Capital Letters

This album is the result of ten years living and working as an artist.

It has been a dream of mine to, one day, make an album that pulls out all the stops with the Kantele, and here it is. Echoed in these songs are life and its ending, parenthood, love, faith and hope – above all, hope. As long as I am able to bring hope into this world my work is not in vain.

CAPITAL LETTERS

Mmm
Don’t give up now
You’ve got all you need and you know how
Mmm
Just have a little bit of faith
Faith moves mountains, for the fateful brave
Mmm, the rough winds may come
The clouds of doubt
And the ruthless drums

So, hear me
This is our story
We’ll write it in capital letters
This is our story
No one can live this life any better

Don’t fear the years rolling by
All they do is steal and haunt
And oh, how fast they’ll fly

Mmm, the rough winds may come
The clouds of doubt
And the ruthless drums

So, hear me
This is our story
We’ll write it in capital letters
This is our story
No one can live this life any better

This is our story
We’ll write it in capital letters

And on the edge of the moment
When diamonds are made
We’ll shine like the Northern Stars
And we will find our way

CAPITAL LETTERS

I wrote this song just 2 weeks before the pandemics hit Finland in 2020 with bold lines how this life we have is our story that we can live in capital letters. Suddenly, thanks to the pandemics, everything was changed. It took me a year to come back to the song, so discouraged I was because of the sudden change in the music field caused by the pandemics. When reading the lyrics again I wanted to add some lines about rough winds, clouds of doubt and ruthless drums but of one thing I was certain of: this was still our life that we can write in capital letters!

Heaven is for Me

This heart has carried love before
And weathered storms when the thunders roar
And when life was scattered on the floor
This heart has kept the faith

And when I’m weary and low
I come to the River and this I know
Heaven is there for me

This heart has laughed, this heart has cried
And it has faced the faceless nights
But not alone, you by my side
This heart has played the game

I stand at the banks
Yet I can’t see
But I will one day
Yes I believe
Here we grieve
But there we are free

I stand at the banks
Yet I can’t see
But I will one day
Yes I believe
You call me by my name
And I believe

Heaven is for Me

My sister-in-law lost her son on the first summer of the pandemics. He was 26 years old. Devastated by what has happened, one afternoon in the Fall at our kitchen table, I wrote about a heart that has loved and weathered storms before. And when weary of life and standing on the banks of the River, knowing that the one you love the most is on the other side, you know that the day will come when you see each other again.

Work It

Put your boots on, sister, you can do this thing
You’re the right kinda girl

We won’t wait and see what the future might bring
Brother, we’ll just change the world

Imma do this thing and Imma do it right
Watch it ‘cos we’ll light the night

Cause baby you have got to work it
You got hips so you can move
Cause baby you have got to work it
You got hips so you can move
Now add some faith (just a little bit of faith)
That’s the way we groove

Ha ha
Ha ha
Ha ha hahaha

We’re the kind of people who want more from life
And we ain’t scared o’ nothin
We’re makin’ lemonade from lemons (and it tastes so good)
Or any fruit life will bring
I’m doing this my style and Imma do it right
Baby, we aim high

That’s the way we groove, baby
That’s the way we move, baby
Ladies and gentlemen, this what we’re gonna do

Baby you have got to work it
You got hips so you can move
Cause baby you have got to work it
You got hips so you can move
Now add some faith (just a little bit of faith)
That’s the way we groove

Work It

This song was born around the same time as the title track of this album, Capital Letters. I wanted to create something bold, something rebellious and something rustic. And to tell how one can do amazing things with just a little bit of faith.
With this song I’d like to encourage you to live your life and take the first step. Take the second step. Take a third one! I know, it takes a lot of courage sometimes to start living the life you’re really passionate about, to pursue your dreams. If no one has ever said this to you before hear it now from me: I believe in you.

Cadence

(Instrumental)

Cadence

This is a short but meaningful intro to the next song. I wanted to create a bit of a drama and Cadence was originally planned to be part of Pouring Down. In the studio though, the idea of a kantele solo on the album started to feel real good and Cadence was born.

