Meaning of "Tornado" by Jónsi

The lyrics of "Tornado" by Jónsi explore the theme of inner growth and power. The opening lines, "You grow, you roar / Although disguised / I know / You'll / You'll learn to know," suggest that there is something within the speaker that is growing and becoming stronger, yet it remains hidden or disguised. This growth is described metaphorically as a tornado, destructive and powerful. It seems to originate from the inside, symbolizing the untamed and raw emotions or experiences that the speaker is going through. The repetition of "You kill everything through / You kill from the inside" implies a sense of destruction that accompanies this growth, as if it affects everything around the speaker.

In the following lines, the speaker expresses a sense of longing and curiosity about their own existence and freedom. They wonder if they are allowed to see and be themselves fully, stating, "I wonder if I'm allowed ever to see / I wonder if I'm allowed to ever be free." This suggests a potential struggle with societal constraints or personal limitations that prevent them from fully embracing their true self. The repeated phrase "You sound so blue / You now are gloom" could possibly reflect a feeling of melancholy or sadness resulting from this internal conflict.

Overall, the lyrics of "Tornado" convey a complex mixture of strength, destructiveness, and longing. It explores the notion of personal growth and the challenges that come with it, including the need to navigate societal expectations and restrictions on one's true expression.