It's Oh So Quiet

Björk's 'It's Oh So Quiet' is a song that captures the tumultuous nature of falling in love through a playful and theatrical presentation. The song, originally a cover of the 1951 song 'Und jetzt ist es still,' performed by Horst Winter, was given a new life by Björk in 1995 with her unique vocal style and the incorporation of big band jazz elements. The lyrics describe the stark contrast between the calmness of solitude and the explosive excitement that comes with falling in love.

The song uses onomatopoeic sounds like 'zing,' 'boom,' and 'bam' to illustrate the sudden and overwhelming feelings that accompany love. These sounds punctuate the quiet verses, symbolizing how love can disrupt the tranquility of one's life. The lyrics suggest that love is both exhilarating and chaotic, likening it to a 'big riot' that one cannot control. The repetition of the quiet and loud dynamics throughout the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of falling in love and the subsequent return to calmness once the intensity subsides.

Björk's performance of 'It's Oh So Quiet' is theatrical and expressive, which complements the song's theme of the emotional rollercoaster of love. The music video further accentuates this with its vibrant and whimsical visuals, mirroring the song's mood swings. The song's portrayal of love as both a delightful and disruptive force resonates with listeners who have experienced the highs and lows of a passionate romance.