Pouring Down

My mama, she’s a lady and she used to say
If you don’t know the way
Then listen to what your heart has to say
And at the crossroads if you’re stuck at one today
Just be brave
Count on me, I’ll say a prayer

If you don’t sing, the world will miss your voice
If you don’t sing, there’s no one else to fill that void

Cause when it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
It’s not always gonna be that way

When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Like in September)
When it’s pouring down
He will make the way

Now, baby, I’ve tried my best to speak boldly to you
Right through you
Baby, this is your debut
You know, it’s just one shot we’ve got, the beauty of the game
Now, light up the flame
And with that fire write your name

If you don’t sing, the world will miss your voice
If you don’t sing, there’s no one else to fill that void

Cause when it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
It’s not always gonna be that way

When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Like in September)

And I’m gonna keep my dreams
No matter how it seems
Cause the world can be such a lonely place
But with His grace and courage
You’ve got all it takes

Cause when it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
It’s not always gonna be that way

When it’s pouring down
(Remember)
When it’s pouring down
(Like in September)
When it’s pouring down
He will make the way

When it’s pouring down

Pouring Down

Life didn’t seem to bright on the first summer of the pandemics. It didn’t rain it poured. So I wrote this song to remember that when it pours it won’t be like that always and no matter what, He will make a way.

Dear God

Dear God, I’m writing to you, but I don’t know what to say
I been trying so hard to find the way
They’ll point the finger, but I know you’re not that type
When I don’t get it right

Dear God, too much is too much and I don’t understand
All those claims and those demands
Some say there’s always a rainbow and a bright warm sun
How do I know when I see none

Dear God, why do my good deeds always seem to fly away?
I’m left with shame
Dear God, I’m standing here alone
No one to blame
I’m sorry for all I’ve done and all the pain

So take me to the River
Take me to the River
Where all is forgiven

Dear God, how to put it into words what I’m trying to say
There’s a ransom I feel I should pay
If I had more of you in my heart and less of me
Just imagine me, where I could be

Dear God, why do my good deeds always seem to fly away?
I’m left with shame
Dear God, I’m standing here alone
No one to blame
I’m sorry for all I’ve done and all the pain

So take me to the River
Take me to the River
Where all is forgiven

Dear God

I came across my old text on the second Spring of the Pandemics. I immediately liked what I had written over 10 years ago: the openness, the vulnerability and not meeting one’s standards. It only took me a half an hour to compose it and the song was ready. In this song I sing about my failures, letting other people down and feeling ashamed when I just can’t be the person I’d long to be. The only lyrics I added to this old text of mine was “take me to the River where all is forgiven”. Knowing that I’m forgiven is for me perhaps the most powerful line in the entire song.

He is Here

When you’ve sung your last song
You’re worn out ‘n done
You’ve poured out your heart, can’t carry on
Come

Cast your worries and your fears
Let go of the pain and all your tears
All your deeds and wasted years
He is here

You bring life where all seems dead
You’re the light that shines
You give us our daily bread
You say: “You’re mine”

Cast your worries and your fears
Let go of the pain and all your tears
All your deeds and wasted years
He is here

When I sleep, whom shall I fear
And when the dark days come
I won’t tremble, for you are near
Almighty and the Son

Cast your worries and your fears
Let go of the pain and all your tears
All your deeds and wasted years
He is here

Heaven is for Me

After the first year of the global pandemic I felt exhausted. The majority of the shows had been postponed or cancelled, I had more time in my hands I could handle and too much time to reflect on my life. I felt like a failure. One morning I sat by my piano. Somewhere inside of me came the first lines of this song that told to cast all worries and fears for He would provide and bring life to even there when all seemed dead. I was in tears and felt so much comfort I hadn’t in so many months. I didn’t intend to write a song this much towards my Christian faith but ever since the first lines came into my mind I just felt like writing a song about that Someone who is stronger than the death, who provides and has our lives in the palm of His hand.
I actually didn’t intend to have this song on the album either. When I first had my producer to listen to the song I thought he might say that let’s just forget about it. After all, the song didn’t follow the formula of a regular pop song as the time signature is quite weird and changes a lot in the song. Nonetheless, we reproduced the song and both loved what the song sounded like. The song felt like coming home and ever since has been my most favorite track on the album.

