This Country Makes It Hard To Fuck Lyrics

Introduction

"This Country Makes It Hard to Fuck (Björk Remix)" is a bold and experimental reimagining of Fever Ray's original track "This Country," featured on the *Plunge Remix* album. Released on September 6, 2019, this remix stands out due to the collaboration between two avant-garde artists, Fever Ray (Karin Dreijer) and Icelandic artist Björk. Known for their experimental approaches to music, this remix combines elements of noise, electronic music, and alternative pop, pushing boundaries both musically and lyrically. The track speaks to frustrations within societal and personal confines, making a provocative statement about intimacy and the oppressive structures that can stifle personal freedom.

Song Info

• Remixer: Björk
• Producers: Karin Dreijer & Peder Mannerfelt
• Release Date: September 6, 2019
• Genre: Experimental, Electronic, Noise
• Album: *Plunge Remix*
• Label: Rabid Records

Exploring the Lyrics of "This Country Makes It Hard to Fuck (Björk Remix)" by Fever Ray & Björk

The lyrics of this track are raw and direct, repeating the phrase "This house makes it hard to fuck" and later expanding to "This country makes it hard to fuck." These lines represent both personal and societal frustrations that create barriers to intimacy and self-expression. The phrase "That's not how to love me" suggests that societal expectations, rules, or constraints prevent genuine connection and affection, whether through literal physical spaces like a house or metaphorical structures like a country. By using repetition and minimalistic lyrics, Fever Ray and Björk amplify the sense of frustration and oppression, highlighting the tension between desire and the obstacles imposed by external forces. The remix retains the subversive and political undertones of the original, with Björk adding her distinctive touch of surrealism and atmospheric production.

Song Theme

The central theme of "This Country Makes It Hard to Fuck" revolves around the oppressive systems—whether societal, political, or personal—that prevent people from experiencing freedom in love, intimacy, and self-expression. Fever Ray’s critique of these restrictions is reflected in the blunt lyrics, which emphasize the difficulty of achieving genuine connection in environments that are stifling or repressive. The repeated references to "this house" and "this country" suggest that both domestic and broader national contexts can inhibit personal freedom. The song also critiques conformity and the expectations placed on individuals by societal structures. By focusing on the word "fuck," the track addresses both physical and emotional intimacy, pointing out how difficult it can be to express or experience these aspects of life when hindered by social norms or rigid environments.

Song Composition Breakdown

Björk’s remix adds a distinct layer of experimental sound to the original track, incorporating her signature use of eclectic electronic textures and atmospheric elements. The remix blends dissonant electronic beats with subtle melodies, creating an eerie yet captivating soundscape that complements the rawness of the lyrics. The production is both minimalist and chaotic at times, reflecting the internal tension of the message. Björk’s remix introduces samples from "Song Of The Alféreces And Dances Of The Chinos," traditional flutes played by mestizo people in Chile, which she had previously used in her DJ sets. This infusion of world music elements into the remix adds another layer of complexity to the song, drawing connections between personal, cultural, and political themes.

Impact and Reception

This collaboration between Fever Ray and Björk was met with enthusiasm from fans of experimental and electronic music. The remix was appreciated for its bold approach to both production and theme, with Björk's involvement bringing a new depth to an already provocative track. The song’s unapologetic lyrics and unconventional sound resonate with listeners who appreciate music that challenges societal norms and expectations, making it a notable track in both artists’ discographies.

Quotes

"I wanted to create something that feels raw and primal, something that speaks to the discomfort we often experience in spaces that are supposed to be intimate."

Karin Dreijer (Fever Ray)

"This remix was about merging different elements, cultures, and sounds to explore the boundaries between freedom and constraint."

Björk