We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Ballad of Nikolaus Rungius

from Look Up by Jonathan Rundman

supported by
/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Comes with beautiful gatefold packaging and photography by Finnish designer Jimmy Träskelin at JRobert Design.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Look Up via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      $10 USD or more 

     

about

words and music by Jonathan Rundman

lyrics

cold water runs in the Kemi River
cold wind dances on the waves
carrying the ice from the Arctic Circle to the sea
down in the trees by the Kemi River
walking by the churchyard graves
you may find a holy mystery

hear tell of the preacher at the Keminmaa church
many hundred years ago
these are the mystic words he was known to say:
“if these sermons that I preach to you are the sacred truth
when I die my flesh will not decay”

his name was Nikolaus Rungius and everyone in Keminmaa knew
this man heard the call of the divine
he served his parish thru the Thirty Years War
helped them thru the troubled times
and then he died in 1629

they buried his body in the chancel of the church
like every vicar gone before
they went on with their lives like people do
and many years later when they dug up that box
to move him to the yard outside
they found out that his prophecy came true

well, ashes go to ashes and dust to dust
that’s what all the people like to say
but sometimes you may find yourself surprised
just walk along the river to the Keminmaa church
step up to the coffin made of glass
and look upon him with your own two eyes

credits

from Look Up, released January 13, 2015
Jonathan Rundman: Yamaha PSR-6 keyboard, Hammond B3 organ, vocals
Matt Patrick: Omnichord
Tyler Burkum: electric guitar
Ian Allison: bass
Steve Goold: drums

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Jonathan Rundman Minneapolis, Minnesota

"bright, catchy indie pop" NEW YORK TIMES
“clever, intelligent songwriting” PASTE MAGAZINE
“clever phrasing and fresh rhymes" PERFORMING SONGWRITER
“literate…excellent…a record for anyone who hasn't given up on the idea that good songs, electric/acoustic guitars, and a great drummer are the key to all sorts of epiphanies” CITY PAGES
... more

contact / help

Contact Jonathan Rundman

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Jonathan Rundman, you may also like: