Peter Hallström: Så kom sången ”Håll mitt hjärta” till

Summary

The video explores the creation of the iconic Swedish song *'Håll mitt hjärta'*, written by Peter Hallström and Lasse Andersson. Peter, originally from a religious background, found freedom in music and songwriting. The song emerged in 1998 during a visit to his parents, with its melody flowing naturally as he played an old piano. Initially recorded in English as *'Same Old Story'*, the Swedish version gained massive success after Björn Skifs wrote the lyrics. The song became a comforting anthem, often played at funerals and weddings, touching lives with its emotional depth and resonance worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Peter Hallström grew up in a Christian free church environment, where his musical talent was nurtured but later felt constricted as he got older.
• 😀 Music became Peter's livelihood after he left his childhood church, performing with other artists in the Melodifestivalen and various other venues.
• 😀 Hallström discovered his songwriting ability and, despite not expecting to write something akin to a psalm, his journey led him to create a song that became iconic.
• 😀 The song 'Håll mitt hjärta' was born unexpectedly during a visit to his parents' house, where Peter sat at an old piano and wrote the song from start to finish.
• 😀 Although the original version of 'Håll mitt hjärta' was in English and titled 'Same Old Story,' it later evolved into the Swedish version with lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus.
• 😀 The song became a massive hit in Sweden, staying on the Svensktoppen chart for over three years, despite early doubts about its commercial potential.
• 😀 'Håll mitt hjärta' was initially seen as a challenging song to place, with concerns that it sounded like a funeral song, but its emotional power helped it endure.
• 😀 Peter sees the song as a form of comfort for people, often being used in both funerals and weddings, and believes it serves as a ‘comfort song’ for many.
• 😀 Writing songs that touch on deep sorrow has been a personal catharsis for Peter Hallström, allowing him to process and release his own emotions.
• 😀 Despite the song's success in Sweden, it has not yet found an international breakthrough, though it has been performed and appreciated in various global contexts, like in Africa and Nashville.
• 😀 Peter reflects on the song’s ability to connect emotionally with audiences worldwide, regardless of cultural differences, and its power to bring people to tears.

Q & A

How did Peter Hallström’s upbringing influence his musical career?

Peter Hallström grew up in a free church environment where his musical talent was nurtured. This environment initially gave him space to develop his musical skills, but as he grew older, the restrictive nature of the community made him feel confined. This led him to break away from the church and pursue music professionally.

What role did music play in Peter Hallström’s life after he left the church?

After leaving the church, music became Peter’s livelihood. He worked as a musician, played in various groups, and even participated in Melodifestivalen. Music was both his career and his personal expression, eventually leading him to discover a talent for songwriting.

What is the story behind the creation of the song 'Håll mitt hjärta'?

The song 'Håll mitt hjärta' came to Peter Hallström unexpectedly in 1998 while visiting his parents. He sat at the piano, which he had played as a child, and the melody came to him in full. It was later developed with his songwriting partner, Lasse Andersson, and initially recorded as 'Same Old Story' in English.

How did Björn Ulvaeus contribute to 'Håll mitt hjärta'?

Björn Ulvaeus, known for his work with ABBA, wrote the Swedish lyrics for 'Håll mitt hjärta.' Peter and his partner, Lasse Andersson, had struggled to write a suitable Swedish version, but when they received Björn's lyrics, they felt it was perfect, and the song gained its final form.

Why did 'Håll mitt hjärta' take time to gain recognition?

Initially, 'Håll mitt hjärta' faced resistance from the music industry. Music publishers were skeptical about its commercial viability, and it was even rejected at first. It took time for the song to find its audience, but once it did, it became a huge success, staying on the Svensktoppen chart for over three years.

What emotional significance does 'Håll mitt hjärta' hold for Peter Hallström?

For Peter, 'Håll mitt hjärta' holds deep emotional significance. He sees it as a way to cope with personal sorrow, turning difficult emotions into a form of catharsis. The song, for him, offers comfort and healing, both for himself and for the people who connect with it.

How has the song 'Håll mitt hjärta' been used in Sweden?

In Sweden, 'Håll mitt hjärta' has become a widely recognized 'comfort song,' frequently played at funerals and weddings. Its emotional depth and soothing melody have made it a staple for people seeking solace in moments of grief or celebration.

Has 'Håll mitt hjärta' had success outside of Sweden?

While 'Håll mitt hjärta' has not achieved the same level of international recognition as it has in Sweden, it has garnered attention from international artists. For example, Josh Groban’s team considered the song, but it ultimately didn’t make it onto his album. Despite this, Peter believes the song’s universal melody could one day find success in other cultures.

Why does Peter Hallström refer to 'Håll mitt hjärta' as his psalm?

Peter calls 'Håll mitt hjärta' his psalm because it has become a deeply personal and spiritual song for him. Though he does not identify as religious, he feels connected to something greater when performing the song, which he views as a form of spiritual expression.

How does Peter feel about performing 'Håll mitt hjärta' at funerals?

Peter sees performing 'Håll mitt hjärta' at funerals as an important and beautiful task. Although some might find it morbid, he views it as a meaningful way to help people cope with grief. He finds fulfillment in being part of such a significant moment in people’s lives.