Act I: The Icelost Years _ Scene IV: The Lake South, The River North

This song can essentially be viewed as the equivalent of a murmur's farce, showing the sailor raising his young son in their cabin by The Lake and The River. The boy is growing up shielded both from the evils of the world he left behind and the past that still haunts him. Throughout the story, Rithör Læmbén finds the main character a bit naive and lacks “real world experience”. Probably in direct connection to the way the sailor raises him, maybe protecting him too much in fear of him finding out about his past.

Still, it’s not easy letting go of the past. Having left behind his only source of income, the Sailor is clearly struggling to make ends meet for both himself and his son. “Fell in another hole (For The knife) Loss of control (For The knife).” The repeated imagery of the knife, falling into holes, and bleeding out signifies either a metaphorical struggle that’s bleeding him dry or actual contemplation of suicide. He’s constantly worrying if he is doing the right thing, even if they’re living in poverty. “Would it be so horrible if he put himself out there again for the sake of having a little more money?”. Thoughts are weighing heavily on his mind, and despite the nostalgic and generally warm feeling of the song, the content itself is not all bright and innocent.

Í Æl Ahçarn – Í Dûin Àn

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(translated) The Lake South, The River North

We got away, and survived. Stunned by the shock and fearing what’s behind. Everything you thought you lived and died for; Every reason leading you to here. All the sounds that trickle past your introspective ear; an attempt to discover what’s behind. Branches twisting, reaching for the sky Fell in another hole for the knife. Loss of control for the knife. I'm in another hole for the knife. Bleed myself dry save my life. the River, the Lake. Fell in another hole for the knife. Loss of control for the knife. I'm in another hole for the knife. Bleed myself dry, save my life. Hands conflicted clearly point the way. Stunned by the sight and fearing what it says.

- The Icelost Years (translated by Rithör Læmbén)

Scene IV: The Lake South, The River North