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TriumphOfAHeart
Björk
Writer(s) Björk
Producer(s) Björk
Length 4:04

M-Logo singles chronology

Singles "Who Is It (C. M. J. O. T. L., C. M. P. O. T. R.)"
"Triumph of a Heart"
Promotional single(s) "Oceania"

Medúlla track listing

"Triumph of a Heart" is a song by Björk from her sixth studio album, Medúlla. It was released as the second and final single from the album, and also serves as the closing track.

Background[]

In a interview with XFM in 2004, Björk said:[1]

This lyric is probably about just celebrating the body; cells doing rollercoaster rides up and down your body, in the blood and the lungs. Just singing.

With Interview magazine, whilst asked about the song's lyrics, she stated:[2]

I was really happy to hear the word “kidney” on “Triumph of a Heart” [Björk laughs], and all of these great body parts like the teeth. I loved the choice of words-just very abstract. I always think I’m saying something really upfront and direct. I guess through the years, I’ve probably done a lot of alternative medicine like acupuncture. I’m probably interested in the Chinese things overall. But that song is actually about that because — I don’t know if you understand this — but I have a tendency to finish my kidney energy. It’s my weakness. And if you kick your heels into the earth, you send back the kidney energy. So I was trying to have one verse about that, and one verse about oxygen, and one verse about the nerves.

Music video[]

Björk_-_triumph_of_a_heart

Björk - triumph of a heart

Directed by Spike Jonze, the music video was filmed in August 2004 in Reykjavík, Iceland.

In the video, Björk tired of her husband, played by a housecat, storms out of the house for a night out on the town. She goes to a pub where she drinks and hangs out with some friends. Then, she goes to the restrooms and the song stops, and the locals, including Dokaka, start beatboxing and making noises. When Björk is back, she joins the crew for a special performance of the song recorded for the video with samples from the "Audition Mix" of the song.

Lyrics[]

The nerves are sending shimmering signals
All through my fingers
The veins support
Blood that gushes impulsively towards

Is the triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all

The stubborn trunks of these legs of mine
Serve as pathways for my favourite fuel
Heading upwards towards my kidneys
(That celebrate)

The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all

Smooth soft red velvety lungs
Are pushing a network of oxygen joyfully
Through a nose, through a mouth
But all enjoys, all enjoys

The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all
The triumph of a heart
That gives all, that gives all

Credits[]

  • Performed by Björk
  • Human trombone: Gregory Purnhagen
  • Beats: Rahzel, Dokaka
  • Programming: Valgeir Sigurdsson, Mark Bell, Björk

References[]

  1. XFM, 25 August 2004.
  2. Interview Magazine – 01.11.2004
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