Tears aren’t for you

I’m alright
I tell myself when I wake up at night
The Lord’s near to those with broken hearts
And I’d rather have grace
Running through my veins
Than this bitterness tearing me apart

I don’t wanna stay awake at night
I don’t wanna hear, again, those lies

So go on now, go
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you

This morning made me feel brand new
I felt that sun on my skin again
So many years
Way too many tears
I’m giving up that hatred and the pain

So go on now, go
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you

Go on now, go
These tears they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for

You nearly took my everything
I was so broke and lonely, see that’s the thing
Cause I’m gonna keep my dreams
And you and me, we don’t make ends meet

Go on now, go
These tears they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you
I only blame myself because I loved you too

Go on now, go
These tears they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for you
These tears, they aren’t for

Tears aren’t for you

I’ve gone through some hard times some years ago. It included feeling all alone and abandoned and trapped in fear. A person close to me was going through a divorce during the time writing this song and I found myself writing about comparing the years living in fear and then getting rid of that fear to ending a relationship. During the years being so afraid of what people would think and say about me I had also grown very bitter towards life and God. To get rid of that bitterness was a huge struggle but never again would I want that bitterness poison me from the inside. I’d definitely, like I say in the song, have grace running through my veins than have bitterness in my heart ever again. In this song I pictured the singer saying to their former partner (who had indeed treated them poorly) that despite I’m still crying as I speak, these tears aren’t for you. You are not worthy of one single tear of mine any more.

Sunshine

I can row through the starless nights
I can light up the city lights
Baby, mmm-mmmm

I can ride on a thunder storm
I’m fearless when the oceans roar
Baby, mmm-mmmm

But I’m shipwrecked every time if I don’t have you

Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
When I dream I dream about you
Baby be mine

I can calm the unsettled seas
But without you baby I’m on my knees, ooh

No sorrow too wide my heart can’t bear
You can count on me I will be there, ooh

My soul can’t find its way home baby if I don’t have you

Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine

The world rages, unsettled
But for me it’s changed for good
Like opening my eye for the first time
Is when I saw you

Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
Baby you’re my sunshine
When I dream I dream about you
Baby be mine

Sunshine

This song is for our daughter Charlotte. She is a sunshine and I don’t know how I could live my life without her. When our daughter Elle was born I wrote a song for her and I felt I should do the same for Charlotte. We were also missing a song when we were finishing with the recordings. My producer told me we could really do with a uptempo song and that would be a good fit to the album as well. The only thing was that I had no uptempo songs ready, it was Wednesday and the final day of the recording was Friday on that very same week. I told my producer not too worry and that I would be able to compose a song in a day. After a full day in the studio on that Wednesday afternoon I hopped into my car and on my way to pick up my husband from another close-by town I had sketched the first verse of the song. When we were driving home together I sketched the B part and wrote nearly all the lyrics. At home, after playing with the kids first, I sat by my kantele / instrument, put all the pieces together and around 9:30 PM the song was ready and recorded on my phone. The next morning I drove to the studio, played the song to my producer. He burst into laughter and said we could work with it. He had had his doubts, needless to say.

10.

In the Kingdom

I see the sunrise
It’s been a long, cold night
No stars no skies
But here we are

I see the sunrise
We’re still the same humankind
Breathing in the same rhyme
Here we are

Let the beacons of hope shine bright, shine bright
Let the fire in our hearts ignite, ignite
No black man, no white
Cause we all unite
In the Kingdom

Now in the sunrise
Freedom lights up the sky
The turning of the tide
And here we are

Let the beacons of hope shine bright, shine bright
Let the fire in our hearts ignite, ignite
No black man, no white
Cause we all unite
In the Kingdom

I won’t say we’ll change the world cos we already have
I won’t say we’ll change the world cos we already have
Cos we already have

For the love is a raging fire, raging fire

Let the beacons of hope shine bright, shine bright
Let the fire in our hearts ignite, ignite
No black man, no white
Cause we all unite

Let the beacons of hope shine bright, shine bright
Let the fire in our hearts ignite, ignite
No black man, no white
Cause we all unite
In the Kingdom
In the Kingdom
In the Kingdom
No black man, no white
Cause we all unite

In the Kingdom

We visited Berlin in 2019 with our little family. It was the eve of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I had been reading about the historical events leading to the fall but being there made it all come to life.
I wrote the verses on the last night in Berlin before heading back home to Finland. The chorus part was born at home in Finland couple of years later. Now, more than ever I think we need the unity in the world. We need the beacons of hope, bringing salvation and peace to the nations.

