. I feel the same way.
@jusdubzzz
I'm a huge fan. I saw Bernhoft 3 yrs in a row in San Francisco! He's so talented and underrated. This is only 1 of so many musical gems he produces! Hope he comes back to the States soon!
@Geroose
Since one hour i have watched nearly every video of him and have to say.....WHY THE HELL did i not know his name until today!!! soo freaking talented.....norway might not have plenty of outstanding and well known musicians (at least as far i know)...but for shure , with bernhoft they got one of the most talented and best singers of today...
@inesdavis5873
I've been following Bernhoft for around 15 years now and I am still amazed every time I watch and listen to him. Talent, talent, talent! Thank you Bernhoft!
@stigamus
Fantastic song..... Fantastic voice..... Fantastic talent..... the legend that is Jarle Bernhoft!!! Span never reached the dizzy heights their music deserved. Lets just hope Jarle can do it on his own! This voice needs to be heard alot more around the world!!!
@jameszond8805
if it wasn't for corporate america controlling the radio waves of garbage that we have to listen to everyday then we would truly hear great talent like Bernhoft on are radio waves. the radio stations that we listen in are cities is nothing but repetitive Garbage played over and over and over again until even the garbage sounds good, thats why I love youtube, you can find all types of great talent on this website
@Matchestoashes
JAMES ZOND This guy totally copied D'Angelo...