Turn Loose the Mermaids

Album: Imaginaerum (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nightwish keyboardist and chief songwriter Tuomas Holopainen told Metal Hammer magazine how witnessing the passing away of his grandfather inspired this ballad. He explained: "One thing that I like to do is pay a little homage to certain things that I really respect – for example, the My Dying Bride album Turn Loose The Swans is one of my all-time favourites, which is why this is called 'Turn Loose The Mermaids'. It's nothing to do with My Dying Bride other than the title, but it was born in the moment when I saw my grandfather die, and my grandmother was giving him the final message. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my life – it was so dark and beautiful at the same time. I had to make a song about it – the last thing she did was check his teeth, warm his toes, and then [say] 'Good journey my love, see you soon'. She was 93 back then, and 15 minutes after, he died. I'd never seen a dead person before, and it was an emotional moment, so I wanted to do a song about it. The album's all about life and the power and beauty of imagination, and I thought that we needed to include the final chapter of life, which is death."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.