“Salt the Earth” by White Birches – A Song Feature

 

     Seldom is the plea for a lasting relationship rendered with the kind of darkness that haunts “Salt the Earth.” The soundscape conveys the sense of an apocalyptic world in which steam industry dominates human existence. There are hints of hope, such as the “lighter” instrumentation at the exit from a delicate vocal-heavy segment at the 3:30 mark. But darkness rules the song from White Birches.

 

     The lyrics of “Salt the Earth” are included at the bottom of this post. The protagonist provides the roadmap for entering the relationship, including “Fall for me, let your world be shattered.” And then clearly states that when the dust has settled, “We will salt the earth.” It’s interesting that the closely constructed phrase “salt of the earth” is a compliment to identify a person who is fundamentally honest and reliable, while to “salt the earth” is a practice of conquerors who sow salt over conquered lands to reduce the chances of land rehabilitation. The protagonist in the White Birches’ song is not particularly interested in the future of the land.

 

     “Salt the Earth" is a track from the upcoming third album by White Birches. The album, ”A New Reign,” is scheduled for release on November 21. The years since their previous album have been marked by personal losses, a pandemic, grief, and a fractured world. But it has been a time for reflection and songwriting, resulting in “A New Reign” being a more personal album, yet with the same striking intensity.

 

     White Birches consist of Jenny Gabrielsson Mare, who handles vocals, guitar, and piano, and Fredrik Jonasson, who works with synths, drum machines, and keys. The duo is based in Stockholm, Sweden. While talking about their upcoming album, Jenny shared:

  ”I wanted to challenge myself as both a singer and an artist. Writing about difficult themes means daring to rest in difficult places. But even though the album is dark, there is still room for some form of solace.”

 
     “Salt the Earth” by White Birches

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitebirches
Website: https://www.whitebirches.se/

Lyrics of “Salt the Earth” by White Birches
To tear, to harm, and to wound
To scar, to wreck, and to ruin
 
To burn, to break, and to decay
To wilt, to ache, and to succumb, and to succumb
 
Fall for me, let your heart surrender and just
Fall for me, let your world be shattered, simply
Fall for me, and when the dust has settled
We will salt the earth
[Repeat]
 
To rise, to mend, and to prevail
To heal, rebuild, and to stay, dare to stay
 
I bear these scars, this ruptured heart
A Phoenix trapped, caught in the ashes
The ruins tell the tales of the fallen
The wreckage sounds the fate of lovers
 
Fall for me, let your heart surrender and just
Fall for me, let your world be shattered, simply
Fall for me, and when the dust has settled
We will salt the earth
[Repeat]
 
To rise, to mend, and to prevail
To heal, rebuild, and to stay