Shirin :: Jens Lekman

This song is by my boyfriend, Jens Lekman. He is the most lovely Swedish man, so romantic, with his little stories. He comes home after working all day, and sets his anecdotes to music so that I can enjoy them more fully. I love him. He is also a good cuddler, so bonus points for him.

Anyway, I don't actually know Jens Lekman, but I feel like I do after listening to his songs. This song is a story about an Iraqi refugee, Shirin, who runs an illegal hair salon out of her apartment in Stockholm. She has a magical touch and knows how to make her clients feel safe and calm (much like my stylist, Matthew...)

Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin
Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin

When Shirin cuts my hair
it’s like a love affair
Let those locks fall to the ground
or let them stay there

I show her my passport
what I look like
But she just smiles and lets me know
it’s gonna be all right

Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin
Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin

When Shirin cuts my hair
her mama's sitting in the rocking chair
She tells me stories from the war
in Iraq cause they were there

Shirin pulls my head to the side
but in the mirror I can see
a tear in her eye

Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin
Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin

Your hands are soft
your hands are soft just like silk
You're a drop of blood
You're a drop of blood in my glass of milk

Your hands are soft
your hands are soft just like silk
You're a drop of blood
You're a drop of blood in my glass of milk

When Shirin does her magic
to my frizzy straws
Immigration and tax represantatives
stumbled upon the lot
But what if it reaches the government
that you have a beauty salon
in your own apartment

I won’t tell anyone!
Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin
I won’t tell anyone!
Shirin Shirin Shirin Shirin
I won’t tell anyone!