BALANCE – the first single from Eli Utne’s second album, UNCERTAIN SEAS (out April 4th) – is a journey through the phases of a romantic relationship. Beginning with a swirling, euphoric fall into love, then ascending to the heights of blissful, unconditional joy, and, finally, returning to the harsh reality of incongruent paths and painful decisions, BALANCE invites the listener to reflect on how equilibrium (of the lack thereof) ebbs and flows between lovers, partners, and friends. While this song was originally intended as a love letter and celebration of a long, stable, and resilient partnership, it has taken on new meanings: the balance between oneself and the divine mystery that pervades all life, the balance between internal emotions and external senses, the balance between chaotic, fearful uncertainty and orderly, heartfelt understanding.
lyrics
Kurt Vonnegut: When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause for a moment and say, out loud: If this isn’t nice, what is?
Days when I never knew… what I could be for you… Still it felt so right. Told me your heart’s desire: Throw fear into the fire.
Come on light my life Come on love light my life
How did we get here? Oh the path was never clear…
Still you’re by side The balance between me and you
Nowhere to be today, I’m sure there’s more to say…
This love it feels so true
The balance between me and you
credits
released March 15, 2024
Composed by Eli Utne & Steven Dagenais
Performed by Eli Utne, Rico Roger, Derek Sup, Nathan Swedlow, Geoff Saba
Recorded at Itinerant Home Recordings
Oakland, California
Mixed by Geoff Saba at Itinerant Home Recordings
Oakland, California
Mastered by Akiyoshi Ehara
Eli Utne is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Huchiun (Oakland) making music for the heart, from the
heart.
By shining a light on the power and necessity of human connection, and the danger of isolation and escapism, Eli hopes for his music to serve as a tool for our collective healing and liberation.