11.

When I was 10

When I was 10
We’d dream about boys and summer
The nights were merry and days would never end

When i was 10
We painted with all the colors
The world was wild and free

And it seemed that summer would last forever
We’d always be together, you and I
And it seems I never learnt to fly
And time flashes by, it flashes by

And I was older
Life changed its colors
It was more black and grey and less brighter days
The world was colder
Where are the colors
Of days so wild and free

And it seemed that summer would last forever
We’d always be together, you and I
And it seems I never learnt to fly
And time flashes by, it flashes by

And I keep rolling down these dusty roads
They don’t lead back home

And I still cannot fly

And it seemed that summer would last forever
We’d always be together, you and I
And it seems I never learnt to fly
And time flashes by, it flashes by

And I keep rolling down these dusty roads
They don’t lead back home

When I was 10

When growing up my best friend and I would do almost everything together. We became friends in elementary school and it really felt so comfortable to have a really good friend. I still remember that one summer when she no longer wanted to be my best friend. We were finished with the elementary school and junior high was just about to begin. I felt so lost. I had never thought there would be a time I wouldn’t have my best friend by my side and now I was facing my worst fear – to be left alone. And alone I felt for the next three years in the junior high. In this song I travel back to the happy days of summer when we were still best friends but how things in life rarely stay the same. I felt a bit nostalgic writing this but also saddened by the events as I carried the wounds of what had happened far into my adult life.

10.

Viimeinen ilta

Niin hiljaista on
Minä kuuntelen kuisketta kaislikon
Sammuu pian valo auringon
Niin kaunis on viimeinen ilta

Se, mikä takana on, se taakse jää
Siintää edessä uusi määränpää
Vaikka vielä en nää
Sinne toivon siivin yltää
Verkalleen
Aika kulkee taivasta koskettaen
Ja kuitenkin salaa kiiruhtaen
Mutta kaunis on viimeinen ilta

Se, mikä takana on, se taakse jää
Siintää edessä uusi määränpää
Vaikka vielä en nää
Sinne toivon siivin yltää

Ja kun levolle käyn, ole suojani
Että herätä voisin mä luonasi
Kun ne ankarat yöt rohkeuden syö
Ja poskelle lyö

Sua kaipaamaan
Me jäimme eikä oo mikään ennallaan
Mutta silti on suurinta rakastaa
Kun kaunis on viimeinen ilta

Viimeinen ilta

This is a farewell song and it felt only accurate to write this in Finnish. That night we were in our summer house in the archipelago. The only child of my sister-in-law had just died earlier that day. Our kids had fallen asleep just a moment a go and I was sitting in the darkening room and watching the see. I had been writing a poem about the archipelago some months before and now, after the phone call that changed our lives permanently, I felt like writing a song about the grief and sorrow I felt inside of me. It was so quiet inside and outside the house, such a peaceful night it was – the last night for the deceased. I wanted to write a song for him and his mom. To remember him. To say that we really miss him. To say that it hurts now when he’s gone. It hurts when you had loved someone who was now gone but still loving someone is the greatest thing. And how beautiful the one last night was indeed.

Capital Letters

Capital Letters

CAPITAL LETTERS

Heaven is for Me

Work It

Cadence

Pouring Down

Dear God

He is Here

Tears aren’t for you

Sunshine

In the Kingdom

When I was 10

Viimeinen ilta

Spotify

Youtube

CAPITAL LETTERS

Heaven is for Me

Work It

Cadence

Pouring Down

Dear God

He is Here

Tears aren’t for you

Sunshine

In the Kingdom

When I was 10

Viimeinen ilta