Peter Bjorn and John, the Swedish indie pop trio, might be best known for their infectious hit single, “Young Folks.” But the story behind this globally recognized tune, particularly from the perspectives of Peter Morén and Björn Yttling, reveals a journey of unexpected success and lasting impact. This isn’t just a tale of a catchy whistle; it’s a glimpse into the evolution of a band and the song that changed everything.
The Serendipitous Creation of “Young Folks” by Björn Yttling
Björn Yttling, the bassist and producer of Peter Bjorn and John, recalls the genesis of “Young Folks” as almost accidental. Initially conceived on piano, the melody hinted at jazz influences, reminiscent of Duke Ellington. However, when translated to guitar, it took on a distinct pop sensibility. The now-iconic whistle was initially just a placeholder melody, hummed by Björn as a memory aid during the songwriting process. The intention was to replace it with a more conventional instrument, perhaps an organ. Experimentation with a tape delay machine, a happy accident born out of budget constraints, transformed the simple whistle into the song’s signature hook. Recorded in Björn’s apartment studio, equipped with modest gear including a Craigslist drum kit, the raw, lo-fi production became part of the song’s unique charm.
Watch the video for Peter, Björn and John’s Young Folks
The idea of a duet emerged organically, inspired by the conversational and cinematic quality of collaborations like David Bowie and Bing Crosby’s “Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy” and The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York.” This vision led to the lyrical shift towards a dialogue, prompting the search for a complementary voice to Peter Morén’s. Victoria Bergsman from The Concretes was chosen, and her childlike vocal quality, juxtaposed with Peter’s Beatles-esque tone, added an undeniable magic to the track. The recording session with Victoria, in Björn’s apartment on a hot Midsummer’s Eve, was swift, completed in about an hour, further adding to the song’s unassuming origin story.
Peter Morén on the Song’s Meaning, Performance, and Enduring Legacy
Peter Morén, the vocalist and guitarist, offers a different perspective, delving into the lyrical themes and the song’s unexpected journey. Despite the title “Young Folks,” Peter points out the band members were closer to 30 than 19 when they wrote it, reflecting a feeling of relationship burnout and the tentative hope of new connections. The song captures a bittersweet sentiment, a “happy-sad” feeling that resonated with listeners.
While Björn created the original whistle, Peter took on the responsibility of performing it live. Initially a struggle, especially with early tour hangovers, Peter eventually mastered the technique, even overcoming the challenge of the recording’s pitched-up whistle. He humorously recalls Kanye West sampling “Young Folks” and a live performance where his whistling faltered, leading to Kanye jokingly calling him out on stage. Peter acknowledges the song’s unique place in mid-2000s music, bridging indie and hip-hop sensibilities, and its precursory role in the evolving musical landscape.
Despite a brief period of “hating” the song, Peter now appreciates “Young Folks” as an “evergreen thing,” grateful for its role in sustaining their musical careers and allowing him to avoid a librarian career path he once considered. The song’s unexpected global reach, platinum certifications, and even recognition on Rolling Stone’s list of best songs of the century alongside Beyoncé, underscore its enduring appeal and the profound impact it had on Peter Bjorn and John’s journey. “Young Folks” became more than just a song; it became a career-defining moment for Peter and Björn, and the band as a whole.
