Peter Bjorn and John, the Swedish trio, might have called it quits if it weren’t for “Young Folks.” This now-iconic whistling tune, a staple of indie playlists and film soundtracks, was the unexpected hit that propelled them to global recognition. Björn Yttling, the band’s bassist and producer, recalls those early days of struggling in Stockholm, playing small gigs and wondering if they should continue. Little did they know, a song initially conceived as a jazz piece would change everything.
From Jazz Experiment to Whistling Pop Sensation
Yttling explains the genesis of “Young Folks,” revealing its surprising origins. “I had the idea for the tune on the piano and at first thought it was going to be a jazz song,” he says, drawing a comparison to Duke Ellington. However, when he transitioned to guitar, a pop sensibility emerged. The whistling melody, now synonymous with the song, was initially just a placeholder. “I whistled a placeholder for the melody just so we could remember it, intending to replace it with an instrument later, maybe an organ or something.” Experimentation with a tape delay machine unexpectedly cemented the whistle as the song’s defining feature. “Then it was like: ‘Oh, it sounds good, let’s keep it.'”
The idea of a duet further shaped “Young Folks.” Inspired by collaborations like David Bowie and Bing Crosby, and the Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York,” the band envisioned a conversational, cinematic quality. This led to the lyrical perspective and the search for a complementary voice to Peter Morén’s. Victoria Bergsman from The Concretes was chosen, and her “almost childlike voice combined with Peter’s more Beatles-type voice creates a lot of the magic of the song.” The recording session itself was remarkably casual, taking place on a hot summer evening in Yttling’s apartment studio, equipped with modest gear.
Despite its catchy appeal, initial reception in Sweden was lukewarm. Swedish labels passed on “Young Folks,” but Wichita Recordings in the UK recognized its potential, launching it in the UK and Europe. Its success grew organically, even charting in the US as an import. The band was unprepared for the song’s massive impact. “Going platinum in multiple countries and fucking our shit up for a decade – that was not on our radar,” Yttling admits. While they haven’t become wealthy from “Young Folks,” its influence is undeniable. Beyond propelling Peter Bjorn and John’s career, it boosted Yttling’s production work and earned them a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of best songs of the 21st century.
More Than Just Young: Relatable Burnout and Unexpected Success
Peter Morén, the vocalist and guitarist, offers insight into the song’s lyrical themes and its unexpected resonance. Despite the title “Young Folks,” he points out the band members were “hitting 30 or 31 rather than 18 or 19” when they wrote it. The song taps into a feeling of relational weariness and the tentative hope of new connections. “The song is about people feeling a bit burned out on relationships, and then you meet someone new in a bar, say, and think, ‘Maybe this could be something.'”
The whistling, performed by Björn on the recording but by Peter live, became a signature element, though not without its challenges. Morén jokes about early performances: “Especially if I had a slight cold or a hangover, which happened at a lot of those gigs in the early days. People were like, ‘This band sucks – they can’t whistle.'” The song’s distinctive sound, blending indie sensibilities with a catchy melody, resonated in the mid-2000s, a period when hip-hop artists began embracing indie music. Kanye West even sampled “Young Folks,” further highlighting its cross-genre appeal.
Morén reflects on his complex relationship with their biggest hit. “I sort of hated Young Folks briefly,” he confesses, but time has given him perspective. He now appreciates its enduring quality and the opportunities it has created. “We can still continue to make a living out of music because of that song.” He humorously concludes by referencing his pre-fame aspirations: “In the early years of the band, I was studying to become a librarian. I still haven’t had to become a librarian, so that’s a good thing.” “Young Folks” remains a testament to Peter Bjorn and John’s accidental journey to indie stardom, a whistling anthem born from experimentation and resonating with audiences worldwide.
